Darnell Arceneaux played the role of Amonasro, King Of Nubia, in last night's Mililani High School production of the play, Aida.

Today, Arceneaux begins his new role as ruler of Saint Louis football.

Arceneaux, a former Saint Louis standout quarterback and head coach in 2003, was hired yesterday to take over the football program at his alma mater.

Arceneaux was head coach at Mililani the past three seasons.

"At Mililani, I've talked to our players about opportunities, and how you've got to seize them when they happen," Arceneaux said. "This is a big opportunity for me, and after talking it over with my family, it's something we feel may never come around again."

Arceneaux replaces another former Crusaders standout quarterback, John Hao, whose contract was not renewed after two seasons.

Sam Papalii, a former longtime college assistant and Kealakehe head coach from 2001 through 2005, was offered the job and accepted last Friday morning, but the offer was rescinded later that afternoon.

Arceneaux said he was contacted by Saint Louis on Monday morning, met with Mililani principal John Brummel and athletic director Glenn Nitta on Wednesday, then made his decision to accept Saint Louis' offer yesterday afternoon.

"I felt a loyalty and felt a commitment from the school (Saint Louis)," Arceneaux said. "I wasn't looking to leave Mililani, and the toughest thing was leaving the kids over there. I was torn. But the AD and the principal were so supportive, and that helped me make my decision."

Nitta said defensive coordinator Rod York will be the Trojans' interim head coach under the position is filled permanently.

Arceneaux and Saint Louis athletic director Ed Paola said there is a possibility for Arceneaux to join the school's faculty and staff next year, which also played a key role in his decision. Arceneaux currently teaches special education at Mililani.

"We think Darnell is the right guy to lead this program in the right direction," Paola said.

Read his blog on high school sports at http://preptalk.honadvblogs.com.