Scrimmage notes between Farrington and Kamehameha


Farrington quarterback Joziah Anakalea gets set to release a pass attempt against Kamehameha. Greg Yamamoto | SL

KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — The setting sun at Kunuiakea Stadium was the perfect view to complement Thursday night's scrimmage between Farrington and host Kamehameha.

Each team had five offensive series with each series lasting a total of 10 plays. If a team scored or turned the ball over before their 10 plays was up, the drive would restart on the 30-yard line.

The biggest storyline heading into the contest was the Governors' three-man race at signal caller. Joziah Anakalea started the first series and did well despite an early interception. He was able to drive the offense into the red zone near the end of the first series and was able to hook up with TJ Tautolo for a score on the fourth series. Anakalea was also impressive in his ability to progress through his reads, making throws to his third and fourth option on occasion.

Bishop Rapoza lined at quarterback in the second and fifth series and was able to move the ball at times. Out of the three quarterbacks fighting for the starting job, Rapoza seems to be the one with the best arm in terms of accuracy and power. However, he was sacked (play blown dead) at least three times and will need to work on getting the ball out quicker under pressure.

Kaiser transfer Justin Uahinui had a rough time under center during Farrington's third series. The snap was fumbled at least twice and he threw a pick-six to junior Pohai Matsumoto for the Warriors. He did bounce back and threw a long touchdown pass to Kingston Moses-Sanchez on the Governors' penultimate play.

Defensively the Governors will need to tighten up their tackling as the Warriors were able to break free for a couple of long runs. The longest run that Farrington gave up was a quarterback keeper around right end by Fatu Sua-Godinet that went for 50 plus yards.

Kamehameha's biggest weapon offensively by far is wideout Kumoku Noa. The younger brother of two-time All-Hawaii Division I receiver Kanawai Noa scored on Sua-Godinet's first pass of the game, a vertical down the left sideline. He is also physical against opposing corners and should be able to win almost any jump ball situation. 

Outside of Noa, the next threat that the Warriors have in the passing game is Sua-Godinet. The senior utility lined up at slot after the first series and ran a really nice dig route that would have gone for big yardage had he held on to the ball.

One player that really stood out on Kamehameha's defense was defensive tackle Nakoa Pauole. The 6-foot-2 junior consistently got in the back field and was able to track down some stretch plays that the Governors ran. With Alema Kapoi commanding attention at the other tackle spot, Pauole is a sleeper pick that may surprise opposing teams.

Kapoi did not participate due to a dinged up shoulder and may also sit out in Saturday's scrimmage against Mililani as a precaution before the Warriors' season-opener against Waianae next Friday. Farrington running back Challen Faamatau had to come out of the game and had some ice around his rib after the contest. He said after the game that he should be fine and will probably give it a go in the Governor's scrimmage against Punahou Saturday.



Reach Michael Lasquero at [email protected].