Ninth-ranked Farrington speeds past Kaiser, 43-0

Farrington running back Challen Faamatau breaks free for a big gain against Kaiser. Faamatau rushed for 145 yards and two scores in a win over the Cougars. Jim Lebeau | SL

Farrington got a fumble recovery, punt block and kick return, all returned for scores, on defense and special teams, and rode its signature run game to help charge into the OIA Division I quarterfinals with a 43-0 win over Kaiser at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium Friday.

"We know their style of play. They've done it for years and they're good at it. Give those guys credit. They have size, depth and are physical for sure. I think they'll go far," said Kaiser head coach Arnold Martinez.

Senior running back Challen Faamatau ran wild for 145 yards and two touchdowns to pace Farrington offensively, including a highlight reel, zig-zagging 47 yard scamper in which Faamatau raced to paydirt, basically untouched.

"Our lineman did what they had to do, I couldn't have it without them. My brother, my fullback Blessing Umaga, even the receivers slot, the corners think they are running a fly, but they really did a terrific job of blocking," said Faamatau of the score. "I just had to hit the hole, bounce it to the outside, and God took me to the endzone."

The Governors' defense and special teams capitalized on Cougars' miscues, taking a recovered fumble 22 yards for a score and Faasisina Masalosalo recovered a punt blocked by Ayson-Jae Calip for another.

"A lot of teams when it comes to playoffs or big games, they usually win it with special teams," said Faamtau. "So with the fumble recovery that happened because they executed the plays, they wrapped up, they stripped the ball."

Kaiser quarterback Kainoa Torres was sacked eight times and pressured constantly by the Govs' defense, who held the Cougars to -9 yards of total offense, which included a -67 yard total on the ground.

Bishop Rapoza completed four of six pass attempts for 32 yards, one of which resulted in a 24 yard pitch and catch for a touchdown to Kingston Moses-Sanchez at the 5:06 mark of the second quarter.

Farrington capped off its scoring for the evening with Iosefa Ah Ching-Noga's 97 yard kickoff return for touchdown to push the lead to 43-0.

Despite the dominance statistically, the Govs committed over 130 yards in penalties, including three for roughing the passer, lost a fumble just outside their own 20 yard line, and was picked off on their side of the field on another drive to give the Cougars another chance near the red zone.