Seabury Hall's Dakota Grossman, shown here competing in the 2012 HHSAA Track and Field Championships, completed the three-mile course at Kualoa Ranch with a winning time of 17 minutes and 42.58 seconds. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Farrington running back Sanele Lavatai rushed for 284 yards against Moanalua. Peter Caldwell | SL

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Male Athlete of the Week: Sanele Lavatai, Farrington football

Sanele Lavatai is a quiet kid by nature. Although he doesn't say much, his actions Friday night spoke loudly.

The senior running back had a career night with 32 rushes for 284 yards and two touchdowns - including the game winner - in Farrington's thrilling 41-38 win over Moanalua. It was quite the feat for the first-year ball carrier, especially given the fact that he did not start and did not see his first action until the second quarter.

It was all by design, according to Govs' coach Randall Okimoto, himself a former Farrington and University of Hawaii running back.

"We felt that if he didn't start the game, he wouldn't have to take as many big hits early in the game because he's already had a concussion this year," Okimoto said. "Also, it's so that he can be stronger at the end of the game, which makes our team stronger and our offense more successful. That's partly the thinking behind it."

Lavatai overcame a fumble on his second carry and with his team in a 21-3 hole in the second quarter, he broke a long, 60-yard run for Farrington's first touchdown. He also ripped off long runs of 14, 19, 21 and 23 yards during the game.

"It seemed like he was gaining ground and getting stronger as the game was going on," Okimoto said. "He was hitting the hole just as quick in the fourth quarter as he was in second quarter. it's a good sign for us."

The game itself was a back-and-forth affair with Moanalua scoring 21 straight in the first half to take a 21-10 lead at the intermission. However, Farrington scored 22 straight points off three Tatupu-Leopoldo touchdowns to pull ahead 31-24 lead midway through the third quarter.

Na Menehune tied it up minutes later on a Micah Kaneshiro touchdown pass to Donald Lambert, before Kekoa Sasaoka's 27-yard field goal put the Govs back in front, 34-31. Moanalua took a 38-34 lead with just under seven minutes left in the game on Rodson Kealohi's 3-yard touchdown run - one of just three rushing attempts for the game by the Menes - before Farrington turned to Lavatai one last time.

"We try and wear people down because we have big linemen and that's what happens with our offense and it's been happening for our offense the past few weeks," Okimoto said.

The recipe seemingly worked again. Farrington began the go-ahead drive at its own 20-yard line. Lavatai got the call six times during the drive and picked up 45 yards in the process, capped by his second touchdown on a 7-yard run with three minutes and 23 seconds to play.

"He's getting used to how we've been using him - we try to manage him in that way," said Okimoto, whose team has now won four straight games and is the No. 10 team in the ScoringLive/OC16 Division I Power Rankings. "Sanele's been kind of finding his way back (since the concussion), but he's a great kid, he's very quiet - he doesn't say much at all - he just works hard."

Farrington is tied atop the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red East Conference standings with fifth-ranked Kahuku. The teams meet next Thursday (Oct. 3) in the regular-season finale for both teams at Aloha Stadium. The Govs play last-place Kaimuki this Friday at Roosevelt's Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

Female Athlete of the Week: Dakota Grossman, Seabury Hall cross country

Tucked away in Upcountry Maui is a small, private school home to perhaps, the most decorated long-distance runner in recent Hawaii prep history.

Dakota Grossman has become a name synonymous with winning. The Seabury Hall senior - yes, she's still in high school - has won each of the last three individual state championships and after a first-place finish at the prestigious Iolani Invitational Cross Country Meet Saturday, Grossman has proven that she is once again the one to beat in 2013.

Grossman completed the three-mile course at Kualoa Ranch in a time of 17 minutes and 42.58 seconds, nearly half a minute faster than the second-place finisher, Mikayla Flora of Riverbank (Calif.). Mainland harriers placed second through sixth. The next closest local competitor was Punahou sophomore Teri Brady, who finished seventh.

"That race I just did was basically like the biggest one I'll do until states so I really wanted to go over there and run in it," said Grossman, who won the intermediate race at Kualoa as an eighth-grader. "There's always a couple mainland teams and the competition is always high."

Conditions on Oahu's Windward side that day were favorable, according to Grossman.

"I thought it was really good conditions: It was humid, not much wind and actually cloudy out, so it wasn't hot," Grossman said. "The course was one of easier ones I've been on, because it's mostly flat, which helped me to get good time."

Grossman was especially pleased to break the 18-minute mark - one of her goals this season.

"The main goal was to break 18 minutes and to do with now, with a couple meets left before states means I'm pretty far along in my training and I'm where I want to be," said Grossman, who hopes to run collegiately on the West coast. "This year I went into this race prepared and I knew that I was ready to win it, so I guess I accomplished two goals in one race."

Only one person - Punahou's Eri McDonald ('95-'98) - has ever won four individual titles in the 48-year history of the state championships (girls' competition began eight years later in 1973).

"When I was going into win my third time in a row, I felt kind of pressured because people said 'You should start thinking about four in a row,' and I'm thinking 'but I haven't even won three yet,'" Grossman said. "I'm definitely excited and think that I can do it. It would be big accomplishment for me and my family."

Running has always been a family affair for the Grossmans. Dakota's Dad, Bobby, coaches the Spartans' cross country and track & field teams. For others, it may be unnerving with a parent coaching his or her high school team, but for Dakota Grossman, she's never known any other way.

"A lot of people ask me that because they think it might be weird for me, but he's been my coach all my life and he doesn't act like my dad when we're out practicing, he acts like a dad to everybody and that's what he likes to do," Grossman said. "At home he'll give me more individual instruction and I like it, of course, because he knows what he's doing so it's good."

Grossman admits she still gets nervous before races, but has learned how to channel her emotions over the hundreds of races she has run in her lifetime.

"I definitely have a little nerves, but I don't let it affect during the race. I'm more focused now — once I'm on the starting line and the gun goes off, it's a different attitude," Grossman said.

The Honolulu Marathon/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Cross Country State Championships will be held at Island School on Kauai on Oct. 25.

WEEK 6 TOP PERFORMERS

AIR RIFLERY

Bennett Cariaga, Leilehua — Shot a high-score of 2000 in win over Waipahu

Zane Grzeskczak, Pearl City — Shot a high-score of 500.09 in a win over Campbell

Kayla Hooker, Kailua — Shot a high-score of 518.14 in win over McKinley

Chrissy Omalza, Moanalua — Shot a high-score of 501 in win over Kaimuki

Ashley Somera, Pearl City — Shot a high-score of 532.13 in win over Campbell

BOWLING

Nicholas Azumi, Pearl City — Rolled a high-game of 288 and a three-game series of 701 in an OIA West tournament

Jennifer Lee, Castle — Rolled a high-game of 205 and three-game series of 538 in an OIA East tournament

Chelsi Morishige, Pearl City — Rolled a high-game of 257 and three-game series of 674 in OIA West tournament

Keenan Nakagawa, Kalani — Rolled a high-game of 206 and three-game series of 570 in an OIA East tournament

Tazman Shim, Mililani — Rolled a high-game of 265 and three-game series of 673 in an OIA West tournament

CROSS COUNTRY

Davis Kaahanui, Kamehameha — Won the 3-mile boys' varsity race at the Iolani Invitational at Kualoa Ranch in a time of 15 minutes and 15.11 seconds

FOOTBALL

Noah Auld, Kailua — Passed for 195 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for 40 yards in win over Kaimuki

Edwin Aumua, Damien — Rushed 18 times for 119 yards in loss to Iolani

Chad Aragon, Moanalua — Caught eight passes for 137 yards and a touchdown in loss to Farrington

Jeremiah Badillo, Baldwin — Threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another score in win over King Kekaulike

Noah Brum, Kalani — Passed for 330 yards with four touchdowns in win over Nanakuli

Caleb Crawford, Kailua — Scored on a 15-yard interception return in win over Kaimuki

Kawika Cruz, Moanalua — Intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in loss to Farrington

Mack Eberhardt, Leilehua — Completed 16 of 20 passes for 247 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in win over Aiea

Makoa Filikitonga, Lahainaluna — Rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries in win over Maui

Keala Fong, Waiakea — Scored on a fumble recovery in the end zone in win over Keaau

Dayton Furuta, Mililani — Rushed for a touchdown, caught a two-point conversion pass and recorded two sacks in win over Campbell

Louie Garcia, Kealakehe — Rushed for a touchdown and intercepted a pass in win over Honokaa

Naia Graham, Kailua — Kicked a state-record tying 57-yard field goal and made 7-of-7 extra points in win over Kaimuki

Absolom Henry, Radford — Caught nine passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns in win over Kalaheo

Justice Jardine, Waianae — Scored on a 25-yard fumble return in win over Waipahu

Kuikanoa Kaawa, Kealakeha — Caught a touchdown pass and intercepted a pass in win over Kealakehe

William Kailimai, Kailua — Rushed 15 times for 157 yards and four touchdowns in win over Kaimuki

Tristan Kamaka, Leilehua — Caught six passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns in win over Aiea

Naliko Kea, Nanakuli — Caught three passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns in loss to Kalani

Donavan Faoa Kelley, Hilo — Rushed for two touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass in win over Kamehameha-Hawaii

Kasen Kunishima-Takushi, Pac-Five — Scored on a 57-yard fumble return in win over Pac-Five

Donald Lambert, Moanalua — Caught 10 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown in loss to Farrington

PJ Liua, Kahuku — Rushed for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass in win over McKinley

Cody Lui-Yuen, Radford — Completed 22 of 29 passes for 414 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in win over Kalaheo

Ratu Mafileo, Moanalua — Recorded a sack and forced a fumble in loss to Farrington

Keoni-Kordell Makekau, Iolani — Caught seven passes for 152 yards with a touchdown and made field goals of 27 and 26 yards in win over Damien

Vavae Malepeai, Mililani — Rushed 29 times for 136 yards and a touchdown in win over Campbell

Ronald Matautia, Waianae — Ran in a touchdown and recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for another score in win over Waipahu

Solomon Matautia, Campbell — Scored on a 100-yard interception return in loss to Mililani

Christian Mejia, Kailua — Caught a touchdown pass and recorded a sack in win over Kaimuki

Charles McDonald, Punahou — Kicked field goals of 22 and 43 yards, ran in a two-point conversion and made seven extra points in win over Saint Francis

McKenzie Milton, Mililani — Completed 19 of 27 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns in win over Campbell

Kanawai Noa, Punahou — Caught two touchdown passes for 112 yards in win over Saint Francis

Kumoku Noa, Kamehameha — Scored on a 51-yard punt return in win over Pac-Five

Kelii Padello, Mililani — Recorded a pair of sacks in win over Campbell

Jameson Pasigan, Radford — Caught five passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns in win over Kalaheo

Shane Picanco, Waiakea — Scored on a 93-yard fumble return in win over Keaau

Will Pule, Leilehua — Scored on a 30-yard interception return in win over Aiea

John Replogle, Konawaena — Kicked a game-winning 37-yard field goal and made two PATs in a win over Hawaii Prep

Brandon Roberts, Kalani — Caught a touchdown pass and made the game-saving interception in win over Nanakuli

Jared Rocha-Isalas, Lahainaluna — Rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries in win over Maui

Jake Samsel, Kahuku — Kicked a 31-yard field goal and made five extra points in win over McKinley

Kekoa Sasaoka, Farrington — Made field goals of 28 and 27 yards and three extra points in win over Moanalua

Jason Sharsh, Moanalua — Caught 10 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown in loss to McKinley

Kainoa Simao, Kamehameha — Rushed 24 times for 216 yards and three touchdowns in win over Pac-Five

Kaikea Sonoda, Kapaa — Rushed for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass in win over Waimea

Chad Souza, Kamehameha — Recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in win over Pac-Five

Stanton Spencer, Waianae — Kicked a 32-yard field goal and made four PATs in win over Waipahu

Thomas Sheridan, Moanalua — Kicked a 26-yard field goal and made five extra points in loss to Farrington

Jordan Taamu, Pearl City — Threw a touchdown pass and rushed for another score in win over Roosevelt

Chase Takaki, Konawaena — Caught six passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns in win over Hawaii Prep

Bryce Tatupu-Leopoldo, Farrington — Rushed for a touchdown and scored on a 61-yard interception return in win over Moanalua

Duane Tom, Pearl City — Scored on a 29-yard interception return in win over Roosevelt

Chazz Troutman, Nanakuli — Rushed 19 times for 190 yards with a touchdown, passed for 119 yards with another score and recovered an onside kick in loss to Kalani

Tyrell Tuiasosopo, McKinley — Caught five passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in loss to Kahuku

Larry Tuileta, Punahou — Passed for 176 yards and three touchdowns in win over Saint Francis

Randon Tuitama, Kaimuki — Rushed for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass in loss to Kailua

Mathias Tuitele-Iafeta, McKinley — Rushed for a touchdown, forced a fumble, recovered two fumbles and returned one for a 50-yard touchdown in loss to Kahuku

Ephraim Tuliloa, Punahou — Rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another in win over Saint Francis

Logan Uyetake, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Caught five passes for 101 yards with a touchdown and kicked an 18-yard field goal in loss to Hilo

Christian Whitehead, Lahainaluna — Rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in win over Maui

Kaimi Wilson, Kealakehe — Threw two touchdown passes and ran in another score in win over Honokaa

Tuli Wily-Matagi, Kahuku — Passed for 250 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in win over McKinley

Trevor Yamashita, Kalani — Caught seven passes for 138 yards with a touchdown in win over Nanakuli

Keoni Yates, Kealakehe — Kicked a 35-yard field goal, made all eight of PAT attempts and caught a touchdown pass in win over Honokaa

Jaren Zadlo, Mililani — Intercepted two passes, returned one for a touchdown, and recovered a fumble in win over Campbell.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Silerolia Gaogao, Moanalua — Recorded nine kills and two service aces in a sweep of McKinley

Syenna Masaki, Kalaheo — Had 15 kills, 13 digs, one block and an ace in loss to Castle

Siani Yamaguchi, Kalaheo — Had 18 assists, 10 digs, three kills and a block in loss to Castle