Farrington LB Aisea Tavae (43) and DB Setefano Lavatai (23) were among the standouts in a stellar performance by the Govs defense. Scoring Live file photo

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With Farrington's football team off to its best start in recent memory, much of the talk surrounding the Governors centered around their vaunted rushing attack led by junior tailback Tyler Taumua.

But in the regular season's biggest showdown against Kahuku last Saturday, it was the Govs' defense that ultimately saved the victory.

Farrington limited the Red Raiders to 77 total yards in the first half and allowed them into the red zone just once, a trip that ended in an interception by Aisea Tavae. Leland Mitchell made another interception earlier, and the only touchdown of the half came on a 92-yard interception return by Kahuku's Kawe Johnson with 58 seconds remaining.

The Red Raiders did not score their first TD on offense until 5:36 left in the game, on Johnson's 2-yard quarterback sneak which closed the score to 14-13.

Kahuku got possession back with 2:20 remaining, but gained only eight yards on four plays and lost the ball on downs less than a minute later.

The Governors appeared to have the game locked up, but Benneton Fonua's fumble recovery gave the Red Raiders hope and one last series with 1:13 left.

That's when Farrington's defense came through one last time. On first down, quarterback Lasi Livai was sacked for a three-yard loss. A second-down pass fell incomplete after tight coverage on the receiver, then Setefano Lavatai made the Govs' third interception to seal the victory with 15 seconds remaining.

"Our defense has been playing hard all year long," Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said. "Kahuku has set the standard on defense, but our defense stepped up to the challenge tonight. They played their hearts out."


WEEK 8 PERFORMERS

Farrington WR Toma Barrett had 4 receptions for 104 yards and 1 TD against Kahuku.

Moanalua WR Anthony Bowen had 4 receptions for 94 yards and two TDs against Roosevelt.

Kealakehe's Jordan Cristobal returned punts 70 and 65 yards for touchdowns against Hilo.

McKinley RB Fia Duarte rushed for 127 yards and four TDs against Kalani.

Mililani WR DeShawn Duncan-Benson had 9 catches for 150 yards and a TD against Kapolei.

Waimea LB Kyle Fleming had 10 tackles against Kapa'a.

Aiea QB Isaiah Fonoti passed for 223 yards and three TDs against Radford.

Punahou RB Steven Lakalaka rushed for 151 yards and two TDs against Kamehameha.

Konawaena QB Lii Karratti passed for 257 yards and four TDs against Honokaa.

Anuenue RB Kainalu Kaleo rushed for 216 yards and four TDs against Kalaheo.

Kapa'a LB Kaulana Kaui had 12 tackles against Waimea.

Kapa'a DL Una Masaniai had 11 tackles against Waimea.

Leilehua DL/TE Penitito Melei had two sacks and caught a TD pass against Waianae.

Kalaheo QB Rashaan Matalolo threw for 161 yards and two TDs, and rushed for 31 yards and another score against Anuenue.

Mililani QB Jarin Morikawa threw for 232 pass yards and 3 TDs against Kapolei.

Konawaena WR Domonic Morris had 3 receptions for 148 yards and two TDs against Honoka'a.

rnKamehameha LB Kory Rasmussen had 2 interceptions and a sack against Punahou.

Leilehua QB Kenan Sadanaga passed for 242 yards and three touchdowns against Waianae.

Pac-Five RB/WR Keoni Tom-Millare had 18 rushes for 238 yards and five TDs against Damien.

Farrington RB Tyler Taumua rushed for 91 yards against Kahuku.

Waimea WR Jonathan Tangalin had 3 receptions for 107 yards and two TDs against Kapa'a.

Moanalua QB Dillon Turk passed for 219 yards and five touchdowns against Roosevelt.

Kahuku RB Aofaga Wily rushed for 135 yards against Farrington.

Kealakehe RB Psalm Wooching rushed for 146 yards and three TDs against Hilo.

Kealakehe QB Tyler Yates completed 13 of 18 passes for 179 yards and two TDs, as well as kicked a 41-yard field goal and booted seven PATs against Hilo.

Kailua RB Jarrin Young rushed for 229 yards and three TDs against Castle.