OIA PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Farrington at Campbell

OIA D-I Quarterfinals

The matchup: Campbell (5-3) vs. Farrington (6-2)
Location/Time: Campbell, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Head-to-head: Farrington leads 15-4-1
Last meeting: Farrington 34, Campbell 14 (8/13/2016)

A lot has changed since Farrington’s 34-14 win over Campbell on Aug. 13.

The obvious difference for Campbell is in quarterback Kawika Ulufale, a mobile, shifty controller of the offense. It was Campbell’s defense that worked wonders against Moanalua in the close win on Sept. 16, and Ulufale struggled with four picks. But since then, rainbows and unicorns. Ulufale had his best performance in their most crucial matchup. He opened the Waianae game with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Markus Ramos, ran for another TD and finished the game 14-for-19, 171 yards and just one pick against one of the state’s top defenses to give the Sabers a first-round bye in the OIA playoffs.

The Sabers have spread the field in four-wide sets without relinquishing a desire to run the ball. Waianae curtailed RB Tasi Faumui and Campbell’s ground attack that night, limiting the Sabers to 28 rushing yards. The difference was Ulufale’s decisions. Another was about intangibles.

“Kawika has improved every week in managing our offense and taking care of the football,” Campbell coach Amosa Amosa said. “Most of our success on offense is based solely on our O-line play and execution.”

“One of the keys to their improvement has to do with the leadership, which starts with Coach Amosa and his staff,” Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said. “They’ve done a terrific job improving every week.

So, many weeks since their first meeting, the Governors and Sabers will clash in a Division I quarterfinal. The Govs are in good health and prepared for battle. Kingston Moses-Sanchez, who caught TD passes of 60 and 14 yards in the first matchup, is primed. RB Challen Faamatau, who was limited to 44 yards on 22 carries, but caught three passes for 49 yards and a TD, is healthy as well. QBs Justin Uahinui and Bishop Rapoza, who combined on 14-for-22 passing, 225 yards and no interceptions, are both armed and ready.

Campbell’s legacy during Amosa’s years as head coach isn’t just offensive fireworks. There has been wave after wave of talent defensively, primarily at linebacker and safety. This season, the defensive unit has racked up 19 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and 25 sacks.

“We have a good mix of veteran leadership from Iosua Sevao, Braden Kauhane, Luke Ocreto-Penitusi, Ethan Muagututia, Micah Tynanes-Perez, Jeremiah Leaeno and our new addition on our D-line, big KiShaun Ki,” Amosa said.

He also credited three freshman starters, Tyrese Tafai, Jeremiah Tauai and Poki‘i Adkins-Kupukaa.

“Our stingy run defense has been our most valuable group,” Amosa said.

The Govs know the mission will be tough on Campbell’s turf.

“Most teams play better at home, so we need to play our best football at this time of the year going into a road playoff game,” Okimoto said. “I’m never comfortable at this time of the year but, I’m confident that our team understands what it takes to win.”