Going old school behind its big boys pays dividends for Farrington

Farrington did not play a football game for two weeks and it might have been the best possible thing for the Governors.

The boys from Kalihi (1-4, 1-2 OIA Open) came back from the break with a new passion and cooled off a previously hot Kapolei squad 22-8 on Friday night on the Hurricanes’ home field. The victory broke a four-game losing streak to open the season and gave them their first league victory.

It was classic Farrington football, for sure. Raymond Millare, a speedy running back, gained 177 rushing yards and scored two early touchdowns to set the tone. But he did it behind the human specimen also known as Faaope Laloulu.

Laloulu, a St. Francis transfer and Oregon commit, was asked if he’s grown from the listed 6-foot-6, 390 pounds. It turns out, he’s now 6-7 (getting close to 6-8) and 400 pounds.

Eh, what’s another 10 pounds and a few inches? Heft matters. The boy (man) who appears to be at least one head and a half taller than any of his teammates and twice as thick, spearheaded Farrington’s new spirited running game.

“The whole offensive line made tremendous holes,” Govs coach Daniel Sanchez said. “We put Faaope at guard (instead of tackle) and felt that he would make a great push. We pulled him and he created big holes. The defense, which has been lights out all season, came through again tonight.”

Said Millare, ” ‘Ope, that’s my boy. We’ve both been playing with injuries and he really pulled through.”

Laloulu rattled off the numbers of the other starting linemen, the players who are becoming his new brothers after his transfer.

“Fifty-nine, 51, 70 and 50,” he said.

For those keeping score, that’s the much smaller Kobey Sula, Sean Padasdao, Sisi Collins and Naluakekaikoo Suluape.

“Coach Sanchez, we went back old school,” Laloulu said. “Everybody loves it. It’s something new and we got used to it quick. (The win is) a steppingstone. We’re not satisfied just yet. It’s just one win. We gotta look forward to getting more, to grow as a team and build camaraderie together and get better each week.”

Selau Kalani, a defensive back who had one of two interceptions (the Govs won the turnover battle 3-0), talked about the fruits of victory.

“It means a lot to us and we’ve been putting that hard work in through those two weeks off,” he said.

Asked if there may be more wins ahead, Kalani added, “We will (win). We will. We will. Trust me, we will.”

Peter Nethon (three sacks) and Leroy Miller (two sacks) were among the defensive stalwarts on the night. Calijah Mareko had an interception that he returned for the Govs’ first TD, and Vance Amorin had a fumble recovery that led to their second TD and a 13-0 lead just five minutes into the game.

The dominance in the trenches by Farrington led Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez to say, “It was a tough night, an ugly night.”

He’s not giving up, though. His team is 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the OIA Open.

“I love these kids,” Hernandez said. “We tell them that when we lose, it’s my fault. When we win, it’s all them. I also told them, ‘Don’t let a loss define who you are.’ ”

The final result for Farrington was huge because — if last year is any indication — games against Kapolei and Waianae matter.

A year ago, the Govs beat the Hurricanes, but (due to the Kapolei’s win over Waianae along with Waianae’s win over Farrington) the three teams ended in a tie for the final OIA Open playoff spot. The Govs won the coin toss to enter the playoffs.

It’s conceivable that a similar scenario could happen again. So far this season, Kapolei beat Waianae 28-20 and now Farrington owns a 22-8 win over Kapolei.

The Govs and Seariders play Sept. 27 and — depending on how teams fare the rest of the way — it could be a pivotal matchup.

Kapolei is now 2-10 against Farrington all-time.