Farrington gave up yards in bunches on Friday.
But the Governors protected enough territory to keep Moanalua at arm’s length in a 47-27 win.
Na Menehune generated 577 passing yards with receiver Karson Cruz accounting for 310 and two touchdowns.
But the Farrington defense came up with four takeaways, one leading directly a touchdown and the other three coming after Moanalua had moved inside Govs’ 15. Na Menehune had first-and-goal on three occasions in the second half, only be thwarted each time as Farrington improved to 3-0 in the OIA Blue.
Defensive lineman Seufagafaga Luafatasaga pounced on two errant shotgun snaps, returning the first 10 yards for a touchdown that gave Farrington a 22-12 lead early in the second quarter.
Linebacker Bryce Tatupu-Leopoldo also had a fumble recovery and an interception in the second quarter.
The takeaways both fueled and protected the lead produced by a Farrington offense powered by running backs Ranan Mamiya and Challen Faamatau.
Mamiya ran for three touchdowns in the first half and finished the game with 97 yards. Faamatau scored on a 24-yard reception and a 6-yard run while leading the Govs with 115 rushing yards.
“They basically have a three-headed monster,” Moanalua coach Jason Cauley said of Mamiya, Faamatau and CJ Liana.
“They wear on you. Our guys stepped up to the plate, but they’re going to get their yardage. Once (Mamiya) gets the ball, if has any kind of space, any kind of lane, he’s gone. … I told him after the game I haven’t seen that speed since I left Alabama.”
Quarterback Montana Liana complemented the running game by completing seven of his first nine throws with the touchdown to Faamatau. Liana finished 11-for-21 for 117 yards.
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