Farrington’s running game spearheads rout of ‘Iolani

Farrington’s offense doesn’t do anything fancy.

The Governors possess the size and brute strength to dominate most teams with smashmouth football, and it was on full display Saturday afternoon at ‘Iolani.

Farrington turned the ball over on its first two offensive plays, then reeled off five consecutive touchdown drives to end the half in a 42-7 victory over ‘Iolani in an interleague game.

Governors junior running back Tyler Taumua did most of the damage, rushing 19 times for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the first half as Farrington took a 36-7 advantage.

In all, Farrington (2-0) rushed the ball 51 times for 443 yards.

"That’s our game plan — run the ball, that’s what we like to do," said Farrington coach Randall Okimoto. "The matchup up front, they were kind of undersized."

Farrington’s offensive line of Michael Boyd, Mitchell Boyd, Colin Kaalele, Charles Sataraka and AJ White average 318 pounds per man. They opened up huge holes against an ‘Iolani team that has only two players who weigh more than 230 pounds on its roster.

"They executed real well and ran it down our throat," said ‘Iolani coach Wendell Look. "In the first half, we just didn’t make plays. We missed a lot of tackles, missed a lot of assignments. You do that against this kind of team, they wear you down."

Taumua finished with 25 carries for 216 yards, while Abraham Silva added 15 for 145 and one touchdown, Tavale Masalosalo had eight for 66 and a touchdown, and Jackie Anakalea contributed three for 16.

"We have about four running backs, so it’s nice to have that depth," Okimoto said. "There is no selfishness as far as wanting to be in there all the time. That’s what I like about that group."

Taumua used quick cuts, nifty spins, power and speed to repeatedly get into the Raiders’ secondary. He scored on a 1-yard run in the first period, and added 17- and 7-yard rushing touchdowns in the second period.

"I give thanks to my O-linemen today," Taumua said. "They were making holes for me and the offense worked together and the defense came through for us."

The Governors threw an interception on the game’s first play from scrimmage. After forcing a three and out, Farrington immediately lost a fumble. Raiders defensive back Kyle Pang made the interception and recovered the fumble.

"We wanted to push them down the field on that one pass and we just have to squeeze the ball on that one fumble," Okimoto said. "That’s why it’s good to have these preseason games to get all the jitters out before league play.

"This team is resilient. The captains do a good job and the coaches do a good job encouraging the kids, not discouraging them. You can see it in our guys, they don’t really panic."

Farrington’s offense then hit its stride with the five touchdown drives averaging 7.6 plays and 65.6 yards.

"With us, we’re not going to hang with guys that are very physical like this for very long," Look said. "We have to capitalize on their mistakes and capitalize on the opportunities we have, and we didn’t do that today."

Farrington outgained ‘Iolani 346-123 in the first half.

"All in all, our guys at least made open-field tackles. I was happy about that, not letting them get yards after the catch."

The only points for ‘Iolani (1-1) came on Kody Mento’s 1-yard run on the first play of the second period and Jordan Lee’s extra point, which cut Farrington’s lead to 13-7.

"They put a lot of pressure up front, they mix up their coverages real well, they put some pressure on (quarterback) Reece (Foy) real early."

Silva’s 8-yard touchdown run with 5:11 remaining put the 35-point mercy rule (running clock) into effect.