Govs have the horses

There are old traditions, perhaps none more expected from an ancient institution of learning like Farrington High School.

Winning football games by the bushel has been the norm for the Governors, a crew of physical athletes from Kalihi Valley to Kuhio Park Terrace. Coach Randall Okimoto’s tone piques, however, when he’s asked about Lancelot Williams and Justin Vele.

The all-state linebackers made the extra effort, from January through the offseason, every day, every week, every month since the start of their sophomore seasons. The extra effort was sitting down with volunteer tutors and doing what was necessary to improve their SAT scores and score points in the classroom.

The results make Okimoto beam with delight. Vele and Williams qualified to attend the University of Hawaii. Vele will enroll this fall; Williams will be there in the spring as a grayshirt. Both accepted scholarships.

More than ever, high school coaches are pushing their athletes harder in the classroom than on the football field. Many are like Okimoto, who wants to see Vele, Williams and all his players go further in life, starting with a college degree.

It’s not that the Govs don’t get plenty of encouragement on the field. They’re a perennial powerhouse in the Oahu Interscholastic Association. Last year, it was the defense that cratered many an opposing quarterback and level many a running back. It led to a 6-4 season that ended with a quarterfinal loss to Mililani in the league playoffs.

Last year’s squad finished at No. 10 in the Star-Advertiser Top 10. The Govs open this season at No. 9.

On paper: Fourteen starters — eight on offense and six on defense — return, including defensive standout Jarome Faamata and first-year starting quarterback Travis Tamatua, who saw time at fullback and tight end as a junior last year. The season before that, he was the staring quarterback on the junior varsity — at Waipahu.

"He’s very quiet, very savvy in the pocket," Okimoto said. "He knows how to elude the rush."

Tamatua, at 5-foot-7, 160 pounds, was last year’s backup quarterback.

"He has dependability and leadership, being an example. He makes plays and the guys rally around him. He’s a spiritual kid," Okimoto added.

The Govs have a wealth of experience up front, where four of the returnees saw action as sophomores last fall. Twins Michael and Mitchell Boyd, each listed at 6-1, 300 last year, return. So does Charles Sataraka and Colin Kaalele. The four juniors are a combined 1,192 pounds based on last year’s roster. This year’s roster hasn’t been released yet.

"They’ve got the work ethic," Okimoto said. "They hardly missed a workout since January. A couple of years ago, there was a newspaper article about our line. That line was more agile. These guys are the real ‘Bamboolas.’"

Okimoto, a former standout running back at Farrington, appreciates the potential and ability of Tyler Tamua. The junior missed most of last season with a collarbone injury.

"He’s real shifty. He’s got a little bit of Apelu (So‘oleo) and Hercules (Sula) in him, but he has his own style," the coach said of the 5-10, 185-pound back. "He has that vision."

The defense has been a crown jewel of Farrington football. Replacing Vele and Williams won’t be as difficult as opponents might imagine. Faamata will move from inside to defensive end at times.

"We might use him more on the outside or even stand him up," Okimoto said of Faamata, who is 20 pounds heavier this year at 245. "He was undersized at defensive tackle, but he has a great motor. His determination to take on double teams really freed up our linebackers last year."

Faamata had the first six tackles in Farrington’s spring game.

Keanu Foki will also line up at defensive end and provide another key presence. The Govs are relatively young and inexperienced at defensive tackle, with some first-year seniors in the mix.

Austin Faumui and Semo Sila inherit the key roles at linebacker. Faumui is a nephew of former Farrington and UH lineman Taase Faumui.

"They’re both tall and slender," Okimoto said. "For us, we keep doing what we do on defense."

The secondary includes a returning starter at cornerback, Leland Mitchell, and Daniel Prescott at safety. Aaron Kamau, who started at corner last season, has moved to strong safety. In all, the Govs should benefit from the experience gained by seven sophomores last season.

The skinny: The West Coast offense requires precision and execution from every piece, especially with play-action. If Tamatua masters the position, the Govs are in position to muscle their way into the title hunt. Whether they can qualify for the state tourney depends largely on the effectiveness of the passing game. At that level, every good defense will stack the box with eight defenders or more, and Farrington will need some balance offensively.

X factor: Wide receiver Toma Barrett could become a valuable weapon once he and Tamatua develop chemistry.