Facing a Campbell defense determined to contain its ground attack, Farrington turned to its dual-quarterback threat.
Seniors Justin Uahinui and Bishop Rapoza shared duties behind center in the Governors’ season opener and ended the night as even as they began following a 34-14 win at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium.
Rotating every two plays or so, the duo split 22 pass attempts and combined to complete 14 for 225 yards and four touchdowns (two each) between them.
They both leaned heavily on senior receiver Kingston Moses-Sanchez, who caught eight passes for 146 yards and two scores.
“Both quarterbacks were good, they both had their fair share of plays, they both bring unique tangibles to the game,” Moses-Sanchez said. “That’s what I like about Justin and Bishop. They’re both different quarterbacks, but we can rely on both of them.”
Uahinui took the first snap behind center and Rapoza checked in two plays later. The rotation produced stunning results, combining to go 12-for-13 for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the first half as Farrington rolled to a 28-0 lead.
Both then cooled in the second half and Campbell closed the gap to 28-14 in the third quarter on quarterback Kawika Ulufale’s second touchdown run of the game. The Sabers threatened to draw within a touchdown with a 15-play fourth-quarter drive. But Iosefo Ah Ching, who blocked a punt early in the game, came up with an interception in the end zone to maintain the cushion and the Governors put the game away with Moses-Sanchez’s second touchdown catch.
“We kind of got sloppy with penalties and turnovers to let them back in,” Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said. “That’s something we need to definitely work on next week at practice.”
Okimoto said the quarterbacks will continue to share playing time after Uahinui went 6-for-11 for 106 yards and Rapoza finished 8-for-11 for 119 yards.
“I saw Justin make throws, I saw Bishop make throws and that’s how it’s been all summer,” Okimoto said. “So both guys deserve to play and that’s how we’re going to approach it.”
Campbell coach Amosa Amosa said the Sabers entered the game looking to contain running back Challen Faamatau, who finished with 44 yards on 22 attempts. But they couldn’t sustain enough momentum offensively to complete the comeback.
“Every year they really ran the ball at will on us,” Amosa said. “Our defensive unit gave us opportunities, gave us good field position … we just gotta knock it down (on offense).”
