Farrington running back Tyler Taumua was on a record pace at midseason, but with the Governors now eliminated from the state tournament by Baldwin, his quest has fallen short.
Taumua’s 157 rushing yards against the Bears gave him 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns in 12 games. Had Taumua kept at this rate (148 yards per game) in a Farrington run to the state final, he would have finished with 2,077 yards — close to the unofficial single-season mark of 2,098 yards set by Kama Bailey of Damien in 2007.
Other 2,000-yard rushers in the past 30 years are Mark Atuaia of Kahuku (2,025 yards, 1990) and Joe Igber of ‘Iolani (2,017 yards, 1998).
Igber is believed to be the career rushing leader with 4,472 yards. Atuaia piled up 3,404 yards. Igber, who went on to play at Cal, also has the unofficial career touchdown mark of 56.
Taumua will get another shot next season. He’s only a junior.
Wildcats off to fast start
While football gets the spotlight for two more weekends, girls basketball has already tipped off.
Defending state champion Konawaena left an impression by taking the Waiakea Invitational title, including a win over the host Warriors on Saturday.
The Wildcats, led by perennial All-State selections Lia Galdeira and Dawnyelle Awa, downed Waiakea 55-35 behind 21 points by Galdeira. The two seniors have already orally committed to play for Washington State.
Konawaena’s Wildcat Classic will begin on Thursday and features Lahainaluna, Kaimuki and Waiakea.
Moanalua’s Na Menehune Preseason Peek tournament also begins on Thursday, according to coach Kristie Morikawa. Kamehameha, Radford, Pearl City, Kailua, Campbell, Sacred Hearts and Waimea are in the tourney. Former Kalaheo star Brandy Richardson is the new coach at Radford.
"Pearl City’s tough, you know. Kamehameha was tough in the summer, and Brandy has all 6-footers at Radford," Morikawa said. "Even Campbell was tough in the summer, so who knows?"
