The offensive line for the Farrington football squad this season has been instrumental in helping to open up gaps for the team’s running backs which enabled the Governors to be among the Oahu Interscholastic Association statistical leaders in running yards. This achievement is exceptional considering that four of Farrington’s top offensive linemen are sophomores.

Twin brothers Mitchell Boyd and Michael Boyd along with Colin Kaalele and Charles Sataraka are the sophomores that have led Farrington into the OIA Red Division playoffs and a 5-3 overall record.  All four are super-sized kids. Each is around six foot or taller and at least 280 pounds or more.

“The talent is there,” said Farrington coach Randall Okimoto. “Not only are they big, but all four have the potential of eventually playing Division 1 college ball.”  Okimoto says he has faith that the future of his offensive line is in excellent condition with the emergence of these four players.

“It feels good that the coaches trust us to play this early in our high school careers,” said Mitchell Boyd. Mitchell says that is has been helpful to be able to train year-round with his younger brother by a few minutes.  “Michael and I had a good summer preparing for this season and I think that was the main factor in the decision by the coaches to give both of us significant playing time,” Mitchell Boyd said.

“This season has been a great learning experience,” Michael Boyd said. “High school football is fun and the games are intense. Every game seems to be important.”

Sataraka echoed those same views. “Farrington is known for having a winning football tradition and I think everyone on this team is aware of that fact,” Sataraka said. “Besides we want to win.”

This Friday, October 15th, Farrington will have an opportunity to extend its history of winning when they compete against Aiea in the opening round of the OIA tourney. Kickoff is set for about 7:30 pm following a 5 p.m. JV game at Roosevelt's Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium.

The Governors started the season with three straight victories including a non-league win over defending state champion Kamehameha. All three of Farrington’s losses have been on the road.

Kaalele commented that the team is working hard in its practices to improve. “Every practice we try to focus in on what the coaches are telling us,” Kaalele said. “Each week I can see how much better this team is, but we are still learning how to win.”

On defense, the Governors' feature a standout linebacker in Justin Vele. He has been heavily recruited by several Division 1 colleges and is considered to be among the five best defensive players in the state.

“I try my best to make plays that will help our team be successful,” Vele said.  The defense has yielded only 15.1 points per game and 50.4 yards on the ground. “We try to keep our opponents from scoring,” Vele said. “Our rough physical defense can usually force the quarterback to make mistakes so that we can give more time for our offense to work.”

Okimoto acknowledges that the team has been slowed by injuries, but says that the show must go on. “At this point of the season every team has issues,” Okimoto. “The better teams are just able to work through them. My goal is to get our players to perform at their best not only on the field, but in the classroom as well.”