Farrington embraces fresh start as Governors eye turnaround in Division I

KALIHI — After enduring a difficult season against Hawaiʻi’s top competition, Farrington believes a new division and a new mindset have positioned the Governors for a bounce-back campaign.

Farrington finished 1-8 overall in 2025 while competing in the Open Division, dropping its final six games. Now competing in Division I for the 2026 season, the Governors are focused on turning the page behind veteran leadership and a renewed commitment to the program’s physical identity.

Senior offensive tackle Darrius Uperesa has emerged as one of the team’s leaders, helping guide a younger roster through the transition.

“We have a different squad this year, a bunch of younger kids,” Uperesa said. “It was up to me to kind of lead them, getting them adjusted to the varsity level. But I really think Division I is also a great division, especially for Hawaiʻi. There’s a lot of dogs out here, and there’s especially dogs out at Farrington. Especially being in the Open last year, we know what hard work was, we know what grit was.”

Head coach Mike Lafaele and a coaching staff filled with Farrington alumni have emphasized restoring the pride of one of Oahu’s most tradition-rich football programs. That message has resonated with Uperesa, who said bringing a championship back to Kalihi would mean everything.

Mike Lafaele looks to lead his team to the championship in 2026. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“It would be the greatest,” Uperesa said. “The last time I remember Farrington ever winning a championship was when I was a kid. That was a while ago. Especially with our coaching staff, especially Coach Mike, shout out to him. He helped us put in that work. We started offseason training in early November.”

The Governors expect to lean heavily on their ground game, a hallmark of successful Farrington teams over the years. Uperesa believes the offensive line, despite its youth, is ready for the challenge.

“We’re definitely going to run the ball a lot,” Uperesa said. “This O-line, like I said, they’re young, but I told them the standard doesn’t change. You know what it means to be a Farrington Governor. You have to play like you represent the city of Kalihi.”

“It’s definitely a different mindset compared to last year. We just have to live up to the standard of past Farrington alumni.”

An effective rushing attack should also create opportunities for returning sophomore quarterback Kenzo Kawai, who enters his second varsity season with more confidence and experience.

“This year I feel like my IQ is smarter,” Kawai said. “Last year I wasn’t really scared to run the ball, but this year I’m more cautious because I’m the starter. I can’t be getting hurt and my team really needs me.”

Sophomore QB Kenzo Kawai is back for another season with the Farrington Governors. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

While the offense hopes to control games on the ground, the defense is expected to be one of the team’s strengths. Junior lineman Tyrous Lafaele believes the unit has embraced a relentless mentality.

“The defense this year, we’re pretty much almost stacked,” Lafaele said. “The defense this year, their mentality is different. They fly around everywhere. They’re here, they’re there. They just don’t know when to stop, and that’s a good thing.”

Junior cornerback Achilles Pasion said the biggest difference from last season has been the team’s focus and accountability.

“We just got to pick things up really and make sure we’re on it at all times,” Pasion said. “Last season we was really slacking off. We just have to pick it up a notch and do a lot more.”

Pasion added that leadership will be key to sustaining that standard throughout the season.

“Our leaders are good,” he said. “We’re going to make sure all of us is on it, including me, make sure our defense is on it at all times, make sure we’re taking quick breaks and not long breaks because it’s really going to affect us.”

Farrington opens its 2026 season on the road against Kamehameha on Aug. 7.