GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Running back Matt Bell also plays linebacker and defensive back, and he returns punts and kickoffs in addition to some place-kicking.
Jack of all Trades
Senior Matt Bell does a lot
more for the Farrington football
team than just run the ball
Farrington is trying to avoid hitting the many land mines disguised as opponents that make up the middle of their 2003 football schedule.
Having edged quality Oahu Interscholastic Association Red East Conference rival McKinley 27-26 last week, the Governors (3-1, 3-2) are being rewarded with a game against powerhouse Kahuku (4-0, 3-0) on Friday.
But who better to fearlessly lead the Governors into the big matchup than jack-of-all-trades Matt Bell?
Among many roles, it's Bell's duty to keep the other players laughing and having fun as well as motivated and determined. Several of his teammates say he does those jobs as well as he runs, throws and kicks.
"We have team unity, everyone is together and laughs together," said the 6-foot, 180-pound Bell. "We're brothers who don't get on each other, but who pick each other up."
It's hard to categorize Bell into one position, because he contributes in so many ways. He's best known as Farrington's productive running back, but he also plays linebacker and defensive back, kicks off, returns kicks and punts, and occasionally throws the option pass. He also handles place-kicking duties when needed.
It's no wonder colleges such as Utah, Brigham Young, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska and Oregon State have shown an interest.
But it isn't just football that Bell plays well.
He's also a key ingredient on the Governors' baseball and basketball teams, and scouts are keenly interested in his baseball talents.
"He practices hard in all aspects of the game," Farrington's second-year football coach Randall Okimoto said. "I've been very fortunate to have him for four years, two years on JV and two on varsity. He's grown in size and as a player each of those years, and I've known him to be a good athlete all the way back to his days in Pop Warner."
The Kahuku game at the Roosevelt High School field takes on extra importance for the Governors, who shocked the Red Raiders early in the OIA playoffs a year ago.
"We've been improving every week, but we'll really see where we're at against Kahuku," Okimoto said.
The Red Raiders, who won state championships in 2000 and 2001, have bounced back from a disappointing season in 2002.
"We've got to concentrate against Kahuku to beat them this year," Bell said. "They can throw the ball and they have dangerous weapons like (wide receiver) Spencer Hafoka. We've got all this week to practice and we can't slack off and must stay focused.
"Most people were doubting us before the McKinley win. We believe we can beat Kahuku.
"Last year, our motto was 'Believe' and this year it's 'No excuses.' I really don't know exactly why that's our motto, but I think it's if we get beat on a play or in a game, it's our own fault."
Against McKinley in a game that could have playoff implications down the road, Bell ran for more than 100 yards and scored two touchdowns.
It was one of Bell's most memorable performances, according to Okimoto.
"At halftime, we told the kids we really needed a score and Matt went out and ran for a 69-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He took it upon himself to start it off. He probably had over 100 yards in that third quarter."
Bell's biggest highlight was last year's victory over Kahuku.
"I took a step back after the game and looked at everybody," he said. "It was really an exciting feeling to have won and it reminded me that that's why I love football so much."
The Governors' standout prefers football to baseball and basketball.
"I love the feeling of running past players, getting hit or laying a hit on someone. It really gets your adrenaline rushing," Bell said.
It's doubtful anything can sap the adrenaline from Bell on Friday night in another of Farrington's make-or-break OIA games as the season hits the midpoint and sets up for the climax.
