Defense holds up for Govs, who remain ranked No. 5

Sometimes, sheer willpower can lift a team above adversity.

That was the case on Saturday, when Farrington overcame the loss of quarterback Elijah Filifili to play perhaps its most balanced game of the season.

The defense came through with a 35-0 win against a Kailua team that had jumped to early leads on Leilehua and Kahuku. Offensively, wide receiver Elijah Lesu caught five passes for 64 yards from backup quarterback Maeli Siliga. Three of Lesu's catches went for first downs, and another went for a touchdown. He also played cornerback.

Farrington's effort helped the Governors maintain their No. 5 ranking in the Star-Bulletin's Top 10 football poll.

Punahou collected 13 of a possible 15 first-place votes to stay on top. The Buffanblu had their second bye week in a row and will face No. 4 Kamehameha this weekend.

Two newcomers arrived in a tie at No. 9: Kealakehe and Lahainaluna.

Before Saturday's game, when Farrington warmed up without Filifili, the possibility of a Kailua upset seemed reasonable.

"You think that, but that's not the case," Kailua coach Gary Rosolowich said. "They're a good team, and they're deep."

Filifili, who suffered a broken bone in his throwing hand during practice on Thursday, is out for two to four weeks.

The Governors have allowed only 21 points in four games. In addition to Saturday's blanking, they shut out Waianae, and held Kamehameha to one touchdown. Coach Randall Okimoto shakes his head, though, at the notion of having the state's best defensive unit.

"No, not us. We're not there yet," he said.

Saints marching: As well as Farrington's defense has performed, Saint Louis has been spectacular. In its 10-3 win over Kamehameha on Friday, the Crusaders permitted just 107 total yards.

Even then, it wasn't just defense. Linebacker Jacob Barit was all over the field, sideline to sideline. The highly recruited senior also gave his team a boost with his foot. He blasted nine punts for a 38.3-yard average to help Saint Louis win the field-position battle most of the night. His four best punts went for 46, 46, 47 and 49 yards with respectable hang time.