We've been treated to some great high school football games over the years, but few with more twists and turns than last night's OIA semifinal with Farrington finally prevailing over Leilehua on Isiah Iuta's blocked field goal with no time left, 26-24.

Jacksonville Jaguar Vince Manuwai was on the sideline (home on injury rehab), along with fellow former Farrington and UH star Lance Samuseva. Manuwai said it was among the best games he's seen at any level.

“;And not just because I went to Farrington,”; he said, then nodding toward linebacker Justin Vele, who was jogging to the bus clutching a trophy.

“;I got to see my cousin play.”;

The Govs drip with tradition, and plenty of guys can tell you about the old days. Few if any, though, have more sideline cred than trainer/manager George Kamau. He taped his first ankle more than 45 years ago and keeps going strong.

“;I think I've seen a lot,”; Kamau said. “;And this is one of the biggest climaxes. I think it's second. One year we were down to Waipahu 18-0 in the fourth quarter and came back and won. Something like this.”;

It wasn't pretty, what with nine turnovers combined. Call it GEICO football if you must. But it was rock 'em, sock 'em, top-level OIA football; full of hard hitting and big plays.

Farrington's Apelu So'oalo reminded me of Nuu Faaola, a little smaller, but that same rugged running style. He went for 135 and two touchdowns.

And Leilehua's Andrew Manley—his detractors will point at three picks. But how many other quarterbacks in the state except Jeremy Higgins can lead his team back to a chance to win with 57 seconds and no timeouts left?

With election season winding down, a few more talking points:

» Doubleheaders, that's the cure for what ails big league baseball. Each team plays six twinbills a season and the playoffs can start with a week left in September. Knock a couple of days off spring training and open the last week of March, even better. Believe us, Bud—nobody's dreaming of a white Game 7.

Too bad the owners and the players' union will never go for it.

» Why the 7-0 Tennessee Titans have a shot at winning them all: defense, Chris Johnson, defense, LenDale White and, did I mention? ... Defense.

True, they haven't really played anyone that great, but the remaining schedule isn't that daunting either, other than the Steelers—the only team with at least five wins, and they meet at the Titans' place.

» Best college conference?

For pure football, still the SEC. For pure excitement, the Big 12. Discuss.

» Most entertaining halftime stunt last weekend? Greg McMackin's one-man assault on Al Gore's invention or Mike Singletary making A?

It's close, but I know which one I'm glad I didn't see.