The Windward side will play host to a key O'ahu Interscholastic Association football showdown Friday, as No. 2-ranked Farrington travels to Castle in a meeting of OIA Red Conference Eastern Division powers.

Kickoff is scheduled for about 7:30 p.m., and the game will be televised live statewide on OC16.

Both teams are coming off impressive nonleague victories. Farrington (3-0 overall, 1-0 OIA Red East) rallied past defending state champion Kamehameha, 21-12, and Castle (2-1, 0-1) blanked Damien, 35-0.

Farrington's physical and athletic defense will try to slow down Castle's potent air attack led by senior quarterback Jaymason Lee, who has completed 44 of 72 passes (61 percent) for 549 yards and four touchdowns. Lee's favorite targets so far have been Joshua Kong (10 catches, 166 yards, 1 TD) and Jaques Hough (7-108, 2).

The Govs' defense is led by an outstanding trio of linebackers: Mo Tauaefa, Justin Vele and Lancelot Williams. All three are explosive and have a nose for the ball. The defense overall has been known to make game-turning plays.

Farrington's offense is showing improved balance, with senior quarterback Jared Hakuole finding the mark on two touchdown passes last week. Four of his 13 completions this season have gone for TDs. Tailback Scotland Smith (265 yards, two TDs, 6.3 ypc) is shifty and has the speed to turn the corner. Fullback Tavale Masalosalo is getting more and more of the tough yards and is complementing Smith well on inside runs.

Castle linebacker Jacob Martin recovered a bad punt snap for a touchdown last week and added a fumble recovery later in the first half.

---