Playmaking trio spur Governors on defensive side

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

AH CHING NOGA

CRISOSTOMO

FAGALELE

With seniors Jerome Crisostomo, Taeao Fagalele and Jeffrey Ah Ching Noga on defense, the Govs can provide excitement on both sides of the ball.

"We move those three guys all around, and they make the plays," Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said. "And as far as work ethic, they're some of the best that we have on the team, and it shows on the field."

The omnipresent trio — none of whom weighs more than 145 pounds — provides interceptions, sacks and pass breakups that not only spur the defense, but ignite the whole team.

"They've got a good group back there," said Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai, whose Red Raiders (12-0) take on the Governors (7-4-1) in a state semifinal game today at 5 p.m. "They make things happen."

Although all three players are listed on the roster as defensive backs, each does much more. Crisostomo, 5 feet 4 and 130 pounds, plays cornerback and free safety and also returns punts and kicks. In a state quarterfinal victory over Hilo last week, Crisostomo made an interception on the Vikings' third play from scrimmage and returned a punt for 31 yards later in the half.

"People always try to pick on Jerome, but he's got more picks than touchdowns thrown against him," Okimoto said. "He's tiny, but he's reliable."

Farrington relied on Fagalele (5-11, 145) to help the Govs earn a crucial 13-13 tie with Kailua late in the regular season. His 51-yard fumble return for a touchdown gave Farrington a 7-6 lead in the third quarter, then his blocked punt was returned for a touchdown by Fataiagogo Fonoti to put the Governors up 13-6 in the fourth quarter.

Okimoto said Fagalele, who plays cornerback, free safety and linebacker, has received interest from Oregon State.

Ah Ching Noga (5-7, 145) also is no stranger to big plays. On Hilo's first series of the second half last week, the Vikings drove to the Farrington 17-yard line — their deepest penetration of the game to that point. But on fourth-and-15, Ah Ching Noga intercepted a pass and returned it 47 yards to set up a touchdown that made the score 27-0.

"We scout every team, and every mistake we make, we try to learn from it," Ah Ching Noga said. "We always try to become better."

Crisostomo agreed that the turnovers do not all happen by accident.

"Every game, we try to come up with four turnovers, that's our goal," he said. "Our coach tells us if we can do that, we can win."

Crisostomo added he looks at his lack of size as an advantage.

"I just try to stick to my man, and (quarterbacks) can't see me because I'm small," he said. "All they're looking at is the receiver."

Fagalele said that capitalizing on opponents' mistakes also requires hard work and alertness.

"The coaches put us in the position to make the plays," Fagalele said. "They tell us that you always have to give 100 percent, because you never know what might bounce your way. Everybody has to do their part, because if we can give the ball to the offense, then the other team's defense will get tired."

For Ah Ching Noga, there is the additional motivation to uphold a family tradition at Farrington, where his uncles Falaniko, Pete and Al and cousin Falaniko Jr. had all-star careers. Ah Ching Noga's father, John, is the oldest of the Noga brothers.

They're listed as defensive backs on the Farrington roster, but seniors Jerome Crisostomo, Taeao Fagalele and Jeffrey Ah Ching Noga seemingly roam the entire field while making momentum-turning plays. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Okimoto said he's doing a good job with that.

"Jeffrey is very humble and well-mannered," Okimoto said. "He handles it all well. He may not have the physique of the other Nogas, but he has the same football mentality."

The big plays and senior leadership from Crisostomo, Fagalele and Ah Ching Noga have helped other parts of the defensive unit develop throughout the season.

In particular, defensive linemen Fonoti, Presley Tagaloa and Josaiah Milo now combine to form a strong pass rush.

A complete effort will be needed to stop a Kahuku offense that averages 38.9 points per game, including victories of 40-7 and 42-18 over Farrington.

"We gotta make the tackles this time," Crisostomo said. "We're improving, but we still haven't played that perfect game yet."

EXTRA POINTS: Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said starting quarterback Waika Carvalho is healthy and ready to play. Carvalho was injured in a dirt bike accident and sat out last week's 41-3 victory over Kaua'i. Also, Livai said leading rusher Hyrum Moors also is expected to play today. Moors sat out last week for disciplinary reasons. ... Farrington started the season 3-3, but is 4-1-1 in its last six games.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.

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