With Farrar, Nordhoff Keeps Moving On Up

OJAI —  Nordhoff High’s Russell Farrar groans when he recalls the difficult moments of his job moving furniture last summer.

“Lifting couches up narrow stairs, carrying filing cabinets that people had left all their papers in--it’s tough work,” Farrar said. “You’re always worried about dropping something in front of its owner.”

Ojai’s residents need not fear for their furnishings any more. But Nordhoff football opponents work up a sweat when Farrar, a senior linebacker and fullback, lays a hand or shoulder on them.

In his third year as a starter and after earning All-Frontier League honors in 1995, the 5-9, 185-pound Farrar has boosted his game.

Before suffering a severely sprained ankle Oct. 11 against Bishop Diego, Farrar led the Rangers in both rushing and tackles. He returned in last week’s victory over Carpinteria and remains a top performer, with 576 yards and five touchdowns in 96 carries. He also has 47 tackles.

“[Farrar] is the most dominant defensive player we’ve faced in the last two years,” said St. Bonaventure Coach Jon Mack, whose Seraphs (6-1) lost narrowly to Nordhoff earlier this season.

“He goes full speed all the time, no matter what the situation. He can be fooled or out of position, but his speed and knowledge of the game always allow him to get in on the tackle.”

After a 5-6 campaign last year, the Rangers (6-0-1, 1-0 in league) are rolling behind a retooled ground game and an aggressive defense. Nordhoff plays a pivotal Frontier League game Friday at Calabasas (6-1, 2-0).

Farrar bulls his way behind an offensive line that often features four first-year starters. But the results have been impressive.

“Last year’s team was too laid-back,” Farrar said. “This season we can count on people to make their block or a big tackle.”

With numerous colleges recruiting him, Farrar’s career appears far from over. But he has at least three remaining games to play for his father, Nordhoff Coach Cliff Farrar.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been coached by someone else,” Farrar said. “I’m gonna miss my pops bringing home film for us to watch. I guess I won’t be doing that in my college coach’s house.”