Monday, December 31, 2001

[ NFL ISLANDERS ]

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Fuamatu-Ma’afala scores
third TD of 2001 season

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By Nick Abramo
nabramo@starbulletin.com

Running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (St. Louis School/University of Utah) rushed 25 times for 55 yards in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 26-23 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

He also caught five passes for 50 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown catch and run on a pass from Kordell Stewart.

The third quarter score gave the Steelers a 23-10 lead before the Bengals rallied for 16 unanswered points.

It was Fuamatu-Ma'afala's third touchdown of the season and the seventh of his career.

He has been starting in place of injured Jerome Bettis.

ASSOCIATED PRESS St. Louis School alumnus Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala of the Pittsburgh Steelers scored the seventh touchdown of his four-year NFL career against Cincinnati yesterday.

Jeff Ulbrich, 49ers: The starting linebacker (University of Hawaii) returned from an ankle injury to make seven tackles yesterday, but the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Dallas Cowboys 27-21.

Ulbrich is still among the 49ers' season leaders in tackles despite missing the last two games.

Kimo von Oelhoffen, Steelers: The starting defensive end (Molokai High School/Boise State) made one tackle in Pittsburgh's win.

Jason Elam, Broncos: The place-kicker (University of Hawaii) made field goals of 27, 25 and 42 yards in Denver's 23-17 win over the Oakland Raiders.

Elam's 42-yarder with 1:32 left gave the Broncos a six-point lead.

He also kicked two extra points.

Olin Kreutz, Bears: The starting center (St. Louis School/University of Washington) and his linemates allowed just one sack in a 24-0 win over the Detroit Lions. The line also helped make it possible for quarterback Jim Miller to pass for 252 yards and for running back Anthony Thomas to churn out 76 tough rushing yards on 25 carries.

Chris Naeole, Saints: The starting guard (St. Louis School/University of Colorado) and the rest of the New Orleans line allowed four sacks on quarterback Aaron Brooks in a 40-10 loss to the Washington Redskins. The Saints' offense was held to 227 yards from scrimmage.

Kynan Forney, Falcons: The starting guard (University of Hawaii) and his teammates on the offensive line gave up four sacks in a 21-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. But the O-line also made room for quarterback Michael Vick to throw for 214 yards and rush for another 63.

Itula Mili, Seahawks: The backup tight end (Kahuku High School/Brigham Young) played sparingly in Seattle's 25-22 victory over the San Diego Chargers.

Dominic Raiola, Lions: The backup center (St. Louis School/University of Nebraska) played on special teams in Detroit's loss to Chicago.

Kaulana Noa, Rams: The backup offensive lineman (Honokaa High School/University of Hawaii) was on the inactive list --as he's been all season -- for St. Louis' 42-17 romp over the Indianapolis Colts.

Ma'a Tanuvasa, Broncos: The defensive lineman (Mililani High School/University of Hawaii) is on injured reserve.

Mario Fatafehi, Cardinals: The defensive lineman (Farrington High School/Kansas State) is on injured reserve.

Adrian Klemm, Patriots: The offensive tackle (University of Hawaii) is on injured reserve.