HAWAII FOOTBALL
Warriors to face Division I-AA team
Eastern Washington of the Big Sky Conference is expected to fill a spot on the 2007 schedule
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Brennan to announce draft decision next week
It is expected Division I-AA Eastern Washington will fill one of the openings in Hawaii's 2007 football schedule, an EWU spokesman said yesterday.
Sports information director Dave Cook said an EWU game would be at Hawaii, likely in September. He said he did not know if the "contract has been settled yet."
A source in Hawaii said he "knows" EWU is making arrangements to play UH here in 2007.
Eastern Washington went 3-8 overall and finished 3-5 for a sixth-place tie in the 10-team Big Sky Conference.
Hawaii, which finished its season 11-3 with the Dec. 24 victory over Arizona State in the Hawaii Bowl, can play 13 regular-season games. But only nine games have been announced: eight against Western Athletic Conference opponents (dates to be announced) and a Sept. 15 game at UNLV.
Another game, at home against Michigan State, was previously on the schedule.
But Michigan State is trying to get out of the contracted game. MSU officials said they don't want to play a 13th game at Hawaii next year because it would interfere too much with academics.
Michigan State is disputing a $250,000 buyout clause in the
contract for the game. The issue is being handled by lawyers from UH and MSU.
Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier said he cannot announce the Warriors' 2007 football schedule until it is resolved, at the risk of losing some or part of the $250,000.
Frazier was not available for comment last night.
Hawaii has also had discussions with USC about a game in 2007, according to a USC spokesman.
Hula Warriors:
The Kai team will have a decided home-field advantage in the Jan. 14 Cornerstone Bankcard Hula Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Seven players who just completed their UH careers -- plus former Warriors defensive lineman Abu Ma'afala -- will play for the Kai. Ma'afala's teammate at Kamehameha, wide receiver Caleb Spencer (Nevada), will also play for the Kai, as will Utah offensive lineman Tavo Tupola, a former Kahuku standout.
Hawaii safety Leonard Peters, running back Reagan Mauia, defensive ends Melila Purcell and Ikaika Alama-Francis and receiver Ross Dickerson join running back Nate Ilaoa and offensive lineman Dane Uperesa, who had already committed to the game.
The count would've been nine Warriors (10 if you count Ma'afala, who transferred to Cal after two years at UH), but offensive linemen Samson Satele opted instead for the Senior Bowl and Tala Esera for the East-West Shrine Game.
Hula Bowl executive director Joe Dan Rogers said the other Warriors are committed to the Hula Bowl, and he doesn't expect anyone to skip it for another opportunity at this point.
Uperesa said he's still hoping for a Shrine Game invite, but also that he will play in the Hula Bowl regardless. Alama-Francis -- projected as a second-round pick -- could also play in the Shrine or Senior games.
"His key is to get in there and let people see him," UH defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said of Alama-Francis, who did not play high school football.
The strong Hawaii contingent will help Hula Bowl attendance, which has been poor in recent years, Rogers said.
"Also, it's a great opportunity for these players to showcase their talent for the home crowd one more time," Rogers said. "Also, they'll be practicing in front of scouts all week."
Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky will also suit up for the Kai team, Rogers said.
Mouse likely done:
Hawaii coach June Jones said he doesn't expect any staff changes, and that includes his mentor Mouse Davis. Jones wants Davis, his coach at Portland State and pioneer of the run-and-shoot offense, back for a fourth season as an assistant coach.
But Davis, 74, repeated last night that his intention is to retire from coaching.
"I don't know about that," said Davis, when told Jones would like him back. "I've pretty well made up my mind. I never say never, but the chances are pretty slim. I'll still come visit though, since my kid (Jones) is here."
Davis joined the Warriors in August 2004 after leaving the San Diego Riptide arena football (a sport he is credited with helping to invent) team. Jones and Davis coached together at several other stops, including the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions of the NFL and Denver Gold of the USFL.
Davis' likely departure opens a full-time staff spot that could be filled by Dennis McKnight, who coached offensive line and special teams as a graduate assistant in 2006.
"I'm not in need of anything and it's been a great three years," Davis said. "I haven't really been doing that much, so it's probably better for the program."
Maka says he's ready:
Outside linebacker Francis Maka (6-3, 245, College of San Mateo) said he's excited about becoming part of the UH ohana.
"I'm loving the whole family atmosphere," Maka said. "The great season helped me decide on Hawaii, too. Nobody wants to go to a losing program."
He said one of the biggest factors in choosing UH was joining his San Mateo teammate, defensive tackle Ray Hisatake.
Both will enroll at Manoa this semester and plan to participate in spring practice.
Brennan to make announcement next week
Colt Brennan plans to announce his decision on going pro or not next week at a news conference at the University of Hawaii, his father said yesterday.
Hawaii football fans are holding their breath, waiting for word from the record-breaking junior on whether he plans to return to UH or enter the NFL Draft.
"That decision has not been made," Terry Brennan, Colt's father, said yesterday in a phone interview. "We're a ways away. It's kind of interesting. Some people think it's a good idea, some think another year (in college) is the way to go. It's an interesting process."
Colt Brennan, who was sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting and led UH to an 11-3 season while breaking numerous single-season passing records, is scheduled to return to Hawaii on Sunday.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft is Jan. 15.
"Something will probably be said before that," Terry Brennan said.
Players who make themselves available for the draft can change their mind until Jan. 19.
After making his announcement here, Brennan is scheduled to go to New Haven, Conn., the following weekend to take part in the Walter Camp Football Awards ceremony.
Among many other honors he received, Brennan was named to the Camp All-America team and was a finalist for the Camp Player of the Year Award.