Sports Notebook
Star-Bulletin staff
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Sophomore deep-threat receiver Lane sees both sides
Malcolm Lane's knowledge of the Hawaii offense will be tested this week when the Warriors play Charleston Southern.
The sophomore wide receiver started the season trading reps with C.J. Hawthorne at the Z (right side) position.
Yesterday, Lane spent time on the other side of the field at the X spot. Starter Jason Rivers missed another day of practice nursing a back strain and may not play this weekend. He was receiving treatment yesterday morning.
"It's still bothering him," coach June Jones said. "I told him he'll only play if he can go full-on."
For Lane -- a guy in just his second season in this offense -- a switch to the other side of the field isn't as easy as it sounds.
"It's a little awkward, but I am picking it up more and more every day," Lane said. "I've never ran routes on the left side."
Lane -- who caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Graunke in Saturday's 49-14 win at UNLV -- took most of the reps with the starters yesterday in Rivers' place. Junior Dylan Linkner also saw some time.
Lane said he's comfortable with knowing the play calls. It's more the little things he needs to practice.
"It's just running routes and turning one way while turning my head the other way," he said.
As a true freshman last fall, Lane played in 11 games and caught three passes for 120 yards. With two catches for 102 yards this fall, he averages 48.4 yards per reception. He also has a 94-yard kickoff return for a TD.
Linkner, in his fourth year in the system, has had more time to learn this offense and is comfortable with playing on either side.
"For some it can be confusing moving around," Linkner said. "Once you understand the whole concept of what we're trying to do, it's a lot easier."
Linkner has four career receptions in 10 games for an 11.0 yard average.
Kepo'o hospitalized
Backup quarterback
Kiran Kepo'o remained hospitalized at Queen's after an accident while riding his bicycle on campus Tuesday night.
"The right side of his face might need surgery," said his mother, Michele Kepo'o. "He may have a fractured cheek and his right eye is swollen shut."
She said doctors diagnosed no internal injuries.
"I'm doing fine," Kiran Kepo'o said. "I'm not sure when I'll be released."
He said he could not remember details of the accident.
"Campus security found him sitting down and they think he fell. They don't know if a car was involved or not," Michele Kepoo said. "We don't know what happened yet."
Kepo'o is a 2006 Iolani School graduate who joined the Warriors last spring. He has been working with the scout team.
Sauafea sits out
Starting right guard Larry Sauafea sat out practice yesterday, but said it was nothing major.
"Just a little sick," Sauafea said. "I just needed to rest a little more."
Lafu Tuioti-Mariner practiced with the first team in his place. Sauafea said he expects to be back today.
Blaze ready
Blaze Soares was suited up and ready to go, but the sophomore who was slated to start at strongside linebacker entering the season once again did not get team reps.
"They're trying to ease me in," said Soares, who is coming off hamstring and shoulder woes. "We're not pushing too fast."
Tickets moving
More than 31,000 tickets had been issued for Saturday's game as of close of business yesterday, UH spokesman
Derek Inouchi said.
That means parking will be available at Ford Island. Around 2,000 vehicles can be accommodated there. Parking is $5 with free shuttle service. Alternate parking sites are also at Kam Drive-In, Leeward Community College and Radford High School. They all open at 2:30 p.m.
The lower Halawa parking lot opens at 1:30 p.m. Kickoff is at 6:05 p.m.