StarBulletin.com

Hawaii needs boost in passing game


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POSTED: Friday, October 03, 2008

It's been nearly a month since Hawaii's last touchdown pass.

It's a statistic Mike Washington is well aware of, even if he has a hard time believing it.

Not since Aaron Bain caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against Weber State has a Hawaii receiver finished a play in the end zone.

That was nearly a month ago.

“;Man, I've been thinking about that, since when has the run-and-shoot not had a receiving touchdown?”; said Washington, a senior slot receiver. “;It's been three weeks. It's crazy in a way to not have a receiving touchdown.”;

With their scoring limited to three rushing touchdowns - all by Kealoha Pilares - and a field goal over the last two games, the Warrior offense is looking for more production from the passing game as UH prepares to face No. 22 Fresno State (3-1) tomorrow at Bulldog Stadium.

Kickoff for the Western Athletic Conference game is set for 4 p.m. Hawaii time.

Hawaii (1-3, 0-1 WAC) has four passing touchdowns in four games and is coming off losses to Oregon State and San Jose State in which the Warriors were shut out in the second half.

Three of those passing scores - two to Bain and one to Malcolm Lane - came in the second half against Weber State. Washington, UH's leading receiver with 21 catches for 217 yards, is seeking his first of the year.

The ever-changing quarterback situation hasn't helped the offense's maturation, although Inoke Funaki is scheduled to make his second straight start tomorrow and took most of the snaps in practice this week, bringing some sense of stability.

“;We've been jumping around so much,”; UH offensive coordinator Ron Lee said. “;Now I see the timing getting better, just getting more reps is helping.”;

Said Washington: “;Especially in the run-and-shoot offense, you always need the rhythm and timing between the quarterbacks and receivers. We built up that rhythm with Inoke and we have to get better with it.”;

The receivers have had their moments individually, such as Washington's 109-yard performance against Weber State and Bain's career-best 94-yard night last week.

Greg Salas is averaging 13.6 yards per reception and Lane, whose 42-yard reception represents UH's longest play from scrimmage, had a full week of practice after leaving the San Jose State game with a concussion.

While the receivers hope to make a bigger impact on the offense tomorrow night - and return to the end zone - simply staying ready for their opportunities remains a central part of their roles.

“;You never know when you're going to get the ball and that's the hardest thing about playing receiver,”; said graduate assistant and former UH slotback Craig Stutzmann.

“;Even if you might not get the ball in the first quarter or the second quarter, maybe even the third quarter, you're going to have to stay focused. Because that play that you do get the ball can change the whole complexion of the game.”;

 

Resting up

Defensive linemen Keala Watson and David Veikune and linebacker Adam Leonard sat out yesterday's practice, but UH head coach Greg McMackin said they'll be ready for tomorrow's game. Defensive back and special teams player Richard Torres suffered a concussion last week and did not make the trip yesterday. He plans to be back for next week's home game against Louisiana Tech.

 

Backing up

Greg Alexander followed Funaki in the quarterback rotation in 7-on-7 drills yesterday. Funaki went 18-for-22 in those periods. Lee said the backup role tomorrow would depend on the situation in the game.

 

Switching sides

Freshman Corey Paredes was back in a green practice jersey yesterday.

The Castle grad began fall camp as a linebacker and was moved to running back when injuries thinned the backfield. But with the backs returning to health, Paredes was told Wednesday night that he was returning to defense. Paredes didn't have a carry in his time on offense, but has played in all four games as part of the special teams units.

 

If you go ......

The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California will host two functions in California leading up to the game. The Warrior Nation Rally is set for tonight at the Hukilau restaurant in San Jose. The Warrior Tailgate is set for 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Fresno State's Beiden Field. Admission is free. More details are available at hccnc.com.