StarBulletin.com

Some Warriors have much to prove


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POSTED: Saturday, April 25, 2009

There may be a plate lunch or two on the line at Hawaii's spring game this afternoon.

Certainly, intrasquad bragging rights over the summer will be among the motivations.

But for several members of the roster, the impact of the Warrior Bowl will be measured in a meeting tomorrow rather than on the Aloha Stadium scoreboard today.

Whether competing for a starting spot or simply a spot on the team, the spring game represents a last chance to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff.

Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said the staff will meet tomorrow to solidify the depth chart heading into the summer and trim the 114-player spring roster to make room for the incoming recruits in advance of fall camp, when the team is limited to 105 players.

While the decision-making process encompasses the 14 practices since March 30, the spring game will give the staff a chance to evaluate the players in a game-like setting.

“;I want them to have fun and come together,”; McMackin said. “;You've got to have fun playing football or it's not worth it. They've been really working hard, so I want them to go out and play good football, because there's a lot of jobs on the line. There's a lot at stake.

“;I'll tell them I want them to have themselves ready just like it's a regular ballgame mentally, and then have fun playing football. We're going to meet Sunday and make decisions, so this game definitely figures into what's going on.”;

For some already expected to make the fall camp roster, there's the allure of the lone remaining scholarship left to be awarded. McMackin said that decision will also be made tomorrow.

“;It's really big for me because I'm still a walk-on and I'm still trying to work on getting a scholarship,”; said sophomore linebacker Cory Paredes, who spent most of the spring with the first unit. “;So hopefully I perform at my best and hopefully win one.”;

Of course, there's still the friendly competition between the teams coached by defensive coordinator Cal Lee and offensive coordinator Ron Lee. Thursday's practice provided a sample when the teams faced off in a 2-minute drill period.

“;It's going to be real competitive,”; Makai quarterback Brent Rausch said after throwing a touchdown pass to end the practice. “;It was pretty competitive (Thursday) and now it's going to be like a real game.”;

The Warrior Bowl festivities begin with an autograph session at 1 p.m. The game between the Mauka and Makai teams is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.

The four-quarter scrimmage will be full contact, except for quarterbacks, who remain off-limits to hitting.

The first quarter will be played with normal timing rules, the remaining three quarters will be under running time. The normal stoppages will again be enforced in the final 2 minutes of each half.

There will be no kickoffs or punts. The ball will be placed at the 30-yard line after scores. If the offense is inside the 40 on fourth down, it will have to attempt a play. Outside the 40, there will be a mandatory punt with a 30-yard net. Each team is allowed one trick play and one blitz.

Looking ahead

Prior to the game, the Warriors will host the program's first Junior Day. Some of the state's top prospects and their parents were invited to the event based on recommendations from high school coaches.

They'll have a chance to tour the campus and meet with coaches, and parents will have an opportunity to hear from current players. After lunch (which they will pay for) the group will attend the Warrior Bowl.

Warrior Bowl

At Aloha Stadium. Autograph session starts at 1 p.m., the game is scheduled for 3. The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet will be open. Fans will be charged $1 per person to enter the parking lot (children under 12 free). Admission to the stadium is free. Fan seating on makai side of the stadium.

Rosters

MAUKA

QB: Shane Austin, Greg Alexander, Steele Jantz

RB: Inoke Funaki, Jayson Rego, Kimo Alo, Kahekili Kalalau

WR: Greg Salas, Rodney Bradley, Billy Ray Stutzmann, Kealoha Pilares, Daniel Lofton, Royce Pollard, Jett Jasper, Corey Paclebar, Ryan Henry

OL: John Estes, Austin Hansen, David Garness, Kaha'i Choy, Adrian Thomas, Tuiatua Tuiasosopo, Raphael Ieru, Bronson Tiwanak, Aaron Kia, Steven Rodenhurst

DL: Abraham Cavaco-Amoy, Alema Tachibana, Geordon Hanohano, Cameron Allen-Jones, Ikaika Mahoe, Quentin Beaver, Elliott Purcell, Rocky Savaiigaea, Waylon Lolotai, Aaron Rink, David Hafoka, Alasi Toilolo

LB: Brashton Satele, Viliami Nauahi, Josh Andrews, Joshua Rice, Joseph Malabuyoc, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane

DB: Lametrius Davis, Tank Hopkins, Lewis Walker, Kawika Ornellas, Richard Torres, Jordan Gomes, Fesootai Papalii, Mana Silva

Head coach: Cal Lee

Assistants: Nick Rolovich, Dave Aranda, Chris Tormey, Brian Smith, Craig Stutzmann

MAKAI

QB: Brent Rausch, Bryant Moniz

RB: Leon Wright-Jackson, Kennedy Carlson, Hogan Rosehill, Joey Cadiz

WR: Jon Medeiros, Dustin Blount, Jovonte Taylor, Rick Taylor, Matt Kiel, Jeremiah Ostrowski, Troy Lauduski, Joe Avery, Mike Tinoco, Malcolm Lane

OL: Laupepa Letuli, Levi Legay, Matagisila Lefiti, Joey Lipp, Lucas Kennard, Brysen Ginlack, Ray Hisatake, Andrew Faaumu, Clayton Laurel, Drew Uperesa, Brett Leonard, Daniel Johnson

DL: Victor Clore, Tuika Tufaga, Bo Montgomery, John Fonoti, Keahi Watson, Antwan Mahaley, Chris Leatigaga, Vaughn Meatoga, Liko Satele, Haku Correa

LB: Po'okela Ahmad, Cory Paredes, Mana Lolotai, Marc Moody, Art Laurel

DB: Spencer Smith, Jeramy Bryant, Rykin Enos, Steve Stepter, Cody Walker, Marvin Judd, Kenny Estes, Steven Christian

Head coach: Ron Lee

Assistants: Rich Miano, Gordy Shaw, George Lumpkin, Mike Smith, Chris Williams