Monday, September 28, 1998

First TD comes easily for
Fuamatu-Ma‘afala

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Dick Hoak said it was such a clean play that even he could've scored on it.

Nonetheless, it was Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala's first regular-season National Football League touchdown and it was the key play in the Steelers' 13-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks Sunday at Three Rivers Stadium.

"When I hit the end zone, I didn't know what to do," said the former St. Louis School all-state selection. "I forgot to celebrate."

He did raise his arms but that was about all.

It was a 10-yard run on third down with four wide receivers in place, and it gave the Steelers a 10-7 lead with a little more than 4 minutes left in the half.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala only had one carry in the game, and it was only his second of the season. The first was 2-yard gain in last week's loss at Miami.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala, who is being used as a third-down back, also caught an 8-yard screen pass that nearly got the Steelers a first down.

"We're pleased with him," said the coach.

Fuamatu-Ma'afala now has four receptions for 34 yards in four games.

"It does help my confidence as a receiver because I never was high on my catching ability."

Fuamatu-Ma'afala said that after the game, he found Seattle backup tight end Itula Mili, a former Kahuku High all-state pick, and had a five-minute chat with him.

"Man, I was glad to see someone from home," said Fuamatu-Ma'afala. Mili did not play.

Former Leilehua High star Adrian Murrell scored on a 4-yard run in the Arizona Cardinals' 20-17 victory over St. Louis.

Murrell had 68 yards on 29 carries and a 5-yard pass reception.