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Tuesday, October 24, 2000
Chang likely The University of Hawaii has found a starting quarterback and is sticking with him.
to remain starting
quarterback
After tough loss to Rice,
Warriors coach June Jones
is not giving up on his
freshman signal callerFOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
By Paul Arnett
Star-BulletinDespite a record-setting performance of the forgettable kind in Saturday's loss at Rice University, true freshman Timmy Chang will be under center for the foreseeable future. Warriors head coach June Jones spent some time yesterday reviewing film with Chang, who threw five interceptions in the 38-13 Western Athletic Conference loss to the Owls.
"It's kind of like I told him after the game, quarterbacks are going to have those games," Jones said. "Some of the things weren't his fault after I looked at the tape. He had to rush a couple of things with guys in his face.
"Some other things he needs to get better at as he plays. He's not going to hurt his confidence, I can tell you that. He's a winner and he's a tough guy. And he's a competitor. All quarterbacks have to learn to deal with adversity. If you're a corner or quarterback, he has to look at the good and bad, and come back by Wednesday feeling good about himself."One thing that helps Jones in his rapport with quarterbacks is the fact he was one himself and can identify with what it's like to be the captain on the bridge. He once threw six interceptions in a game.
"But I threw (a TD pass) on the last play of the game to win," Jones said, then smiled at the memory.
As for Chang, his memory is short. He spoke with reporters after Saturday's game with the ease of someone who had just thrown five touchdown passes rather than five picks. It's the reason Jones didn't pull him in the second half.
Chang was able to erase the interceptions and concentrate on the task at hand, which was leading a comeback. The Warriors were able to cut the deficit to 28-13, but a pair of long drives by Rice late sealed the deal.
"I wish we could have run the ball more against Rice, but when you get into a game with the option you feel the urgency to score," Jones said. "They put the pressure on you because you know you're not going to get the ball back.
"The rushing stuff is more me not calling the runs than not being able to run. I knew James Fenderson had hurt his ribs in the first quarter. They were giving us the pass. So, we've got to put pressure on them. We just didn't do it."
Chad Kapanui shifted gears again. WARRIOR FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
Kapanui now
a running backRecruited out of high school as a quarterback, the former Roosevelt High standout moved to linebacker early in fall camp because he didn't think he would get on the field as quickly as he would staying under center.
Shortly thereafter, Warriors head coach June Jones gave Kapanui a standard test players in the NFL take to see how they might measure up under pressure. Kapanui scored so well, Jones shifted him back to quarterback.
But all that changed this morning during a special scrimmage Jones held for the players of the future. Wearing Afatia Thompson's No. 5 jersey, Kapanui competed at running back and will likely stay there the remainder of the season.
"He wanted a chance to compete there," Jones said today. "We've moved him everywhere throughout fall camp and this season, trying to see how he will do at different spots. I'm not sure where he will end up.
"Probably in the spring we'll have to make a decision where he plays. He has shown promise at every position he's ended up in. He's a good athlete who likes the game. He wants to play at a position that gets him on the field quickly."
Today's scrimmage was limited primarily to scout team competitors or freshmen Jones plans to redshirt. The quarterbacks were Shawn Withy-Allen, Matt Manuma and Kevin Gilbride.
"We were trying to change up practice a little bit and look at some of the younger guys who sometimes don't get to practice as much," Jones said. "There were some good things out there. We got the chance to look at some people to see how they're coming along. A lot of times during the season, they work primarily on the scout team, giving our starters what the opponents look like.
"It's one of those deals where you're trying to change up the monotony of being 1-5 and trying to get everybody plugged in to what we're doing. And it seemed like everyone was."
Injury update
Offensive lineman Vince Manuwai will take it easy this week in hopes of resting a hamstring muscle he tore in the third quarter of last Saturday's 38-13 loss at Rice University."I knew something was wrong, but I wanted to keep on playing," Manuwai said. "I'm not just trying to be a tough guy. I thought I could still play well enough to help us win."
The outlook is good for several other injured payers as well. Defensive linemen Doug Sims (knee) and Mike Iosua (shoulder) are expected to play. Both missed the last game as did running back Afatia Thompson (ankle) and defensive end Joe Correia (foot).
Thompson will start this week because senior running back James Fenderson is out with bruised ribs. Robert Grant will back up Thompson.
Surgery successful
San Jose State sophomore Neil Parry had the foot and ankle of his right leg amputated yesterday, nine days after he suffered a fracture.The 20-year-old injured his right leg on a kickoff return in San Jose State's Oct. 14 game against UTEP.Despite several attempts to save Parry's leg, an infection developed.
San Jose State's team physician announced Sunday that an amputation was necessary.
Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
