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RAINBOW FOOTBALL

Rolovich fine after
taking a beating

THE availability of University of Hawaii quarterback Tim Chang for this week's game with Nevada depends on how well he shakes the aftershock of the hit he suffered nine days ago.

Warriors head coach June Jones said it was a game-time decision to hold the true freshman out of last Saturday's matchup at Fresno State. And judging by the beating backup Nick Rolovich took, it was a wise one.

"We never really cleared Timmy," UH team physician Andrew Nichols said Saturday night. "Fortunately, the coaches didn't try to rush his progress. It was a mutual decision that was in the best interest of the player."

Jones said after the 45-27 loss to the Bulldogs that Chang would start this Saturday night in the first of four home games to close the disastrous 2000 season. Perhaps having him in there would have made a difference, but not likely.

Rolovich hit 26 of 44 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions and was not sacked. But much like Chang in the loss to San Jose State, Rolovich suffered a beating after releasing the football.

"But I'm fine," Rolovich said. "The line did a great job protecting me. When the coaches told me I was going to start, I felt bad for Timmy because I know he wanted to play. I was also excited to play in front of my family and friends. I just wish we could have got the win."

Jones said Rolovich had his moments, but the Warriors also failed to convert in several critical situations as Chang looked on from the sidelines. He offered encouragement and advice, but was never close to coming in.

"He will probably start next Saturday," Jones said. "It just depends on how he feels."

Chang said he wasn't able to play because of headaches and fatigue caused by the controversial hit by San Jose State middle linebacker Josh Parry.

"I don't think he was feeling well, even before the game," UH quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison said. "He was disappointed. But it's important he get healthy and be ready for the final month of the season."

Grant scores first touchdown

Junior running back Robert Grant scored the first touchdown of his Division I career on a 7-yard run on the last play of the game. Grant came in for an ailing James Fenderson, who wore special pads to protect his sore ribs. Grant finished with 7 yards on three carries. Fenderson led all backs with 124 yards and one touchdown.

"I needed a shot before the game to help me with the pain," Fenderson said in an empty UH locker room. He was the last player to board the bus back to the hotel. The 22 carries left him winded as he managed his second 100-yard game of the season. The other came against Texas Christian.

"Fendo had a good game for us," Jones said. "He ran the ball hard and gave us some tough yardage on the ground. He's a tough guy. He'll probably have to start for us again this weekend."

Make-shift defense

The defense played in a make-shift alignment that saw Anthony Smith switching from right outside linebacker to left. The tackles seeing the most action up front were Miles Garner, Lui Fuga and Doug Sims. Jones also used first-year players Lance Samuseva and Brett Clowers.

Offensive lineman Vince Manuwai was unable to play because of a pulled hamstring. Shayne Kajioka was steady in his first career start at right guard.