[ UH WARRIOR FOOTBALL ]
Most college football teams around the country opened their seasons yesterday. But the only game action the Hawaii athletes got was on their PlayStation systems. Warriors gearing up
for season openerBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comThe Warriors did spend a few minutes in practice yesterday going through their pregame-practice rituals. The dress rehearsal was part of preparation for Saturday's opening game against Montana at Maui's War Memorial Stadium.
Two days earlier, coach June Jones said he didn't think his team was ready for a game. But he changed his mind after a good practice yesterday.
"I wish we were playing this weekend," he said. "I think the guys are ready to go."
The Warriors worked out in helmets and shorts but no pads. They ran about 50 plays of 11-on-11.
The defense seemed to fare better overall, but that might have been because it often knew what was coming. It was obvious the offense was working on plays to counter blitzing defenses -- Jones said earlier in the week he expects Montana to attack on defense.
Running back derby: Tui Ala, Mike Bass and Thero Mitchell played all the downs at the lone running back spot yesterday. None of the three was especially impressive, as the defense smothered most running plays.
Despite how the first two-deep chart of the season (due out tomorrow) reads, Jones and running backs coach Wes Suan said no decision has been made on which of the three will start on Saturday.
"We're splitting them still," Jones said. "Everybody gets about an equal number of reps."
Laboy practices: Sophomore defensive end Travis Laboy, out last spring with a stomach ailment and all of fall camp with a torn hamstring, finally practiced yesterday.
"I'm ready to play, but I'm not 100 percent," he said. "I think it depends on how practice goes (this week). I think I could definitely help the team, but I have to show the coaches."
Tennessee transfer: Walk-on running back Michael Brewster said he transferred from Tennessee to Hawaii on a whim.
"I just came for the fun of it," Brewster said. "Spur of the moment, I don't know what it was."
Brewster (5 feet 7 inches, 172 pounds) will have three years of eligibility left after redshirting this season. In four games as a freshman for the Vols last season, he rushed five times for 48 yards, mostly in mop-up duty.
Other new walk-ons include wide receivers Brett Nakamura and Kimo Yates and defensive back Lono Manners. Nakamura is from Baldwin High School, Yates from Kamehameha Schools and Manners is from Waianae High School. All three are freshmen.
Grizzly win: Yohance Humphery rushed 30 times for 159 yards and a touchdown as Montana beat host Cal Poly 31-17 yesterday, dealing former UH assistant Rich Ellerson a loss in his first game as the head coach.
Grizzly quarterback John Edwards completed 14 of 25 passes for 209 yards and no touchdowns. He was intercepted once.
Montana, known for passing, showed it can grind it out, too, as it rushed 53 times compared to 26 passes.
Strong safety Vince Huntsberger led the Grizzly defense with nine tackles, and scored the game's first points on a 27-yard run with a fumble recovery. Free safety Trey Young made five tackles for losses, including two sacks.
Jacob Yoro, a junior linebacker from Mililani and St. Louis School, made two solo tackles.
Short yardage: Former UH quarterback/defensive back Mike Stennis (1976-80) attended yesterday's practice. ... Punter Mat McBriar held for field goals yesterday. ... Jones said he will take 85 players to Maui. ... Regular starting safety Nate Jackson played well at cornerback yesterday. ... The Warriors are off today but resume practice tomorrow at 7 a.m. ... Clifton Herbert broke a long punt return yesterday that might have gone for a touchdown, even in full-contact practice.
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