Sports Notebook

Wednesday, September 5, 2001

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Former Hawaii coach
serves as scout

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By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

Rich Ellerson is getting a lot of phone calls from the Islands this week.

His Cal Poly football team lost 31-17 to Montana last weekend. So the former Hawaii defensive coordinator's brain is being picked by the UH staff as the Warriors prepare to open against the Grizzlies on Maui this Saturday.

Even Dick Tomey, Ellerson's former boss at Hawaii and later at Arizona, is looking for information on Montana; Tomey begins his stint as an analyst for UH telecasts Saturday.

Here's one thing Ellerson is telling his friends about: the Grizzlies' physical dominance of his Mustangs.

"They were far and away the more physical," he said. "We were getting handled. Up and down the line we lost the physical battles. We played very hard until the end, but they beat us up pretty good."

Ellerson said he is trying to implement the same defensive system that he used with success at Hawaii and Arizona, which is predicated on quickness. The problem was Montana's offensive front, which averages about 290 pounds, outweighed Cal Poly's defensive front by 30 or 40 pounds at almost all positions.

"It also hurt us that it was the first time playing the system," he said. "Our reaction system was flawed. It became the old Bambi in the headlights syndrome."

On offense, the Mustangs were hampered by five fumbles.

"I'm sure (Hawaii coach) June (Jones) is shaking his head looking at us (on tape)," Ellerson said.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

"If they were in the WAC, they'd be one of the better teams ... maybe win it." -- Jones on Montana.

Can't stay out:

Keani Alapa is officially day-to-day with a left hamstring injury, but yesterday he was more like play-to-play.

The 6-foot, 222-pound sophomore, expected to contribute as a key backup at both outside linebacker spots, started practice on the exercise bike but ended it participating fully in drills.

Alapa played in four games last year before a left knee injury knocked him out for the season. He underwent reconstructive surgery on the knee in November.

Mr. Dependable:

It's easy to forget about Brian Smith, because he doesn't mess up.

"Usually, if they're talking about me, it's bad," said the 6-1, 276-pound senior from Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Smith started all 12 games last year at center. He's played in 36 of a possible 37 games in his UH career, mostly as a long snapper.

Jones said Smith could have a long career in the NFL as a snapper.

Short yardage:

Projected starting cornerback Hyrum Peters remained out of practice yesterday. Starting safety Jacob Espiau was back in action. Nate Jackson, normally a safety, continued to work at corner with Robert Grant at safety. Abraham Elimimian got a lot of reps at corner. ... Although Tui Ala is listed at the top of the depth chart, Jones declined to say who Saturday's starter at running back will be. "Yes, I have (made a decision). But it's mine to know. I'm sure we'll play two or three guys there," he said.