World affairs have given the Hawaii defense an extra week to heal from injuries suffered in its season opener against Montana on Sept. 8. Warriors had
extra week to healBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comBut senior starting tackle Mike Iosua (knee, shoulder) is still questionable for Saturday's game at Nevada, defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said.
"He's day-to-day. Hopefully we won't have to use him, and then we have him full-tilt for Rice," Singletary said.
If Iosua is out, it causes a reshuffling of the defensive front. Starting defensive end Houston Ala moves to Iosua's spot, next to Wayne Hunter.
Laanui Correa is at left end, with Joe Correia at right end.
Kevin Jackson, Brett Clowers, Lance Samuseva and Travis Laboy back them up from left to right. All could see considerable playing time, Singletary said.
"The extra week has helped us," Warriors coach June Jones said. "Our confidence has increased. It's helped everyone come together."
Travel plans: The Warriors are set to leave here Thursday morning at 10:30 on an Aloha Airlines charter direct to Reno. It is scheduled to arrive at 6:55 p.m. PST.
"Aloha gave us a nice price," Jones said. "We almost have to go with a charter because of the heightened security."
Knockin' around: There was a lot of hard hitting as the newcomers and scout teamers battled in a full scrimmage. Freshman quarterback Jeff Rhode survived to tell about it.
"I was nervous about it all day, but it was fun," Rhode said. "I think it was good for the whole team. I took some knocks, but I think I gave out my share, too."
Transfer running back Michael Brewster took a pounding, but popped up quickly each time. Defensive backs Chad Kapanui and Lamar Broadway dished out some heavy licks.
Jones was asked if anyone earned a promotion to the travel squad.
"There was some good hitting and some good plays," Jones said. "I'll have to look at the film."
The frontliners cheered and jeered from the side. The biggest applause was when freshman Justin Ayat hit a field goal at the end.
"I told them we wouldn't have to run if he made it," Jones said.
Short yardage: Hawaii practiced in the afternoon yesterday, but shifted back to the morning today, starting at 8. Tomorrow's practice is scheduled for 7 to 9 a.m. ... Nevada will wear American flag decals on the back of their helmets the rest of the season, and a moment of silence will be observed before the National Anthem on Saturday. UH is planning similar observances. ... Hawaii has lost four consecutive conference road games. Its last road WAC victory was 62-41 at San Jose State on Nov. 6, 1999.
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