Monday, November 26, 2001
[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
Three players with Hawaii ties moved from backup roles into NFL starting lineups yesterday. Fatafehi, Forney, Mili move
into starting lineupsMario Fatafehi (Farrington High School/Kansas State) started at defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals and made one tackle in a 20-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers.
Kynan Forney (University of Hawaii) started at guard for the Atlanta Falcons in a 10-7 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons' offensive line opened holes for four running backs to gain a total of 145 yards, but it also allowed three sacks.
Itula Mili (Kahuku High School/Brigham Young) started at tight end for the Seattle Seahawks in a 19-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Mili carried his load as a blocker but didn't catch a pass.
Of the 10 other NFL players with Hawaii ties, five played yesterday, two are on injured reserve, two played on Thanksgiving and one plays tonight.
Jeff Ulbrich, 49ers: The starting linebacker (Hawaii) made five tackles with four solos in San Francisco's 40-21 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Kimo von Oelhoffen, Steelers: The starting defensive end (Molokai High School/Boise State) made two tackles with one solo in Pittsburgh's 34-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, Steelers: Aside from his blocking duties, the backup running back (St. Louis School/University of Utah) rushed one time for 1 yard in Pittsburgh's win.
Chris Naeole, Saints: The starting guard (Kahuku High School/University of Colorado) and his teammates on the offensive line allowed just one sack against quarterback Aaron Brooks, but New Orleans lost to New England 34-17.
Olin Kreutz, Bears: The starting center (St. Louis School/University of Washington) and his linemates helped Chicago to a 13-6 ball-control victory and allowed just one sack against Minnesota.
Backup guard Kaulana Noa (Honokaa High School/Hawaii) and the St. Louis Rams play against Tampa Bay tonight.
Backup tackle Adrian Klemm (Hawaii) of the New England Patriots and backup defensive tackle Ma'a Tanuvasa (Mililani High School/Hawaii) are on injured reserve, while place-kicker Jason Elam (Hawaii) of the Denver Broncos and backup center Dominic Raiola (St. Louis School/University of Nebraska) of the Detroit Lions played on Turkey Day.
Nick Abramo, Star-Bulletin
