[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
As the San Francisco 49ers prepared to face the San Diego Chargers yesterday, one Bay Area newspaper spotlighted 49er linebacker Jeff Ulbrich vs. running back LaDainian Tomlinson as a key matchup. Ulbrich in on 6 tackles
From staff and wire reports
Tomlinson and his Chargers won the matchup, taking the game in overtime 20-17, but Ulbrich and his professional teammates fared well in stopping Tomlinson, holding him to 88 yards on 24 carries, keeping him below his season averages of about 107 yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry.
Ulbrich stuffed Tomlinson four times, twice for no gain and once apiece after gains of 1 and 2 yards. The Hawaii alumnus totalled three solo tackles and three assists for the game.
Also starting in the game was former Kahuku standout Toniu Fonoti, at right guard for the Chargers.
Another Kahuku graduate, Seattle starting tight end Itula Mili, stayed hot with four catches for a team-high 41 yards.
Other offensive contributors with Hawaii ties yesterday included former Radford and Hawaii receiver Ashley Lelie (two 9-yard completions for the Broncos) and former Mililani and Hawaii running back James Fenderson (two carries for 13 yards, a 5-yard reception for the Saints). Denver kicker Jason Elam (Hawaii) made four extra points and one of two field goals, hitting from 45 after missing from 40.
Defensively, Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen (Molokai) started and made a solo tackle and two assists, one for a loss, and Ravens defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu (Kahuku) made a solo tackle and an assist.
Also starting yesterday were centers Dominic Raiola (St. Louis) of the Lions and Kevin Mawae (dad grew up in Hawaii) of the Jets, right guards Kynan Forney (Hawaii) of the Falcons and Chris Naeole (Kahuku) of Jacksonville.
Hawaii alumnus Adrian Klemm came off the bench on the Patriots' offensive line.
Bears center Olin Kreutz (St. Louis) is expected to miss tonight's game against the Rams after having an appendectomy last Monday.
National Football League
