Hawaii football coach June Jones said yesterday he does not expect senior offensive lineman Lui Fuata or junior defensive tackle Lui Fuga to be healed enough from injuries to play in the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas. Fuata and Fuga out for
Christmas Day game
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comBoth players are on the Warriors' roster for the postseason game. Early diagnoses by team doctors indicated they might be able to return to action by the bowl game, but that's not the case, Jones said.
Fuata started 32 consecutive games at either left tackle, center or left guard before his left knee was sprained in UH's 20-19 victory over Cincinnati on Nov. 23.
"We would have liked to have had him, but it looks like we won't," Jones said. "Lui (Fuga) won't be back, either."
Fuga's left ankle was broken in Hawaii's season-opening 61-36 win over Eastern Illinois on Aug. 31. After successful surgery, doctors said Fuga had a chance to return by the end of the season.
Starting junior safety Hyrum Peters injured his left knee in a 21-16 loss to Alabama on Nov. 30. He will likely play in the Hawaii Bowl.
Senior special teams player/running back Jonathan Kauka was lost for the year with a knee injury from the 35-32 loss at Brigham Young on Sept. 6. He is petitioning the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility.
Tunes for Nate: A musical benefit for former Warriors safety Nate Jackson is on tap for Thursday night at the Sheraton Waikiki Hawaii Ballroom.
The lineup includes Henry Kapono, Amy Gilliom, Ernie Cruz, Sean Na'auao, Anela'ikalani, Moke Boy, Reign and Tino.
Jackson was hospitalized for more than a month and underwent surgery to replace a damaged heart valve after suffering complications from a viral infection.
Tickets are $25 and available at Ticket Plus outlets, Foodland and Sack 'n' Save stores, and the Sheraton Dining Desk. They can also be purchased by phone at 526-4400.
Also, Hawaii Bowl executive director Jim Donovan said he is trying to make arrangements for Jackson to make an appearance at Aloha Stadium the day of the game, which is also Jackson's birthday.
Up for it: Although Tulane is 7-5 and not exactly the first name that comes up when you think of college football, Jones said he is excited about the game.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Christmas, national TV. It's exciting and good for our program," he said. "I've looked at three of their games so far (on tape), I'll probably look at all of them. They're pretty talented at some positions. They won seven games for a reason. They're a pretty good football team."
Bowl week activities: Tulane is scheduled to arrive 5 a.m. Friday, the morning after UH checks into the Sheraton Moana.
A welcome reception dinner is slated aboard the USS Missouri on Saturday, after the teams tour the Arizona Memorial.
Players will make a visit to the Shriner's Hospital on Sunday afternoon.
Short yardage: Around 300 ConAgra Foods employees are expected to attend the Hawaii Bowl, Donovan said. ... A crew from the Pac-10 will officiate the game. ... Jones said he will accompany defensive backs coach Rich Miano on a recruiting trip to American Samoa next month. ... Former UH inside receiver Craig Stutzmann is working out for a possible arena football tryout.