[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
Ulbrich, Pisa
play well in West tilt
Former University of Hawaii linebackers Pisa Tinoisamoa of St. Louis and San Francisco's Jeff Ulbrich were active participants in yesterday's overtime win by the Rams.
Ulbrich had six tackles, including a sack of St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger. The fourth-year player also forced a fumble and recovered it, and had a tackle on special teams. But a costly face-mask penalty by Ulbrich led to the Rams' winning field goal in the 27-24 OT game between old rivals.
Tinoisamoa and Ulbrich never played in a game together for the Warriors. Both had their moments yesterday as Tinoisamoa finished with eight tackles for the Rams and also defended a pass. He fell down on the play, but got up quickly and took a football in the chest just as he got to his feet.
Former UH players Jason Elam and Ashley Lelie were involved in Denver's win over the San Diego Chargers. Elam scored 13 points for the Broncos with three field goals and four PATs. Lelie caught two passes for 45 yards. He did not start, but did manage his first two completions of the season. Former Farrington High standout Mario Fatafehi also had two tackles for the Broncos.
Plenty of NFL offensive linemen with island ties started in yesterday's games. Kynan Forney (Hawaii) started at right guard for the Atlanta Falcons, and Olin Kreutz (Saint Louis School) got the nod at center for the Chicago Bears, as did Dominic Raiola (Saint Louis School) for the Detroit Lions. Both guys were involved in losing causes.
So were a pair of Jacksonville offensive linemen. Rookie Vince Manuwai (Farrington/Hawaii) got his second start of the season at left guard and veteran Chris Naeole of Kahuku High fame was in the starting lineup at left guard.
Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala was activated this week for the Jaguars as well, but didn't have a carry in Jacksonville's loss to Buffalo. Bills defensive tackle Lauvale Sape of Leilehua High School was not on the active roster.
Continuing with the offensive linemen theme, former UH standout Adrian Klemm started at right tackle in New England's win over Philadelphia. New Orleans running back James Fenderson (Mililani/Hawaii) got his first carries of the season. He gained 8 yards on three rushes in support of starter Deuce McAllister.
On the defensive side of the ball, Maake Kemoeatu of Kahuku assisted on a tackle in Baltimore's big win over the Cleveland Browns, and Kimo von Oelhoffen of Molokai started and managed two tackles in the Steelers' loss to Kansas City.
Rounding out the local boys was former Kahuku tight end Itula Mili, who caught two passes yesterday for 9 yards in Seattle's win over Arizona. Former UH tackle Wayne Hunter was not on the active roster for Seattle. Former Saint Louis quarterback Jason Gesser did not play for Tennessee in the Titans' loss to Indianapolis.
