[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
Von Oelhoffen notches
a sack and 4 tackles
for Steelers
Several NFL players with local ties had solid performances yesterday and helped their teams secure big wins.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen had a season-high four tackles. The Molokai product, who played his college ball at Boise State, also sacked Cincinnati quarterback Jon Kitna for a 14-yard loss as the Steelers raised their record to 2-1 with a 17-10 victory.
Seattle tight end Itula Mili had a good day as well for the Seahawks. The Kahuku resident, who played his college ball for Brigham Young, had two catches for 34 yards, including a long of 25.
He and former University of Hawaii linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa saw each other on more than one occasion in Seattle's dramatic win over St. Louis. As a tight end, it was Mili's responsibility to block Tinoisamoa from time to time, and it was the rookie linebacker's responsibility to cover Mili on certain pass plays.
Tinoisamoa had another respectable performance for the Rams, finishing with five tackles. The Rams rookie didn't get to play against former University of Hawaii teammate Wayne Hunter. The Seattle offensive tackle remains on the inactive roster.
Three other players with local ties were also on the inactive roster for yesterday's third weekend of the season. They were Washington Redskins wideout Clifford Russell (Campbell/Utah), Tennessee Titans quarterback Jason Gesser (Saint Louis/Washington State) and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Lauvale Sape (Leilehua/Utah).
Such was not the case for several offensive linemen. Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola (Saint Louis/Nebraska) started for the third consecutive game to begin the season. The Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings. They rushed for 77 yards and passed for 235. The O-line yielded two sacks.
Atlanta was also on the losing end yesterday as former University of Hawaii lineman Kynan Forney started for the third straight game at right guard. The Falcons managed only 29 yards rushing and threw for 127 in the loss to defending Super Bowl champs Tampa Bay.
New England and starting right tackle Adrian Klemm had a lot more success against the New York Jets. The former UH O-lineman helped New England gets it second win of the season. Although the line did yield five sacks, the Pats produced 147 yards on the ground and 181 through the air.
Jacksonville had similar numbers, but it didn't keep the Jaguars from falling to 0-3 for the season. For the third consecutive week, former Kahuku High standout Chris Naeole and Farrington High star Vince Manuwai started at their respective guard spots.
The Jaguars had 274 total yards. Unfortunately for local fans, Chris Fuamatu-Maafala (Saint Louis/Utah), didn't have any of them. The veteran running back played, but had no carries. The same can be said for New Orleans Saints running back James Fenderson (Mililani/Hawaii). He also had no tackles on special teams.
Not so for San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich. The former UH All-WAC performer continued to play well with four tackles, but was involved in another close loss for San Francisco. Cleveland scored late to upend San Francisco.
Down the West Coast in San Diego, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu was involved in a win over the Chargers. He played, but did not record a tackle.
