[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
Broncos, Lelie
fall just short
Former University of Hawaii wideout Ashley Lelie almost had a miracle finish of his own.
Last week, Pro Bowl place-kicker Jason Elam (Hawaii) lifted the Broncos over the rainbow with a game-winning boot vs. Pittsburgh. It appeared Lelie would follow in Elam's footsteps in yesterday's meeting in Minnesota.
Trailing the Vikings by eight, third-string Broncos quarterback Danny Kanell lofted a bomb toward Lelie on a third-down play late in the game. For an instant, Lelie got his hands on the ball in the end zone, only to have it poked away by Minnesota cornerback Brian Williams as the Vikings held on for the 28-20 win.
Lelie still managed to catch three passes for 45 yards, including a long of 25. He now has 16 catches for 315 yards and two touchdowns. It was his fourth start of the season.
Elam continues to put up Pro Bowl-like numbers. He hit a pair of 46-yard field goals and extra points. For the season, Elam has converted 15 of 16 field goals and 19 PATs. His 64 points is good enough for second in the NFL. Denver defensive lineman Mario Fatafehi (Farrington/ Kansas State) started his first game, but had no tackles.
New England offensive lineman Adrian Klemm (Hawaii) wasn't around to celebrate the Pats' improbable OT win over the Miami Dolphins. Klemm was placed on injured reserve on Saturday and is out after badly injuring his ankle. He started the first three games of the season for the Pats.
Dominic Raiola (Saint Louis/Nebraska) ran his total season starts to six in yesterday's lopsided loss to the rejuvenated Dallas Cowboys. The Lions' center was part of an uninspired offensive effort that saw Detroit manage only 164 yards against the league's No. 2 defense.
Fellow local boy Olin Kreutz (Saint Louis/Washinton) also started his sixth consecutive game at center. Unfortunately for Kreutz, he too was on the losing side of the scoreboard in Chicago's loss in Seattle. The Bears managed only 236 total yards.
Seattle was far more successful, due in part to the help of tight end Itula Mili (Kahuku/Brigham Young). The Seahawks have moved to a three-wide starting lineup, but Mili still played. He caught one pass for 7 yards.
Former UH linebacker Jeff Ulbrich started his seventh consecutive game for the San Francisco 49ers. The outside backer finished with three total tackles, including two for losses.
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu (Kahuku/Utah) played in yesterday's disappointing loss at Cincinnati. Nicknamed 'Kemo,' the second-year player made the roster in 2002 as a rookie free agent.
Former UH offensive lineman Kynan Forney started his seventh game for the Atlanta Falcons, who have lost six straight since opening the season with a win over Dallas. The right guard was part of an O-line that produced 130 yards rushing, while yielding only one sack.
Forney exchanged pleasantries with UH teammate James Fenderson (Mililani). The New Orleans running back didn't have any carries for the Saints. He did manage two tackles while playing on special teams, tied for the lead in that category.
Rookie St. Louis linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa continues to impress with his all-out play. Starting his sixth consecutive game, the outside backer for the Rams had three tackles and assisted on another. He also had a tackle on special teams in the victory over Green Bay.
Several players with local ties remain on the inactive roster for the seventh week of the season. They are 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).
