[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
Murrell returns
with ’Boys
Adrian Murrell's return to a football field won't grab any national headlines, but at least the former Leilehua High running back helped lead Dallas past Washington, one of his former teams.
The 33-year-old, who played his college ball at West Virginia, was picked up earlier this week by Cowboys main man Bill Parcells. He coached Murrell during their days with the New York Jets.
Murrell carried the ball nine times for 20 yards, including a long of 9. Prior to yesterday's win, the last time Murrell played was with the Redskins in 2000. That year, he had 20 carries for 50 yards.
Former Saint Louis School centers Dominic Raiola (Nebraska) and Olin Kreutz (Washington) spent a rare Sunday in winning locker rooms.
Raiola's Detroit Lions produced only 229 total yards, but it was enough to secure a 23-13 win over the rudderless Raiders. Raiola was part of an O-line effort that kept quarterback Joey Harrington safe in the pocket throughout the afternoon.
Kreutz's O-line mates for the Chicago Bears weren't quite as successful in protecting quarterback Chris Chandler. He was sacked twice. But the O-line did lead the way in the decisive 20-7 win over San Diego, however, with 349 total yards.
Fellow island boys Chris Naeole (Kahuku/Colorado), Vince Manuwai (Farrington/Hawaii) and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Saint Louis/Utah) weren't as fortunate. Offensive guards Naeole and Manuwai started their eighth consecutive game, but were on the losing end for a seventh time.
Jacksonville teammate Fuamatu-Ma'afala carried the football four times for 24 yards, including a long of 15, but it wasn't enough to avoid the loss to Baltimore. Ravens defensive lineman Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Farrington/Utah) contributed in the win with one tackle.
Fellow defensive lineman Kimo von Oelhoffen (Molokai/ Boise State) had one tackle as well in Pittsburgh's loss to Seattle. The Seahawks' Itula Mili (Kahuku/BYU) was back in the starting lineup this week. The tight end caught two passes for 21 yards.
For the first time this season, New Orleans running back James Fenderson (Mililani/ Hawaii) was not on the active roster. He was listed as doubtful last week with a foot injury.
Former Hawaii teammate Kynan Forney did start for the eighth time this season for Atlanta. Unfortunately for the offensive guard, the Falcons lost for the seventh straight time.
Three players with island ties will take part in Monday Night Football. They are Denver's Jason Elam (Hawaii), Ashley Lelie (Radford/Hawaii) and Mario Fatafehi (Farrington/Kansas State).
