[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hawaii alumnus Jeff Ulbrich made a season-high nine tackles yesterday, but his 49ers lost to Green Bay.
Players take
losing lumps
It was a tough day for most of the island boys in the National Football League.
Denver's Ashley Lelie (Radford/Hawaii) epitomized the frustration yesterday after catching only one pass for 2 yards in a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears. It was the eighth start of the season for the second-year wideout.
Former Hawaii place-kicker Jason Elam made only one of two field goals for Denver, while Mario Fatafehi (Farrington/ Kansas State) finished with three tackles in his first start of the season. He faced off several times with fellow island boy Olin Kreutz (Saint Louis/Washington).
The Bears' All-Pro center started his 10th game of the season, and while the Bears had only 232 total yards, it was more than enough to secure the 19-10 upset that hurt Denver's chances of making the postseason.
Seattle received a serious setback in the Seahawks' postseason run as well. Veteran tight end Itula Mili (Kahuku/BYU) started his eighth game in the 44-41 overtime loss at Baltimore. He caught four passes for 54 yards. He was able to talk story with fellow Kahuku grad Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Utah). The Ravens' defensive tackle played but had no tackles.
Jacksonville offensive lineman Vince Manuwai (Farrington/ Hawaii) returned to action after missing last week with a foot injury. He didn't start at left guard in the loss to the New York Jets, but Chris Naeole (Kahuku/Colorado) got the nod at right guard for the 11th consecutive time this season. Fellow island boy Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Saint Louis/Utah) played briefly for the Jaguars. He had two carries for 2 yards, including a touchdown.
San Francisco outside linebacker Jeff Ulbrich (Hawaii) started his 11th straight game in the 49ers' loss at Green Bay. Ulbrich finished second on the team with nine stops, his best single-day performance of the year.
Like Ulbrich, Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola started for the 11th time. And like Ulbrich, he was on the losing side of the scoreboard, in a game at Minnesota. The Lions managed a meager 241 yards in total offense.
Pittsburgh's defense was stingy itself at Cleveland in the Steelers' surprising road win. Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen (Molokai/Boise State) started his 11th game this year. He had two tackles, including a sack for 8 yards.
Indianapolis O-lineman Makoa Freitas (Kamehameha/Arizona) celebrated a big win at Buffalo as the Colts rallied late for the win. It was his fifth start at tackle. Indianapolis produced 332 total yards vs. a stout Bills defense.
St. Louis' defense wasn't particularly sound in an OT win at Arizona, but good enough to move into first in the NFC West. Rookie outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (Hawaii) started his 11th straight game and had three tackles and an interception.
Atlanta produced enough points and yards to win, thanks in part to O-lineman Kynan Forney. The Falcons scored 31 points. Unfortunately for Forney and Co., Tennessee scored 38 to get its ninth win of the season.
