[ NFL ISLANDERS ]
Lelie helps Broncos
to postseason
Ashley Lelie appears to have shaken his sophomore slump -- just in time for the postseason, and partly due to his efforts yesterday, there will be one for the Denver Broncos.
The receiver from Radford High School and the University of Hawaii caught five passes for a career-high 115 yards as Denver clinched a spot in the playoffs by beating Indianapolis 31-17 on the road.
Kicker Jason Elam (UH) helped out with a 24-yard field goal and four extra points.
Defensive tackle Mario Fatafehi (Farrington/Kansas State) started again for Denver and made one stop.
Offensive tackle Makoa Freitas (Kamehameha/Arizona) did not start, but the rookie did get some playing time for the Colts.
Chicago center Olin Kreutz (Saint Louis/Washington) was named to start his third consecutive Pro Bowl last week. He celebrated by helping pave the way as Anthony Thomas rushed for 141 yards in the Bears' 27-24 win over the Redskins.
Wide receiver Cliff Russell (Campbell/Utah) played for Washington and made a tackle on special teams.
Seattle tight end Itula Mili (Kahuku/Brigham Young) led the Seahawks with six catches for 70 yards in a 28-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Titans quarterback Jason Gesser (Saint Louis/Washington State) was not activated, as Tennessee picked up veteran Neil O'Donnell to back up Steve McNair. It didn't matter anyway, as McNair shook off his many injuries to lead the Titans to a 27-24 win over the Houston Texans.
San Francisco linebacker Jeff Ulbrich (UH) was in on four tackles as the 49ers beat the Eagles 31-28 in overtime.
Jaguars running back Fred Taylor might consider nice Christmas presents for starting guards Chris Naeole (Kahuku/ Colorado) and Vince Manuwai (Farrington/Hawaii) and their linemates after they opened holes for Taylor's 194-yard rushing performance. Backup Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (Saint Louis/Utah) also got five carries for 15 yards for the winners in Jacksonville's 20-19 victory over the Saints. New Orleans reserve running back James Fenderson (Mililani/Hawaii) remains on injured reserve.
Detroit center Dominic Raiola (Saint Louis/Nebraska) started his 15th game of the season, but the Lions (4-11) lost again, this time 20-14 to the Panthers of Carolina.
St. Louis linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (Hawaii) was in on three tackles in the Rams' 27-10 thumping of the upstart Cincinnati Bengals.
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Kahuku/Utah) had four tackles, including a sack, in a 35-0 pounding of Cleveland.
Defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen (Molokai/Boise State) started for Pittsburgh in the Steelers' 40-24 romp over the Chargers, but was not credited with any tackles.