Warriors’ Lafaele
gives defensive
line a boost

The Hawaii freshman center provides
help for a depleted group of defensive tackles

Hawaii's thinning group of defensive tackles got a boost with the addition of Michael Lafaele at yesterday's practice.

Lafaele, a second-year freshman center, was moved to the other side of the line because of the loss of both of UH's second-team defensive tackles, Kahai LaCount and Keala Watson.

LaCount, also a converted offensive lineman, is out for probably two or three games with a knee sprain he suffered in last Saturday's 48-26 victory over Nevada.

Watson continues to work out with the Warriors, but he is not medically clear to play because of a condition he chooses not to disclose.

UH (2-2, 2-1 WAC) leaves tonight for a game Saturday at Texas-El Paso (3-2, 1-1). The loser is likely eliminated from the Western Athletic Conference championship race.

The Warriors take on the Miners with only two defensive tackles with much game experience, starters Lui Fuga and Matt Faga. The backups are Larry Sauafea (yet another converted offensive lineman) and junior-college transfer Darrell Tautofi, a senior seeing his first extensive action this fall.

Jones said it made sense to move Lafaele, a 6-foot-1, 297-pound Farrington product who said he was at defensive tackle "a few plays" in high school.

"He was probably our third center. We're looking for bodies. He's a tough guy and we need tough guys to fill in now until we get some guys back," Jones said.

Lafaele was listed on the depth chart as the second-team center. But when starting center Derek Fa'avi missed a game due to injury, Fa'avi was replaced by starting right guard Uriah Moenoa.

"I'll do what they want to help the team," Lafaele said. "I'm learning the basic fronts and basic calls. It's easier than offense. The rest of the guys are all helping me out. It's a good experience for me."

Sauafea said it's important for Lafaele to learn quickly.

"I told him just try to catch up fast. It's a short week for us," he said.

Fuga was asked to critique Lafaele's first day.

"Not bad. First move, bullrush. That's all you need to do at first," the team captain said. "I don't question his toughness, it's there. Now it's technique. You've got to be a technician. I think Mike will get it. He wants it a lot."

Hanging in there: Watson won't play this year, but he will keep his scholarship, Jones said. It will be evaluated later if he retains it after this school year.

"Just because I'm not clear to play doesn't mean I'm not part of this team," Watson said. "I still try to come out and stay in shape and go through the drills. It's possible I could be cleared by the doctors, they're still reviewing my condition. The doctors are still trying to figure out a permanent condition, one they feel comfortable with."

Middle man: Starting middle linebacker Ikaika Curnan is out with a high ankle sprain. His replacement is senior Watson Ho'ohuli, who was in on seven tackles Saturday against Nevada.

Ho'ohuli played in all 12 games as a freshman in 2001, backing up Chris Brown and making 33 tackles. He fell victim to academic problems in 2002. Ho'ohuli bounced back only to tear a knee ligament, requiring season-ending surgery, in his first game last year.

"It's been too long and it's been hard for me," Ho'ohuli said. "I just have to keep working hard and continue what I'm doing."

Second-year freshman Timo Paepule moves up to second on the depth chart after he had seven tackles Saturday, including one for a 3-yard loss and a forced fumble.

Hollingsworth hurt: Junior Cameron Hollingsworth, who replaced starter Kenny Patton at cornerback when the latter strained a hamstring Saturday, got hurt himself yesterday.

Hollingsworth spent the second half of practice sidelined with an icepack on his right knee.

He declined to talk to a reporter.

Patton did not practice, but said Monday he might be able to play at UTEP.

Omega Hogan, Turmarian Moreland and Ray Bass are possibilities to play in place of Patton and Hollingsworth.

Short yardage: The Warriors leave for El Paso tonight on a charter flight. ... UTEP offensive coordinator Eric Price was a graduate assistant at UH under Bob Wagner in 1991. ... Miners defensive lineman Tevita Fifita was born in Honolulu.