Sports Notebook Star-Bulletin staff

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McMackin wants WAC to review head-on hit

Helmet-to-helmet contact was announced as a point of emphasis among NCAA officials this season, and Hawaii coach Greg McMackin doesn't want them to forget it.

In the Warriors' 56-10 loss to Florida on Saturday, running back Leon Wright-Jackson was shaken up after a head-on collision with safety Major Wright. The play went for 14 yards, and Wright-Jackson remained down for several moments afterward.

McMackin said yesterday he intends to send a complaint to the Western Athletic Conference about the hit.

"We're going to turn it in to the WAC," he said. "Actually I thought the officials (from the Southeastern Conference) did a pretty good job overall. I'm really proud of how our team didn't get many penalties."

WAC commissioner Karl Benson hadn't yet received a complaint yesterday and explained the normal procedure would be to pass it on to the host SEC.

"In a nonconference game, I don't have any jurisdiction," said Benson, who had not seen the play. "It would be up to the Southeastern Conference to review."

Hawaii was penalized seven times for 60 yards compared to 13 times for 90 yards for Florida.

Last season, dangerous helmet-to-helmet hits came under greater scrutiny in part because of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan's concussion from such a hit, as well as a similar blow that sent Washington signal-caller Jake Locker to a hospital.

Libre to test limits

Despite being diagnosed with a high ankle sprain after the Florida game, senior running back Daniel Libre said yesterday he has no intentions of throwing in the towel for this weekend's contest against Weber State.

Libre, who was still on crutches yesterday, went for 35 yards on just four carries against the Gators.

He was hopeful yesterday he would participate in team practice today or tomorrow.

"Feels good," he said. "I should be tip-top shape. (The crutches are) just to keep the pressure off of it for now, want it to be as good as possible. I can walk."

McMackin expressed doubt yesterday that Libre or starting left tackle Laupepa Letuli (shoulder) would be available on Saturday. High ankle sprains often require weeks of recovery.

However, starting wide receiver Greg Salas, who suffered a minor hand fracture in the game, will be good to go.

"He caught a touchdown - he might be better. I would have broke (his) other hand (too)," McMackin joked.

Offensive coordinator Ron Lee held out hope that Letuli would be made available during the middle of the week.

"There's a chance he'll be ready," Lee said. "We'll see. We got a couple days of practice to go."

If he isn't, Lee said starting left guard Keith AhSoon or reserve Ray Hisatake could move over to the position to compete with Aaron Kia.

The fiery orator

Running backs coach Alex Gerke, who coached Weber State's offensive line for the past two seasons, spoke to the Warriors about what they can expect this weekend against his former team.

"I had him talk to us about the team, and believe me, we're gonna get better and better every week, and we have to play better than we did last week," McMackin said. "This is gonna be a tough ballgame."