As the Hawaii football team focuses on facing Cincinnati tomorrow, several Warriors can relate to the emotions running through those players taking the field tonight at Aloha Stadium.

The buzz surrounding the state high school championships brings back vivid memories for those who took part in past title games.

“;That's one of the best memories I've had in football,”; said running back Jayson Rego. “;Just making it to the state championship and winning, I'll remember that for the rest of my life.”;

Rego rushed for 212 yards—the second highest total in a title game—and scored on a 79-yard run in Kamehameha's win over Leilehua in the 2004 title game.

A year later, Miah Ostrowski, now a freshman receiver at UH, caught 11 passes for 108 yards for Punahou against Kahuku in the state final. But the Buffanblu came up just short of the tying score in the final seconds in a 28-21 loss to Kahuku.

Among the youngsters on that team were Manti Te'o, Dalton Hilliard and Robby Toma, who lead Punahou into tonight's Division I final against Leilehua.

“;Every time I watch high school football I think about our senior year and how I wish we could go back in time. But you move on,”; Ostrowski said. “;Hopefully we can get it this time.”;

Warrior quarterback Inoke Funaki carved a place in state championship lore by leading Kahuku to wins over Saint Louis in 2000 and '01.

“;The whole community was hyped up and excited,”; Funaki said, though a little bummed out at the Red Raiders' overtime loss to Leilehua last week. “;I'm sure that's probably how it is for Leilehua with their community in Wahiawa.

“;I remember when the community would feed us the whole week. They'd come over and set up all this food after practice and everything. It's like a similar experience last year when we went to the Sugar Bowl, on a different scale. The whole state was excited. It's the same kind of feeling going into that big game.”;

Game-time decisions

Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin said whether defensive back Ryan Mouton and running back/slotback Kealoha Pilares play tomorrow will be game-time decisions.

Mouton tested his ankle in yesterday's practice at Saint Louis School. Pilares hasn't practiced this week with a foot injury. Both sat out last week's win over Washington State.

Another run?

Running back Daniel Libre is listed as a senior but won't participate in tomorrow's postgame ceremony. He's planning on petitioning for another year of eligibility and hopes to have another shot at a senior walk next fall.

Libre leads the Warriors in rushing with 395 yards and six touchdowns this season. He began his career at Menlo College in 2004 after graduating from Konawaena. He redshirted in 2005 and attended Kapiolani Community College in 2006 before joining the Warriors last year, emerging as an offensive weapon late in the season.

Ticket count

As of yesterday afternoon, about 38,000 tickets had been distributed for the UH-Cincinnati game.

The game is being promoted as Green and White night. The northern half of the stadium (sections L-LL) has been designated to wear green shirts. The south half (sections K-KK) wear white. More details are available at HawaiiAthletics.com.

Around the WAC

Utah defensive coordinator Gary Andersen was introduced as Utah State's new head coach yesterday. Andersen takes over for Brent Guy, who was fired last month. ... Fresno State's Pat Hill announced he's no longer a candidate for the coaching vacancy at Washington. The Bulldogs also accepted a bid to the New Mexico Bowl.