You're feeling jilted and betrayed. But this is nothing new, University of Hawaii football fans. Going back half a century to Duffy Daugherty at Michigan State, mainland schools have always grabbed many of the best prospects from here.

Let me suggest the same rule for after a tough loss ... 48 hours. Then be over it. Remember, it's their lives. And if you're still bummed about it tomorrow, you need to consider getting one.

Recruiting Hawaii hasn't gotten easier for UH. The Warriors got creamed for the cream of the crop this year. The enemies come from all angles now; not just the WAC, but even Waco—a couple of islanders considered Baylor.

It used to be just one or two schools, but now everyone's looking for the next Manti Te'o, or just a reasonable facsimile since there will likely never be another Manti Te'o.

Washington's a big part of it, back to the '80s when the Dawgs dogged UH in the recruiting wars especially hard, along with BYU.

The Huskies plucked four local plums yesterday. If the Warriors had gotten even two from among Micah Hatchie, Hauoli Jamora, Lawrence Lagafuaina and Taz Stevenson, UH could call it a very successful local recruiting class.

Coach Greg McMackin tried to make it through his news conference yesterday without a mention of the “;W”; word, calling it “;that school”; instead. He almost made it. He said it worked both ways, that the Warriors did beat the Huskies on a couple of recruits, too, including Dee Maggitt (sounds like “;magic,”;) from Tacoma—a good get, considering he was the top-ranked corner in Washington.

But UW turned Cooper Pelluer late ... which sort of makes sense, because a Pelluer going to UH would be like a Noga or Satele choosing the Huskies over the Warriors.

Lagafuaina, the Aiea defensive tackle, struggled hard with turning down Hawaii, de-committing, then re-committing to “;that school.”; Usually if it comes down to food, it means a local guy is going to stay home. But Lagafuaina said the availability of a culinary arts major at Washington helped in his choice; Manoa doesn't have a five-course course of study for budding chefs.

“;I want to own a restaurant and be the chef,”; says Lagafuaina, who apparently watches the Food Network as much as ESPN. Maybe UH alums Alan Wong and Sam Choy should have been part of the recruiting process. Are free cooking lessons an NCAA violation?

McMackin, of course, wants to focus on the players UH got, not the ones who got away. The new Warriors linebackers are big ... we'll find out if they can run and pass cover. I saw the new quarterback, Kevin Spain, make a pretty pass to his left while running right ... I don't know if he can make all the throws, but I know for sure he can make one of the more difficult ones.

There are five receivers, including diminutive speedster Allen Sampson from Plant High in the Tampa area. Plant is a perennial Florida powerhouse, and “;Turbo's”; high school teammate could be the nation's No. 1 prospect next year. Running back James Wilder, Jr., will likely choose Florida or Florida State ... but go ahead, dreaming is free.

And you know it's not your daddy's recruiting world when Boise State beats Notre Dame for a prospect. Jeremy Ioane provided the local surprise of the day. But, unfortunately for UH, it's the same as it's been for generations when a top player from the islands chooses between two mainland schools.

Reach Star-Bulletin sports columnist Dave Reardon at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), his “;Quick Reads”; blog at starbulletin.com, and twitter.com/davereardon.