Warriors' health improves
| • | Diabetes can't slow Rice defensive end |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
The University of Hawai'i football team is ready to say "farewell" to a good bye.
Last week's break proved to be beneficial for running back Mike Bass, right slotback Nate Ilaoa and defensive end Houston Ala. All are expected to play in Saturday's game against Rice in Houston.
"I'm back," said Bass, who claims to be fully healed from a partially torn ligament in his right knee.
After missing three games because of the injury, Bass played against Fresno State Oct. 25, but sat out the next game against San Jose State.
"I wanted to rest it another week to make sure I'm 100 percent," Bass said. "Everything is fine now."
Bass also is expected to reclaim his job as punt returner.
Ilaoa, who has twice aggravated a subluxed right shoulder, practiced the last two days.
Ala, who has a bruised Achilles' heel, should be ready to open at right end.
Defensive end Travis Laboy, who has started in place of Ala the last three games, will not make the trip to Houston. He has been bothered by a variety of injuries and did not practice yesterday.
• Told you so: Maybe the majority of Houston football fans never will admit that UH coach June Jones was right all along, but his track record has shown that the run-and-shoot offense can work.
Jones, whose team plays Rice in Houston this week, implemented the four-receiver offense as an assistant coach with the Houston Gamblers in 1983 and quarterbacks coach with the Houston Oilers in 1986. While Texas football is known for its running attacks, Jones, during his tenure in Houston, helped develop future All-Pro quarterbacks Jim Kelly and Warren Moon.
Jones said his reward comes from watching many high school teams in Texas use the run-and-shoot offense. Jack Pardee, the Gamblers' head coach, also implemented the run-and-shoot at the University of Houston.
"We changed the game," said Jones, who borrowed most of his offensive schemes from his mentor, Mouse Davis. "That's fun to be part of that. In 40 years, that's worth something. Right now, it's not worth anything to me. But seeing high schools and different levels of teams running stuff that we originated, that doesn't happen very often."
Jones said he looks forward to returning to Houston. "It'll be good to see some old friends," he said.
He also recalled that the Gamblers used to practice at Rice Stadium.
During this trip, the Warriors are expected to practice at the University of Houston.
