Fuata pulls double duty on UH line

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Who says offensive linemen aren't athletic?

Lui Fuata proved his versatility by playing two positions in the University of Hawai'i's 20-19 victory over Cincinnati last night at Aloha Stadium.

Fuata, a 6-foot-2, 315-pound senior, started at his usual center position, but then played most of the game at left guard in place of injured starter Shayne Kajioka.

Kajioka sprained his right knee in the first quarter, causing a shifting of positions for Fuata. Derek Faavi came in to play center while Fuata moved to guard.

"It's unfortunate Shayne went down like that, but we've experimented with different positions before," Fuata said. "Bottom line is you have to be ready to play no matter what position they put you at."

The offensive output would turn out to be UH's lowest total of this season, but as Fuata put it: "We weren't at full strength, and the main thing is we won."

• Stalled Vann: Cincinnati receiver LaDaris Vann extended his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 43 last night. Barely.

Vann caught just one pass for seven yards. His lone reception came early in the third quarter.

He entered last night's game as Cincinnati's leading receiver with 62 catches for 732 yards.

• Rare score: Cincinnati's only touchdown of the game came from an unexpected source, reserve running back Booker Vann, who is not related to LaDaris.

Vann's 5-yard scoring reception from quarterback Gino Guidugli in the first quarter was only his second catch of the season, and the first touchdown of his Cincinnati career.

• Punting star: Hawai'i punter Mat McBriar averaged 50.2 yards on six punts, drawing praise from head coach June Jones.

"How about Mat McBriar? I've never seen balls punted like that," Jones said.

McBriar's longest punt traveled 66 yards in the air, and could have been credited with even more yards had it not rolled through the end zone.

• Kicking star: Cincinnati kicker Jonathan Ruffin, a former All-American, converted four field goals in four tries. He is now 16-for-19 this season, and has made his last 10.

• Bearcats silenced: Officials from the Cincinnati athletic department told the media that the Bearcat coaches and players would not be available for comment after the game.

• Pregame/halftime: John Mount sang the national anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i prior to the game. The Kahuku High School marching band and dancers performed at halftime.