WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Jones juggles players to fill up injury holes
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
A day after Lui Fuga underwent surgery to repair a broken left fibula, the University of Hawai'i football team yesterday announced a contingency plan at defensive tackle in preparation for Friday night's game at Brigham Young.
Fuga, a junior defensive tackle, will begin a rehabilitation program that will last eight to 12 weeks, school officials said yesterday.
Isaac Sopoaga, a junior-college transfer who did not play last season, and Lance Samuseva will start at defensive tackle. Freshman Abu Ma'afala is the top backup, and defensive end Houston Ala will be used in emergency situations.
UH coach June Jones said no other defensive tackle is included on the 60-player travel roster.
"With Houston as the backup (at defensive end and tackle), we will be two-deep at each spot," Jones said.
After the one-year hiatus, Sopoaga said: "I'm ready. As you can see in practice, I'm going all out. I'm excited about playing."
Ma'afala just completed his first week of college.
"I'm still trying to find the buildings," he said. "I'm getting myself prepared mentally. I cannot show I'm a freshman."
If cornerback Josiah Cravalho, who is recovering from a sprained right ankle, cannot play, freshman Kenny Patton will be added to the travel roster. The Warriors leave for Provo, Utah, tonight.
Jones said quarterbacks Tim Chang, Jason Whieldon and Shawn Withy-Allen will make the trip, with one of them doubling as an emergency punter.
Inside linebacker Ikaika Curnan, who missed the season opener because of a sprained knee, is on the travel roster.
• Not a snap: Jones said Whieldon will be used in short-yardage situations because of Chang's broken right pinkie on his throwing hand.
The Warriors use shotgun snaps except in short-yardage situations, when the quarterback is directly behind the center.
"I don't want (Chang) to risk taking a (short) snap and popping a finger," Jones said.
Jones said using Whieldon is not tipping off any plays because Whieldon can pass in short-yardage situations.
