Freshman makes big breakthrough

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i freshman Kenny Patton made his first start of his collegiate career at cornerback last night. But he made it more memorable for what he did on special teams.

Defensive lineman La'anui Correa tries to run away from SMU's John Hampton after intercepting a pass in the fourth period. Correa lateraled the ball to Hyrum Peters, who ran 39 yards for a touchdown. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

"It was great," said Patton. "It was awesome."

The blocked field goal came early in the third quarter with UH ahead 21-3. It was the response the Warriors needed at the time because they had just lost the ball when slotback Chad Owens fumbled after an 11-yard gain. Defensive back Rolando Humphrey returned the fumble 47 yards to the UH 16. But SMU didn't move a yard and attempted a 33-yard field goal on fourth-and-10.

Patton and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa both lined up the right side, working in tandem. Tinoisamoa said his job is to occupy the tight end to allow Patton, who lines up outside of Tinoisamoa, to go for the block. Instead, Tinoisamoa overpowered his blocker and stuffed Trent Stephenson's kick.

"Fortunately, I got through to make that play," said Tinoisamoa, who had eight tackles, five unassisted.

Patton, right behind Tinoisamoa, picked up the ball with nothing but carpet in front of him.

"I was thinking, 'Don't get caught.' " Patton said.

Patton should be familiar to Interscholastic League of Honolulu football followers. He left Punahou School after his junior year to attend St. Francis in Pasadena, Calif. He moved to help care for his ailing grandparents. His grandfather had both legs amputated because of diabetes and his grandmother is suffering from memory loss, Patton said.

"I went over there to take care of them," he said. "The football part just happened to work out, too."

Patton said St. Francis used a spread-type offense, allowing him to make 25 receptions. He also played defensive back. The Warriors noticed him enough to offer a scholarship. Then he opened coaches' eyes with his play in summer workouts, UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said. Patton was able to cover UH's receivers, perhaps the best test for any defensive back.

Said Lempa: "Once we saw that, we said, 'This guy's ready to play, even more so than some of the other guys who've been here longer.' "

Statistically, Patton was credited with defending one pass last night. Still, Lempa said the 6-foot, 170-pounder played the way he showed in practice.

"Kenny played well," Lempa said. "I don't remember one bad play that he had for his first start."