WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Warriors hope to boost point total next season

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Since the arrival of University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones in 1999, the Warriors have been near the top of national scoring charts.

This season, expect Hawai'i's scoring average to be higher, the players say, perhaps in the forties or fifties.

Several players said the Warriors have the offensive scheme and opportunistic defense to surpass last season's 35.9 scoring average that ranked eighth in the nation.

In four years under Jones, the Warriors have averaged 32.4 points and have posted a 31-20 win-loss record.

"Our defense is going to be unstoppable and the way we were playing on offense last year, the road games didn't really affect us," receiver Britton Komine said. "I'll go with at least 45 (points per game). I figure 14 points a quarter. We can put that up with ease."

Offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa disagreed. He said Komine's estimate was "not realistic."

"I think he's dreaming," Moenoa said. "Forty-five points? That's not realistic. I'm thinking more like 70 because of the offense we run and the weapons we have.

"We just need to mesh as a team and have the offense and defense working together. The defense will score some points and we'll be putting up a lot of points on offense. We'll be lighting up the scoreboard this year."

Hawai'i starting quarterback Tim Chang said a goal would be to average 50 points per game.

"I think with the team we have and the defense we got, I think anytime we score 30 we should be able to win," Chang said. "But a good average to shoot for will probably be in the fifties.

"We're the only people that can stop ourselves. I feel that no defense can slow us down. It all depends if everyone is going to do their job out there. We're depending on 11 guys at a time."

Crowd loves Akpan: Tony Akpan, the basketball player turned defensive end, received the loudest cheers from the crowd during a scrimmage yesterday in the Warriors' final spring practice.

The 6-foot-7 Akpan knocked down a pass from reserve quarterback Jason Whieldon on one play and flushed reserve quarterback Se'e Poumele from the pocket on another play. Akpan credited his teammates and defensive line coach Vantz Singletary for allowing him to shine.

"My teammates help me a lot," Akpan said. "It's a team game. I think I did OK today."

Warriors worth seeing: Moenoa urged fans to watch the Warriors at Aloha Stadium despite the ticket increases this season.

"It doesn't feel the same at home," Moenoa said. "You don't feel the stadium shaking. You don't get that feeling at home unless your kids stand up and shake your couch while you're watching TV. Come out to the stadium and you'll feel the atmosphere."