Moenoa injures leg

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	Appalachian State at Hawai'i WHAT: NCAA football WHO: Appalachian State vs. Hawai'i WHEN/WHERE: 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Aloha Stadium TICKETS: $19 (sideline), $17 (South end zone), $10 (North end zone), $9 (senior citizens, ages 4 through high school), free (UH students, Super Rooters) PARKING: $5 TV: Delayed at 10 p.m. on K5 (channel 5) RADIO: Live on KKEA (1420 AM)

Yesterday, Moenoa was on crutches during the Warriors' 75-minute morning practice.

Magnetic resonance imaging, which uses magnetic fields to create a picture of the body's interior, showed there was no significant injury. UH spokeswoman Lois Manin said Moenoa is listed as "probable," meaning there is at least a 75-percent chance he will start in Saturday's season opener against Appalachian State.

The Warriors already will be without starting quarterback Tim Chang, who is suspended for one game for failing to meet an academic requirement last year.

Moenoa, a fourth-year junior from Iolani School, said he believes he suffered the injury when he was struck on the back of his right leg during Sunday night's practice at Aloha Stadium. He said an ice pack was applied to alleviate swelling. Yesterday morning, the ankle was heavily wrapped.

"It's a lot less (painful) than it looks," said Moenoa, who has started 26 consecutive games, the longest streak on the team.

Even before the MRI, he vowed to play Saturday. "I didn't go to (training) camp and lose 30 pounds for nothing," he said. "I'm going to do everything I can to get on the field Saturday night."

Family problems led to Moenoa abandoning his workout schedule this summer.

He reported to training camp Aug. 5 weighing 370 pounds, 35 pounds heavier than his weight in December.

Phil Kauffman, a fourth-year junior, replaced Moenoa at right guard during yesterday's practice. Kauffman was a backup at that position last year before moving to center in spring practice. He played center and left guard during training camp. Ê

As the understudy to Vince Manuwai, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kauffman did not receive significant playing time last season.

"It wasn't bad, because (Manuwai is) such a great player," Kauffman said. "I didn't mind waiting."

This summer, the 6-foot, 290-pound Kauffman lifted weights two hours each morning, then ran in the afternoon. He can bench press 420 pounds, as well as bench 225 pounds 30 times.

If Moenoa can't play, UH coach June Jones said, "Phil will be the first guy in, that's for sure."

Meanwhile, backup defensive tackle Keali'i Aguiar also was on crutches because of a strained right arch.

"From the beginning of camp, it was already sore," said Aguiar, the top backup to defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga, who has been restricted because of back spasms. "I aggravated it (yesterday). Hopefully, I'll be back soon, depending on my pain tolerance."