Posted on: Friday, August 29, 2003
UH WARRIOR NOTEBOOK
UH runs deep with Brewster, West, Bass
| • | UH foe arrives confident |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
John West, a senior, and Mike Bass, a junior, are listed as possible starters on the Warriors' depth chart distributed this week. But Brewster, a fourth-year junior who played at Tennessee as a freshman, has worked out with the first team the last two weeks.
When asked if the 5-foot-6, 180-pound Brewster was the most consistent this week, Suan said, "I would say, 'Yeah.' "
Bass, of Corona, Calif., has played in 22 games the last two seasons, starting 11. He has suffered from a knee injury and hernia during his UH career. West, a Leilehua High graduate who played two junior college seasons, led the Warriors with 451 rushing yards and a 7.0 yards-per carry average in 2002. While Bass is elusive and an aggressive blocker, West is considered to be the position's best open-field runner.
UH employs one running back in its offense. In the sub-category of "big back" — short-yardage specialist and sixth blocker — 6-foot-1, 266-pound freshman West Keliikipi III has the edge over junior Pesefea Fiaseu Jr., who did not participate in spring practice.
"West Keliikipi has been constantly improving," Suan said. "He's really applied himself. Now we get to the point where we have to rank some guys, and he's right up there with the blockers."
• Moenoa is back: Right guard Uriah Moenoa, the team's most experienced offensive lineman, yesterday practiced for the first time since suffering a bruised Achilles tendon in Sunday's practice at Aloha Stadium. Moenoa, a fourth-year junior from Iolani School, competed with the second team during contact drills. Phil Kauffman, a fourth-year junior from Saint Louis School, worked with the first team.
While Moenoa is expected to play tomorrow, it is not known if he will start. Moenoa, who moved from right tackle to right guard in spring practice, has started 26 consecutive games, the longest active streak on the team. He is on track to surpass Kaulana Noa's team record of 49 consecutive starts by a position player.
Moenoa was on crutches during practices Monday and Tuesday. He wore a protective medical boot Wednesday.
• Catching some Z's: With concerns over the right wideout position known as the "Z," receivers coach Ron Lee has crafted a contingency plan.
Jeremiah Cockheran, the team captain, is listed as the starter. Michael Miyashiro, a 29-year-old senior, is the top backup. But Miyashiro has been bothered by a variety of ailments, and two other candidates at that position — Daniel Inferrera and Michael Akiu — will not be available to play tomorrow. Inferrera has an injured right hip and Akiu has a stress fracture in his left ankle.
Lee said one option is to use starting left wideout Britton Komine as the emergency backup to Cockheran. That would open the way for freshman left wideout Jason Rivers, regarded as the jewel of the 2003 recruiting class.
Rivers missed several practices during training camp because of a pulled left hamstring. "The last three practices he's stepped up," Lee said.
Lee said Rivers is slowly adjusting to reading defenses. "He's coming along, but he's not where he needs to be," Lee said. "But everyday, he's getting better because he's getting more reps."
• Welcome back: Wide receiver Mark Tate, a fourth-year junior who did not participate in training camp, practiced yesterday. Tate has lost weight and appears to be fully recovered from several injuries, including one suffered in a moped accident that prevented him from playing last season.
"He looks good," Lee said.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051
Although the University of Hawai'i football team has not publicly identified its starting running back for tomorrow's season opener, the coaches have acknowledged that unheralded Michael Brewster is in the mix for significant playing time.
"Brewster works real good with the first group," said Wes Suan, who coaches the running backs. "All of those guys do a good job, but it's just a matter of who's more consistent, and probably that's the difference right there."
• Aloha Stadium parking: $5 for passenger vehicles and $15 for commercial trucks and buses. Parking gates will open at 2:30 p.m. with turnstiles opening at 3 p.m.
Alternative parking:
• Leeward Community College (free parking, $2 shuttle service available)
• Kam Drive-In ($5 per vehicle, free shuttle service)
• Radford High School ($3, no shuttle service)
Fans can listen to KKEA 1420 AM for live traffic updates.
Private bus service:
Roberts Hawai'i School Bus. Cost: $5 roundtrip. Reservations required, call 832-4886 for reservations and information.
First route:
• Koko Head Elementary School, 4:15 p.m.
• Hawai'i Kai Park 'n' Ride, 4:30 p.m.
• Bank of Hawai'i at Kahala Mall, 4:45 p.m.
Second route:
• Mililani Mauka Park 'n' Ride, 4:15 p.m.
Third route:
• Keolu Elementary School, 4 p.m.
• Windward Mall Shopping Center on Alaloa Street facing Sears, 4:15 p.m.
Gomes School Bus Service. Cost: $5 roundtrip. First come, first serve. Call 239-6755 for information.
Routes:
• University of Hawai'i (Sinclair Circle, University Avenue near Dole Street, 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.)
• Mililani Mauka (Ukuwai Street at Makaikai Park 'n' Ride, 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.)
• Village Park (Royal Kunia Park 'n' Ride, 4:45 p.m.)
• Enchanted Lake (intersection of Keolu Drive and Hele Street, opposite Enchanted Lake Shopping Center, 4:25 p.m.)
• Kane'ohe (intersection of Kane'ohe Bay Drive and Makalani Street, opposite of Windward City Shopping Center, 4:35 p.m.).
• Prohibited items at Aloha Stadium: Weapons, coolers, backpacks, outside food or beverages, bottles and cans, fireworks, air horns or noisemakers, umbrellas, illegal contraband
• Permitted items (must pass security check): Fanny packs, purses and handbags, adults with baby items to care for their child. All baby items must fit in a diaper bag. Strollers must be stored under your chair
