Posted on: Thursday, December 18, 2003

Jones says Warriors are in it to win it

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Pay no attention to the Who's Who of excused absences — defensive ends Travis LaBoy and Kevin Jackson, defensive tackle Isa'ako Sopoaga and running back West Keli'ikipi — or the time-killing kickers and punters keeping alive a football as if it were a Hacky Sack during yesterday's two-hour University of Hawai'i football practice.

The last day of final examinations is tomorrow, the same day the Warriors check into the Sheraton Moana Surfrider in preparation for the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas Day, and this year UH coach June Jones vowed his team will be ready.

Of last year's loss to Tulane in the ConAgra Hawai'i Bowl, Jones said, "We didn't pay attention to detail. We have to concentrate, no matter who we play. We enjoyed going to the hotel. We enjoyed going on tours. We enjoyed everything. We're there now to play a football game. We've been on the tour."

Jones said the reward is not simply playing in the bowl against Houston.

"The reward is the win," Jones said. "That's the reward."

UH slotback Chad Owens said: "I'll be honest, last year I think we had a little bit too much fun. This year we're going to have fun. We're going to have a good time. But we're going to be focusing on what we need to do, and that's to win a game. We're going to be the best prepared."

Despite sluggish ticket sales, Owens is hopeful of a large turnout.

"It's always nice to have a big turnout, whether it's a bowl game or it's a game against Appalachian State," he said. "The crowd is a big part of the game. If the stadium is packed, the chances of winning are so much greater."

LaBoy, Jackson and Keli'ikipi, who is recovering from a knee injury, skipped practice because of final examinations and term papers. Sopoaga is battling flu-like symptoms, and Owens is hobbling because of an injured big toe on his left foot.

Jones said starting left wideout Britton Komine is poised to play left slotback if Owens is unavailable. Komine was a slotback in 2002, when he led the Warriors with 10 scoring catches. "He'll go right in there and not miss a beat," Jones said.

Owens' injury has been described as everything from gout to "turf toe."

"I really don't know what it is," he said. "It's my joint (in the big toe). It feels tight or something."

Jones said the crucial practices for Owens are next week. "I know if he gets three days of practice in, he'll be fine," Jones said.

• Roster update: Offensive lineman Ryan Santos is on "leave" because of personal problems, Jones said.

Jones said Santos, a fourth-year junior, will not be available for the Hawai'i Bowl, but is expected to compete in spring practice in March.

As a Mililani High senior, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Santos was the first recruit to commit to the Warriors in 2000.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.