Posted on: Tuesday, December 23, 2003

Sopoaga, Owens return to practice

 • LaBoy confirms ineligibility
 • Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl 2003
Read analyses, see a photo gallery, review the football season and scan the rosters as the Warriors and the Cougars get ready for Christmas Day's bowl game.

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i defensive tackle Isa'ako Sopoaga and slotback Chad Owens yesterday practiced for the first time in more than two weeks and are expected to play against Houston in Thursday's Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.

Both suffered from flu-like symptoms, although a greater concern for Owens was a sprained big toe on his left foot.

"I wasn't sick like this since the sixth grade," said Sopoaga, who lost several pounds in the 11 days. "It was hard to keep food down. For the most part, I couldn't eat. I couldn't do anything. I feel better now. I can't wait to play football."

After yesterday's practice, Vantz Singletary, who coaches the defensive linemen, said Sopoaga has returned to form. Sopoaga was named to the All-WAC first team.

"He had fresh legs," Singletary said. "He was dancing, doing the hula. He was very spirited. Those are the things you'd like to see after a guy has taken a week off. There weren't a lot of mental errors."

After a player returns from an illness, Singletary said, "you want to find out: will he be able to jump right in? Will he be tired? Will he be weak? I didn't see any of those things. He's excited about being out there. He told me he wants to finish this. That's a really big positive."

Owens said he wanted to test his left foot yesterday.

"I wanted to go out and see where I'm at, and just keep going until game day," Owens said. "Whatever happens that day, happens. I'm just happy I can get out there, run around, sweat a little bit and catch a few balls."

Left wideout Britton Komine probably will start at left slotback in place of Owens. As a slotback last season, Komine led the Warriors with 10 scoring catches.

"It's a big game, and I want Chad to play," Komine said. "If he can't go, I'm excited about moving back. I like the slot. There's a lot of action there. ... I want to be the guy who catches the winning touchdown and does something great."

If Komine moves to left slotback, freshman Jason Rivers would ascend to starting left wideout. But Rivers, who has been bothered by flu-like symptoms, did not practice yesterday. Sean Stennis, a second-year freshman, is next in line at left wideout.

Punter Kurt Milne also has been sick, but he vowed to be ready.

• Walk the walk: Cornerback Kelvin Millhouse earned his bachelor's degree and participated in the commencement ceremony in the Stan Sheriff Center on Sunday.

Teammates Shayne Kajioka and Keani Alapa also earned their degrees.

• Aloha spirit: With barbecues, dinners on the beach and excursions to Pearl Harbor and the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, the members of the Houston football team have taken full advantage of their seven-day trip.

"This is a different atmosphere than what you're normally in to," Cougar coach Art Briles said. There are "not many days we wake up and look out the window and see the Pacific Ocean. It's a completely different world."

Briles said his players have managed to balance their schedules.

"They have a lot of time where they can be 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-year olds," Briles said. "Then they have the time where we expect them to respect their job ... and that's to prepare to win the football game."

Briles said he placed few restrictions, although "we did ban mopeds — and Harley Davidsons."

He also cautioned against the hospitality of Hawai'i's people.

"I think they get you over here and they fill you up and make you feel all warm and nice and then they get you out there (on a football field) and slap you around," Briles mused. "It's just a friendly environment. It's a nice, calm environment. Of course, the scenery is unbelievable. It's just a whole different atmosphere and a whole different world."

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