Warriors' practice session is hit or miss
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Soon after yesterday's 50-play scrimmage — the first time the University of Hawai'i football team practiced in full pads this spring practice — slotback Orlando Wong, while spitting streams of blood and saliva, summarized, "You win some, you lose some."
Indeed, there were good moments and not-so-good moments, as emphasized during one sequence. After leaping for a pass, Wong was flattened by safety Lamar Broadway. Two plays later, Broadway slipped while trying to cover Wong, who secured a short pass and then sprinted another 40 yards.
"That's the game of football," Broadway said.
With a week remaining in spring practice, the Warriors have made substantial gains while identifying areas in which to improve.
The four quarterbacks competing to serve as the top backup to starter Tim Chang took turns in two-play intervals yesterday. Kainoa Akina completed 5 of 6 passes for 52 yards; Jack Rolovich was 6 of 8 for 59 yards; Jeff Rhode was 6 of 11 for 56 yards, and Ryan Stickler was 3 of 9 for 34 yards.
The defense, meanwhile, made the most of a rare opportunity to make knock-down plays.
"It was about time," strong-side linebacker Chad Kapanui said. "We put the pads on, and we had fun. Most of the time, we're not allowed to tackle. We have to wrap up. We finally got to hit."
This spring, guest coach Frank Gansz has implored defenders to "balance up" — bending the knees and going into a prepared stance — before driving into a ballcarrier.
"Tackling is about breaking down and being balanced," UH defensive coordinator George Lumpkin said. "If we can do the things Frank taught us, to try really hard, we have a chance to be really decent."
Broadway said: "Frank Gansz is teaching us a lot. He says, 'You've got to follow through.' What he says works."
Defensive ends Darrell Tautofi and Ikaika Alama-Francis have benefited from Gansz's instructions. During the scrimmage, Tautofi forced a fumble and Alama-Francis chased down Stickler for a sack.
As a junior college sophomore, Tautofi signed with UH in February 2002. But he did not play during the 2002 season while completing work on an associate degree. He enrolled at UH last August and was on the 2003 roster, although he did not play. "I had to work on my credits," he said. "It was my fault, but it's good to be out here."
Tautofi, a 2000 Kaimuki High graduate, has one year of eligibility remaining.
This is the second spring training for Alama-Francis, who was a member of the UH basketball team during the 2002-03 academic year.
When he first reported last year, 6-foot-7 Alama-Francis weighed 200 pounds. He could bench press 225 pounds once — or 51 fewer times than former UH defensive tackle Isa'ako Sopoaga.
The UH coaches, impressed with Alama-Francis' quickness and long frame, assigned him to defensive end. "I think we all saw his ability," Lumpkin said. "He had the size, athleticism and temperament. He's a good athlete, especially in changing directions. We figured all he needed to do was gain a few pounds."
Alama-Francis, who eats six meals daily, now weighs 235 pounds. He can bench press 325 pounds.
"My dad helps me out every day," he said of Joe Francis, once a backup quarterback to Bart Starr. "He pushes me. He gives me pointers on what I should do. Whatever he tells me, I try to work on out here. I'm learning."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
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2004 UH schedule
- Sept. 4: Florida Atlantic
- Sept. 18: at Rice*
- Oct. 2: Tulsa*
- Oct. 9: Nevada*
- Oct. 16: at Texas-El Paso*
- Oct. 23: San Jose State*
- Oct. 30: at Boise State*
- Nov. 6: Louisiana Tech*
- Nov. 13: at Fresno State*
- Nov. 20: Idaho
- Nov. 27: Northwestern
- Dec. 4: Michigan State
* — WAC game
