Warriors about to get healthy for stretch run

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team is expected to pick up some reinforcements for Saturday's loser-takes-nothing game against Northwestern of the Big Ten Conference.

Cornerback Abraham Elimimian, the Warriors' best cover defender, and weakside linebacker Tanuvasa Moe are poised to play. They did not play in Saturday's 52-21 victory over Idaho because of hamstring injuries.

UH coach June Jones said there is a possibility middle linebacker Ikaika Curnan (sprained right ankle) and offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa (injured knee, hamstring) will be available.

"I hope so, but I won't know until we get going (in practice) this week," Jones said.

The Warriors have had health problems all season. Eight starters in the Sept. 4 season opener were injured and not in the lineup against Idaho.

After the game, reserve defensive lineman Daniel Tautofi suffered a concussion when he slipped in the Aloha Stadium shower.

"This is a big game," Elimimian said, "and I need to be ready."

Indeed, a postseason bowl is at stake for both teams. If Northwestern (6-5) wins, it finishes the regular season with a winning record, meeting the minimum requirement to participate in a bowl. UH (5-5) needs to win its final two regular-season games to qualify for a berth in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. Saturday's loser is out of bowl contention.

"Basically, this is going to be like a playoff game," Elimimian said. "It's do or die. If they win, they'll reach their goal. If we win, we're one step closer to our goal. You've gotta love it."

UH defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said: "Both teams have their eyes on the prize."

Jones cautioned that Northwestern presents a significant challenge. The Wildcats have defeated Kansas, Ohio State and Purdue. Four of their victories came in overtime.

Jones said the Wildcats' talent is "a very scary thought. They're a very, very good football team, the best we've played this year. We're going to have to play the best game next week that we've played all year to be able to compete."

Elimimian said he is optimistic because the game will be played at Aloha Stadium, where the Warriors are 5-1 this season. They are 0-4 in road games this year.

"We're a different team at home," Elimimian said. "We'll be wearing our black uniforms and playing in front of our fans."

Jones praised the defense, the offensive line, wideout Jason Rivers and quarterback Tim Chang for their performances against Idaho. UH was without center Derek Fa'avi (bone bruise in right knee). Without right guard Moenoa, who doubles as the snapper, left guard Samson Satele played center for the first time since his sophomore year at Kailua High and his cousin, Hercules Satele, opened at left guard.

"We had two guys at new positions, but the offensive line did a nice job," Jones said.

He said he was pleased with the development of Rivers, a sophomore who caught nine passes for 167 yards and a school-record four TD receptions.

"He's growing up," Jones said. "He's working hard at it. He's reaping what he sows. He caught three passes around (heavy coverage) that he didn't come down with earlier in the year. I think it's because he's mentally tougher."

Jones said Chang, who threw for a career-high six touchdowns, met the first part of a three-part challenge.

"He did a lot of good things," Jones said. "He needs to do those things for two more weeks for us to have a chance to win. He is what he was (Saturday) night. He's a very good player. I told him (for) the last three games to shoot the lights out. We're at the last two."

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