Warriors banged up heading to Boise State

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team's health problems are so widespread that now defensive coordinator George Lumpkin is limping because of nerve damage in his leg.

Linebacker Tanuvasa Moe was injured against San Jose State and is not expected to play Friday against Boise State. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

In a 46-28 victory over San Jose State on Saturday, the Warriors were without three injured starters — middle linebacker Ikaika Curnan (sprained right ankle), safety Lono Manners (fractured ankle) and cornerback Kenny Patton (pulled left hamstring).

Manners will not play again this season. UH coach June Jones said he is optimistic Patton will be available this week. Jones said if the Warriors played today, Curnan "probably" would not be ready but "maybe by Friday he will."

Against San Jose State, Purcell was taken to the hospital after injuring his sternum. "They thought it was cracked, but it wasn't," Jones said.

Ikaika Alama-Francis or Karl Noa will replace Purcell.

"Mel has been a valuable player for us," Jones said. "Along with Lui (Fuga) and Matt (Faga), he's been consistent. It'll be hard to play the game without him, that's for sure."

Faga suffered a hyper-extended elbow. "Right now, he would not play," Jones said.

Two converted offensive linemen — Larry Sauafea and Michael Lafaele — are the immediate replacements.

Moe, who is recovering from a hyper-extended left elbow, suffered a strained hamstring in the opening defensive series against San Jose State. Lumpkin said Lincoln Manutai or Paul Lutu-Carroll will start against Boise State. Lutu-Carroll entered training camp as the No. 1 weakside linebacker before suffering a partial tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

Poumele, the starting right slotback, said he is disappointed he won't complete his senior season.

"It's tough, but I'm still going to cheer for the guys," he said.

Poumele was UH's last recruit in 2001. Jones had saved a scholarship until Poumele met the requirements to transfer from a junior college.

"It's a real shame what happened to him," receivers coach Ron Lee said.

Lee said the immediate plan is to keep Jason Ferguson at left slotback as the top backup to Chad Owens. Gerald Welch or Patrick Olchovy can play right slotback. Another possibility is moving starting right wideout Britton Komine to right slotback. Komine has started at each of the four receiver positions.

"Britt is our swing guy," Lee said. "He has a great understanding of what we're doing."

Lee said Ross Dickerson, who entered the program as a slotback, and Rene Melson will remain at wideout.

Of the injuries, Jones said: "I've been through this type of thing before. You hate to go through it, but you can't feel sorry for yourself. Guess what? Boise is going to play the game, so we'd better get ready. If somebody is injured, the next guy better get ready to play. We're going to put together a group and show up."

QB Satcher's redshirt opportunity gone

Freshman quarterback Brandon Satcher's participation in Saturday's game ended his opportunity to redshirt this season.

Although freshman quarterbacks Tyler Graunke and Taylor Humphrey are redshirting, Jones said: "I knew (Satcher) was not going to redshirt. I think he can do some things that can help us win this year. He can throw. He can run."

Kainoa Akina is listed as the backup to Tim Chang. Although Jack Rolovich is regarded as the No. 3 quarterback, Satcher was the third quarterback on the travel roster for the Warriors' trips to Houston and El Paso.

"I wanted to get him in the last three or four weeks," Jones said. "It didn't work out."

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