Kamakawiwo'ole to start in opener
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In any scenario, junior defensive end Kila Kamakawiwo'ole will start for the University of Hawai'i football team in Saturday's season opener against Florida Atlantic.
"No question, he's earned it," said Vantz Singletary, who coaches the defensive linemen. "We just finished watching tapes of him, and we're all like, 'Wow.' That kid is so talented. He's sharp. (During team meetings), he takes great notes as if he were sitting in Biology 510."
Kamakawiwo'ole
Where Kamakawiwo'ole will play was not answered at yesterday's practice. If Melila Purcell III, who is recovering from a sprained left foot and sprained right ankle, is not available, Kamakawiwo'ole will start at left end and Karl Noa will open at right end.
If Purcell starts, then Kamakawiwo'ole will play right end.
Right end Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan is recovering from a sprained left ankle, although he is expected to play Saturday night. UH coach June Jones said Akpan is projected to play 25 to 30 snaps per game.
Jones said Justin Faimealelei also could move into the rotation at defensive end.
Injured Owens playing, no ifs, ands or buts
Starting left slotback Chad Owens did not participate in the final half of practice after he suffered a bruised gluteus maximus. He was kneed during a passing drill. The injury is not considered to be serious, and Owens is expected to practice today.
"He's going to play Saturday, so he'd better be all right," special teams coach Mouse Davis said.
Owens also is the kickoff and punt returner.
The backup kick returner is freshman Andrew Pearman, the Warriors' fastest player. He can run 100 meters in 10.3 seconds.
Because UH uses only one deep returner on kickoffs, Pearman's opportunities will be limited.
"Maybe I'll get in, maybe I won't," he said. "I want to make sure I'm ready if they need me."
Freshman Satcher staying at quarterback
Jones said freshman Brandon Satcher will remain at quarterback for at least another year — maybe his entire collegiate career.
There are seven quarterbacks on this year's roster. What's more, Inoke Funaki, a 2001 Kahuku High graduate, returns from a two-year church mission this fall. He is expected to enroll at UH in January.
Jones said Satcher would make a sure-handed slotback. But Satcher has played well in preseason training, and Jones said, "I see enough in him that I think he's got a chance (to play quarterback). I won't move him for another year and a half, two years, until he proves he can't do it. It's definitely a possibility he may never move at all."
Satcher, who was heavily recruited, narrowed his choices to UH, Rice and Middle Tennessee — the three schools allowing him to compete at quarterback.
"That's what I came in to play," Satcher said. "But if coach wants me to change positions, I would have no problem with it."
Satcher added: "I don't think I'm redshirting (this year), but it's whatever Coach Jones wants."
Bus service available for Saturday's game
Roberts Hawai'i School Bus is offering round-trip, air-conditioned shuttle bus service to Aloha Stadium for Saturday's game.
The cost is $6 for the round trip. Buses will service three areas:
Bus No. 3 will pick up at Hawai'i Kai Park 'n' Ride at 4:30 p.m., then pick up at Bank of Hawai'i at Kahala Mall at 4:45 p.m., and proceed to the stadium.
Bus No. 2 will pick up at the Kailua District Park, Kainalu Ave., at 4:30 p.m., then pick up at the Windward Mall Shopping Center on Alaloa Street facing Sears at 4:45 p.m., and proceed to the stadium.
Bus No. 1 will pick up at the Mililani Mauka Park 'n' Ride at 4:30 p.m., and proceed to the stadium.
Reservations are required and service is first come, first served. For more information, call Roberts School Bus at 832-4886.
O'ahu Transit Services' TheBus also is offering round-trip service from various locations on its Football Express. For information, call 848-5555.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
