In the middle of the game, Washington senior defensive tackle Donny Mateaki looked to his right and his left, and knew a special moment was taking place.

"We didn't even know (it was going to happen)," Mateaki said. "I was like, 'Whoa, it's the boys.' "

The "boys" included Mateaki (2002 Iolani graduate), junior defensive tackle Wilson Afoa (Saint Louis '03), senior defensive end Brandon Ala (Kamehameha '02) and freshman defensive end Daniel Te'o-Neisheim (Hawai'i Prep '05).

"We love 'em," Washington defensive line coach Randy Hart said. "They're doing a great job."

It might have been the first time that four players from Hawai'i were in a game at the same position for a Pac-10 school.

"We always talked about it, but you never know (if it would happen) because of injuries," Mateaki said.

Hart said he "kind of chuckled to myself" when he realized the unique lineup.

"It was great. They are guys that are hard workers and they deserve what playing time they get," he said last week after Washington's 35-29 season-opening win against San Jose State.

"We'd love to do it again. I wouldn't know how often it happens, but to my knowledge it's the first time it happened here," said Hart, who has been coaching at Washington for 19 years.

The Huskies did it again in Saturday's 37-20 loss to Oklahoma.

"There might have been four on the field from Hawai'i, but not at one position," Hart said.

Mateaki said "it feels good every time our coach sends us out there. It's like, 'Whoa, come on boys, it's all the bruddahs.' We pick each other up and say we have to do good. It's fun."

Hawai'i players are making an impact at other Pac-10 schools, too.

"It represents how much talent we have back home," Mateaki said. "Not only at Washington, but I know Oregon has three starters, and there's Arizona State and Cal. I think it speaks to how good Hawai'i football is."

Three offensive linemen from Hawai'i start for Oregon: left tackle Max Unger of Hawai'i Prep, center Enoka Lucas of Kamehameha and right guard Palauni Ma Sun Jr. of Kahuku.

At Arizona State, Brandon Rodd ('Aiea) starts, with fellow offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao (Farrington) also on the team.

California defensive tackle Tyson Alualu (Saint Louis), defensive end Abu Ma'afala (Kamehameha) and defensive tackle Mika Kane (Kamehameha) contribute.

"We watch film on the other teams, and you're always rooting for the boys," Mateaki said.

Also playing for Washington are junior offensive guard William Kava ('01 Iolani), senior fullback Mark Palaita, who attended Waipahu before transferring to a Seattle high school, and freshman defensive back Jay Angiotti ('06 Punahou).

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.