The Kafentzis name is synonymous with football toughness.

Now a prominent member of that family — Kent Kafentzis, one of eight family members to play for the Warriors — is facing a life-threatening medical challenge.

Today, Kafentzis undergoes a procedure to remove an 8-centimeter cancerous tumor that is located in his left kidney and affecting a major artery. It is a perfect storm that will require cardiovascular and heart surgeries.

"They told me I'm the unluckiest guy they've met," Kafentzis said. "It's rare. It's one of those dealt-a-bad-hand kind of things. I have to pray to get through this, bigger and better, like the 2009 UH football team."

UH associate head coach Rich Miano, a close friend and former UH teammate, said: "He's just a terrific human being in terms of morals. He doesn't smoke or drink; he's a terrific husband and good father. You couldn't find a better person. They say these type of things happen to good people. He's a perfect example of that."

Kafentzis is one of five brothers to play defensive back for the Warriors. A second generation — safety Landon Kafentzis, linebacker Tyson Kafentzis and running back Mikhail Kafentzis — were recent Warriors.

Kent Kafentzis, who was the last cut of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986, has been a long-time UH booster. In recent years, he has worked as financial planner and high school football coach in Utah.

Last month, he noticed swelling in his feet.

"I shrugged it off, typical football mentality," he said.

When the condition persisted, he underwent several medical tests. An MRI showed the mass in his left kidney.

Further tests showed the tumor affected the vena cava, a vein that carries deoxygenated blood toward the heart.

Surgeons will try to make an incision below the rib cage to remove the tumor.

If that fails, surgeons will connect him to a bypass heart machine, stop his heart, freeze his body at 20 degrees, and then try to remove the tumor. There is a 45-minute window to complete the second procedure.

"It's a bit scary," Kafentzis said.

But he said he has received encouragement from friends, family and "my football family."

"There have been so many people who have called — Gary Allen, coach (George) Lumpkin, Rich (Miano), Brian Norwood; I could go on and on," Kafentzis said. "It's great to know the bond we made in the 1980s is still here. That's why I'm glad I chose the University of Hawai'i. It's nice to know the lifelong friends are thinking of you. It keeps me strong. It keeps me going."

He added: "I feel confident. I told Rich and Lumpkin: 'I want to get well so I can go to Vegas (for the UH game). I want to be there for that trip, for sure."

GOING 'WILD,' WARRIOR STYLE

The "Noke Offense" now comes in Green.

During spring training, the Warriors installed their version of the Wildcat Offense, in which the lone running back takes the direct snap and either runs or throws off a rollout. The Warriors named their version after Inoke Funaki, a converted quarterback.

Now they have expanded to allow running back Alex Green to also serve as the wildcat.

"It's the Noke-AG package," Green said, proudly.

Green, who transferred from Butte Community College this summer, was used sparingly as a quarterback as a high school junior.

"I've got a little bit of experience," Green said. "I throw the ball, maybe, a little better than some running backs."

He said he can accurately pass more than 40 yards.

"This is a way to get more variety," Green said. "We can go with a different look, keep (opponents) on their feet."

Green also is serving as the offset returner on kickoffs. The Warriors will receive kickoffs with two returners, one of whom will be mostly a blocker.

HAPPY RETURNS FOR FUNAKI

Funaki is spelled with f-u-n.

"I'm having a lot of fun out here," Funaki said after yesterday's practice.

Funaki had missed three days of practice after suffering a pinched nerve near his left shoulder. "It's still a little bit sore, but it's way better than before," Funaki said. The soreness will "come for a few minutes, and then it will go away. It feels a lot better."

Funaki has been impressive as a running back and member of three special teams. On kick returns, he is Green's backup as the offset returner, which is primarily a blocking job.

But on occasion, if a kick is short, the offset returner will have a chance to field a kickoff.

"I don't have the best speed, but I'll find a hole," Funaki said.

His 40 time?

"For ... ever," he said, smiling. "I don't think I've ever had (a 40-yard dash time) under 4.7 (seconds). Sometimes you feel you run faster when guys are chasing you. I like to believe so."

POLLARD ALSO RETURNING KICKS

Royce Pollard and Jovonte Taylor are splitting time competing as the successor to right wideout Malcolm Lane, who is not playing this season.

Pollard has decided to audition for another role: kick returner.

During yesterday's practice, he had a kick return for a touchdown.

"It's fun," Pollard said of kick returns. "I did it in high school. I volunteered for that. I wanted to get back into it so bad. I love kickoff returns so much. There's nothing like it."

Pollard said the players can't wait for the Sept. 4 season-opener against Central Arkansas.

"We're making big plays in practice," Pollard said. "We need something for the game. We're ready to get the season started."

Visit his blog: http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com.