COLFAX, WASH. — The Hawai'i football players needed some emotional fire.

They got it from Blaze.

During what had been a mundane practice at Colfax High's field, linebacker Blaze Soares and offensive lineman Brett Leonard became entangled during a team drill.

Then they scuffled.

About 30 seconds later, peace — but not calm — was restored. What followed was the Warriors' most energetic practice of the past month. The Warriors are preparing for tomorrow's road game against Idaho.

After each big play, teammates would congratulate each other with flying chest bumps.

Asked if the scuffle served as motivation, UH head coach Greg McMackin said, "Absolutely. You've got to have a little feistiness. This is a game of collisions. Sometimes you get collided with, and you're not really happy about it."

After the 2-hour practice ended, Soares and Leonard walked together to the buses.

"What happens on the field, stays on the field," Leonard said. (The scuffle) got people fired up. It was something we definitely needed."

Soares said: "That stuff happens when people are competitive. Brett's a competitive guy and I'm a competitive guy. Whatever happens, happens. We needed it. People got all pumped up. It actually worked better than we thought."

During the scuffle, linebacker Jake Heun, who sports a mohawk and painted toenails, tried to join in — without a helmet.

Told of that image, McMackin shook his head, and said: "If anybody would (fight) without a helmet, Jake would do it."

The Warriors were forced to practice at Colfax, on short notice, when Washington State and Pullman High turned down requests. The Warriors made arrangements yesterday morning.

The Warriors will practice in the Kibbie Dome, site of tomorrow's game, for an hour today.

BUILDING DEPTH

Defensive end Elliott Purcell did not practice yesterday while he recuperates from a neck stinger.

Purcell said he believes he will be ready for the Idaho game. He said he likely will wear a padded neck collar.

In the meantime, the Warriors tested their contingency plan. Defensive ends Victor Clore and Earvin Sione practiced with the first-team defense.

"I'm just another man in the spot," Clore said.

He is used to competition. With 16 siblings, Clore said, "food is scarce sometimes. You have to battle for it."

Sione is a 2008 McKinley High graduate. He attended a local college the past academic year before joining the Warriors in August.

It was initially believed Sione would have five years to play four seasons. But because he was a full-time college student during the 2008-2009 academic year, his NCAA eligibility clock triggered in August 2008.

McMackin said he welcomed the opportunity to activate Sione.

"He's a big, fast guy who can rush the passer," McMackin said. "He's going to play."

Sione, who is 6 feet 5, said he has gained 30 pounds in the past year and now weighs 220. His target weight is 260.

THOMAS BACK IN

Right tackle Adrian Thomas yesterday resumed practicing. He had not worked out since suffering lower-back pain during Saturday's 42-17 loss to Fresno State.

"It feels good," Thomas said. "I had a few days off to try to get back to where it was. It's still a little bit sore there, but it's OK."

NOTES

• The Warriors yesterday worked on silent counts to offset the anticipated loud crowd noise in the Kibbie Dome.

• The Warriors are staying in a hilltop hotel that is adjacent to a cemetery . "That's a little creepy," running back Leon Wright-Jackson said. One of the assistant coaches jokingly nicknamed the area "The Shining."