HOMEGROWN REPORT
UNLV stocked with Hawaii football talent
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By Kalani Takase
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Like many other locals visiting Las Vegas, the University of Hawai'i football team will run into its share of familiar faces before, after and even during Saturday's game against UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium.
The Runnin' Rebels have seven former Hawai'i prep players on their roster in addition to offensive line coach Keith Uperesa, a 1974 Punahou graduate.
The players are offensive linemen Johan Asiata (of Kalihi) and Ramsey Feagai (Radford '06 of Honolulu), linebacker Bronson Leafa (Radford '06 of Honolulu), defensive lineman Malo Taumua ('Aiea '05 of Honolulu), long snapper Kamu Kapanui (Kamehameha '05 of Honolulu), and running backs Jordan Ho-Ching (Maryknoll '07 of 'Aiea) and Robert Paulele (attended Maui High of Waikapu).
Uperesa, who begins his third season in the desert, was an All-Western Athletic Conference offensive tackle at BYU and spent time with the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders of the NFL. He began as a graduate assistant at his alma mater before making coaching stops at Snow Junior College, Idaho State, USC, El Camino JC and Utah.
"He is an extremely talented offensive line coach," said UNLV head coach Mike Sanford. "He is one of the best teachers of technique in both the run and the pass around the country."
Senior linebacker Malakai Mokofisi (Kailua '03 of La'ie) made six tackles. Freshman defensive end Nai Fotu (Kahuku '07 of La'ie) had 1 1/2 tackles.
Senior linebacker Loma Olevao (Kahuku '00 of Kahuku) and sophomore linebacker Kepa Gaison (Kamehameha '05 of Kane'ohe) also saw action against the Falcons.
Sophomore Mike Hirokawa ('Iolani '06 of 'Aiea) carried 11 times for 47 yards and a touchdown. Hirokawa, a 5-foot-10, 180-pounder, also had four kickoff returns for 119 yards.
Freshman linebacker Adam Morris (Punahou '07 of Honolulu) was in on four tackles and a quarterback hurry, and sophomore defensive back Landon Patoc ('Iolani '06 of Honolulu) had one tackle and a pass breakup.
Sophomore wide receiver Travis Nishioka ('Iolani '06 of Honolulu) is also on the Stags' roster.
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Freshman defensive specialist Kayla Motoyama (Roosevelt '07 of Honolulu) saw action against No. 3 Penn State.
Freshman setter Kealohilani Kea (Kamehameha '07 of Honolulu) is also on the Waves roster.
CROSS COUNTRY
Sophomore Casey Nishimura (Mid-Pacific '06 of Hawai'i Kai) led the Pacific men, finishing 38th in the 8-kilometer race in 28:43. Junior Shawn Leon-Guerrero (Kaiser '02 of Hawai'i Kai) placed 42nd in 29:24 and sophomore David Maile (Kamehameha '06 of Kaimuki) was 50th in 31:27.
MEN'S SOCCER
Senior Vito Higgins (Academy of the Pacific '03 of Kailua) is the Bulldogs' starting goalkeeper and senior Daniel Scott (King Kekaulike '03 of Pukalani) started at defender. Freshman Nick Love (Punahou '07 of Kane'ohe) is also on the Gonzaga roster.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
The Matadors (0-3-1) feature midfielder Kim Culver (Punahou '07 of Honolulu) and defender Jasmine Pratt (Mililani '07 of Mililani).
Northridge hosts Hawai'i Sept. 21.
COMMITMENTS
Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.