Today’s football special: “McByrd” combo

Stockton and Malone.

Montana and Rice.

SpongeBob and Patrick.

The latest successful duo is quarterback Cole McDonald and slotback Cedric Byrd.

During today’s 7-on-7, red-zone session, McDonald and Byrd collaborated on three consecutive touchdown plays. A fourth touchdown was denied when linebacker Paul Scott soared to deflect McDonald’s pass to a wide-open Byrd.

The Warriors have had speedy receivers. They’ve had precise route runners. But Byrd is a blend of speed, precision and really sure hands.

Also of note from today’s eighth practice of spring training:


> In team drills, the defense forced turnovers on the first two possessions — safety Kalen Hicks’ leaping interception, and Penei Pavihi’s fumble recovery.

> Another safety, Damario Mclean, broke up a pass aimed at slotback Dakota Torres. It appears Mclean has made a big defensive play every practice it has rained, which means he has made a big play every practice.

> Because of old age and … um, uh … because of old age, I keep forgetting to mention Justice Augafa is in the mix at running back. Augafa is making the transition from rover, where he practiced before redshirting last year.

> No, powerbacks Hekili Keliiliki, Dayton Furuta and Kaiwi Chung are more than just dive runners. This run-and-shoot is a full-service offense, and backs — even big backs — can be found roaming the flats and sprinting to the edges.


> From two different motions, Stan Gaudion launched punts of 55 and 50 yards.

> Byrd, Augafa, Tristin Kamaka, Akil Francisco and Rojesterman Farris II are among the candidates to return punts.

COMMENTS

  1. Da Punchbowl Kid April 12, 2018 11:30 am

    First!


  2. Da Punchbowl Kid April 12, 2018 11:34 am

    Excellent post, Stephen! Love everything I’m reading here today. Offense, defense and special teams!

    GO WARRIORS!!!

    (Even a robot would like this post!)


  3. Maddog50 April 12, 2018 1:13 pm

    Nice report-I want Cole McDonald to do well and succeed. I think he has a lot of ability and can develop by fall. He stayed when others found reason to leave-Go gettem Cole!!!


  4. tom-warriornation April 12, 2018 1:52 pm

    Awesome reporting ST; keep them coming; looking forward to the new season. We Believe; Go Warrriors!


  5. tom-warriornation April 12, 2018 1:55 pm

    Just got my other Warrior fix; bought 4 tix to this Sat’s Golden State-San Antonio first round playoff game; 20 rows from the arena!


  6. Rodney April 12, 2018 3:30 pm

    Was late to practice….
    Question….Is this pure R n S…..?
    Observation… D looks ahead of O
    Just my thoughts


  7. burro sabio April 12, 2018 3:41 pm

    With his speed, Cole needs to be on the field somewhere, even if it’s not at QB.


  8. H-Man April 12, 2018 4:17 pm

    ST, Can you confirm the football practice-scrimmage time for this Saturday? Thanks.


  9. H-Man April 12, 2018 4:42 pm

    I haven’t seen RB Genta Ito’s name mentioned so far this spring. So maybe he might be Hawaii’s Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, former Notre Dame player who was carried off the field for playing in Notre Dame’s last game as a senior after being on the scout team his entire career.


  10. kalua pig April 12, 2018 6:44 pm

    akil francisco is a sleeper.


  11. Boya_jr April 12, 2018 8:54 pm

    Go bows! I’m in sunny and windy Arizona today.


  12. Akamai Okole April 12, 2018 9:37 pm

    Great Evening All!

    He stayed when others found reason to leave

    Hmmm…maybe he was the reason others left! 😯 😈 :mrgreen:


  13. Akamai Okole April 12, 2018 9:40 pm

    Question….Is this pure R n S…..?

    Hope not…this is only Spring ball. 😆


  14. Akamai Okole April 12, 2018 9:41 pm

    How would one confirm sumting that never get set yet?


  15. burro sabio April 12, 2018 9:52 pm

    Akamai Okole is a kindred spirit.


  16. cappie the dog April 13, 2018 6:54 am

    No TV?

    Sad.

    Men’s volleyball is a FAKE SPORT.

    (This is thinly-veiled political satire. I respect Charlie Wade’s program.)


  17. burro sabio April 13, 2018 7:12 am

    Due to time constraints it’s difficult for me to follow baseball, I have not attended a game yet. Thanks for the updates Cappie.


  18. BigWave96744 April 13, 2018 8:14 am

    Ursua not going to return punts this season? Or is the PR list above just for the spring? Hopefully it’s someone who won’t fair catch too often


  19. Stephen Tsai April 13, 2018 8:53 am

    H-Man:
    UH football schedule is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, just as it was the past Saturday. Only last week’s time was moved up because of an anticipated storm.
    For now, tomorrow’s practice still will be at 4 p.m.
    If it changes, I’ll post change at: https://twitter.com/StephenTsai


  20. Stephen Tsai April 13, 2018 8:54 am

    New post: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=45739


Comments are closed.