Sunday notes
Here are some football notes to go along with your favorite Sunday newspaper:
• Last year, in response to penalties for dislodged helmets, head coach Norm Chow implemented a rule discouraging long hair. Alas, there is a loophole — Lew-hole? — with what is regarded as the Lew Law. It spawned from defensive line coach Lewis Powell’s beard, which would be the envy of even a Duck Dynasty. The Rainbow Warriors will be allowed neatly maintained facial hair. The “neatly maintained” part begins after training camp ends. In these austere times, there aren’t enough razors to go around in camp.
• Amazing play: During yesterday’s scrimmage, defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii soared to knock down Taylor Graham’s pass while being hit in the opu by right guard Kody Afusia. In a continuous motion, Tulimaseali did a somersault and sprang to his feet. Tulimasealii weighs 290 pounds.
• Amazing play, part II: Wide receiver Marcus Kemp sprinted along the sideline and then made a leaping catch against a cornerback’s static-cling coverage. During the route, Kemp’s right heel slipped from his cleats. He ran with a shoe half-off.
• Frank Loyd Jr. showed enough in the scrimmage to earn a renewal at right tackle.
• For now, Clark Evans is the No. 1 tight end …
• … But look for the Warriors to employ more four-receiver sets this week.
• Running back Steven Lakalaka rushed 23 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns in the scrimmage.
• Cornerback Barry Higdon played in the scrimmage despite a sprained ankle. He admitted the injury to the coaches afterward.
• There appears to be a reason why the players had difficulty with their grip while scrimmaging in the rain yesterday. There were only two game footballs available. There were four fumbles, three errants snaps, and several slip-from-the-grip passes.
• As of today, safety Kawika Borden is the No. 1 long-snapper on punts …
• … And Brodie Nakama is the No. 1 short-snapper on field-goal attempts and PATs.
• The rookie talent show, scheduled for last night, was postponed. Instead, there was a movie night, which featured an ice-cream bar. Assistant coach Phil Rauscher, strength coach Gary Beemer, executive assistant Lacey Lavarias, and do-everything Brad Jones served as servers.
• Quarterback Aaron Zwahlen is serving a church mission in Baltimore. Running back/receiver John Ursua is on a mission in Paris. Offensive lineman Gus Lavaka just left on a mission, a year after initially scheduled.
* * * * *
Condolences to DPK, Sweety and their family. You’re in our thoughts.
1st
Good morning.
Top 5?
Great updates.
Well earned day off for the players after nine straight days of fall camp.
morning
morning kinda muggy das why up so early
enjoy this sunday with family
belated condolences to dpk and his ohana
finally to all the tsaikettes hhhhelllloooo howwww yoouuuuu
Not muggy here.
Just rain.
And more rain.
I did not realize that missionaries needed to meet a certain height/weight ratio.
I thought I would be the last to say it, but Sean was the better QB on yesterday’s scrimmage.
If your strength and conditioning coach is among those serving ice cream at movie night, does that mean your portions are really small? Reminds me of when my wife serves me ice cream and I look over at my 4 year-old’s bowl and notice that he has more than me.
#9 . . . I was waiting for that one to come out. I think there should be more live-action scrimmages to give Graham more time with game speed before the season starts.
now the sun busting out 😎
Good morning Tsaikos!
Nice updates, ST!
GOOD MORNING HAWAII!
My thoughts and prayers to DPK, Sweety and their Ohana!
I remember interviewing Nick Rolovich in 2001, when there was talk that Timmy Chang might return from an injury and reclaim the starting job.
Rolovich had a look that was part hurt, part pissed off.
Chang didn’t return and Rolo had a breakout season. In the final three games, Rolo was 89 of 152 for 1,548 yards and 20 touchdowns. He was intercepted twice. His pass-efficiency was 184.89 in those three games. Using the NFL formula, it was 127.41.
When it comes to QB competitions, ya never know.
Aaron Rodgers led the NFL with a 108.0 rating last year.
I loved TC, but I remember saying after Rolo’s breakout year . . . “man, what if it had been him earlier.” Although I’m not sure how long he was here before. Why is it that there are so many “man, what if’s” affiliated with Rolo?
ST . . . when you said that Hollis’ knee buckled, are you talking injury type, or just a jump offside?
Kev-1
He retweaked his knee. He missed about four practices because of a kneecap problem. After the penalty, he hobbled off the field. But he came back later, and made the block on one of Lakalaka’s touchdowns.
UH was recruiting Rolo after it received a commitment from Jared Flint. Rolo didn’t care and signed anyway.
Turnovers killed us in last years game against SC. The SC front seven will be one of the best we will see. Got to protect the ball.
The three-best linemen in camp are: Center Ben Clarke, left tackle Sean Shigematsu and left guard Mike Milovale.
The second-best tackle is Milovale. The hope is to keep Shigematsu and Milovale in place, and that somebody will seize the right tackle’s job. If Milovale has to move to right tackle, then it will, of course, cause more shuffling.
Aloha from NYC!
Good morning Tsaiko Nation !
I have had the PLEASURE of keeping a wonderful Hawaii College friend over the years since my long playing days has surpassed.
During our time together at UH this young philipino danish young man we first met in freshman psychology 101 in which we built a keen friendship during the class as we sat right next to one another. I found him funny and kind as we talk not only on school subjects but about Hawaii in general as it was my first time being so far away from my home in Los Angeles.
When ever I needed time away from basketball this young men was ALWAYS there by providing his family home to me where I met his mother and sisters as they will feed me a lunch or dinner. He will take me around the islands and show me the beautiful scenery as explaing in detail the history of that historical landmark or how Dole Plantation got it’s name. Through his guidance and care I saw Tantalus Mountain, North Shore, Diamond Head, Rabbit Island, Bellows Beach, Palolo Valley, Hawaii Kai and so many other sites and places the list is too large to name.
Just yesterday I was talking to him on the phone with my wife present while enjoying ALL his accomplishments as I confided to him the physical, mental and financial issues I was dealing with as I previously wrote about on the blog since my returning back to Tsaiko Nation. After a brief pause to gain my emotions my LONG time Hawaii friend said to I and Mrs. Rainbowcliff that he will fly the both of us to Hawaii, stay at his home and give us his car to sight see all on his expense. The news hit I and my wife so fast we just balled in tears thanking him SO much for his kindness !
Yes, Tsaiko Nation I am coming home to where it all began in which I played, learned and LOVED the ALOHA SPIRIT !
The dates that I have open will be from 8-22-13 to 9-7-13. He will break the days up for a week or more depending what airline tickets are available. I ALWAYS knew about the aloha spirit but this kind and beautiful gesture is truly what Hawaii is all about “THE OHANA” !
I hope to FINALLY meet many of your GREAT faces that I never met but only know you from your blog names. PUNCHBOWL KID I AM COMING! PAPA JOE2 I AM COMING! POMAI I AM COMING! ADDAKNOWJOE I AM COMING! A HOUSE FAMILY I AM COMING! STEVEM I AM COMING! KEKOA I AM COMING! LOVELY LIZ KAUAI “I AM COMING !
ALL OF HAWAII TSAIKO NATION “I AM COMING” !
I will keep you posted with actual fight schedule day and time. We will be bringing my wife’s mother as our SPECIAL GUEST as she has been an ANGEL to us and NEVER been to Hawaii before. We are keeping it a secret as the SURPRISE will be an awesome site to see !
In closing I am so HONOR to have played and graduate from this GREAT University. I represent you folks out here in LA everyday. I am PROUD to be an alumnus and the work that I have accomplish for the past 22 years working with disadvantage children in South Central Los Angeles. It all started here and after 33 years I return where it all began.
SIMPLY THE BEST, BETTER THEN ALL THE REST !
God bless each and every one of you as RAINBOWCLIFF is coming home, back to the OHANA!
RainbowCliff, you should be a recruiter for Hawaii!
Aloha Rainbow Cliff!! Much props to your local friend and it will be great to see you back in the islands. I hope you will be able to attend the USC game while you are here. Also, I think it would be great if you could speak to the Rainbow Warrior basketball team so they get a perspective on playing BB in Hawaii!!
Cliff:
Sure hope we get to see you during your upcoming trip “home”!
You will be very busy playing a Kamaaina tourist and guide.
RainbowCliff, good to hear this. That means if you are hear on 8/29 we can celebrate our birthday together at the tailgate and a win against USC…….
fyi anoddah kuaina coming back for the opening UH vs USC encounter…unco Uku
Watched Pilares on the Panthers game the other day. They used him a lot on special teams as well as at receiver. I was surprised at how well he can tackle and cover on kick returns. He also is a really good blocker on run plays.
Think I will watch Eagles replay today. I also want to watch the Jets game.
Good morning everyone!
ST, thanks for the updates!
RainbowCliff — keep us posted as your actual flight dates firm up.
No need wonder about “what if” we had Rolo earlier, because we did.
2000 the team went 3-9 with a lost to FCS Portalnd St
More bettah saying “what if” we had Rolo on year more 🙂
Kennedy is the future at DT. We’re seeing why he was Chow’s top target during local recruiting. At 290lb, he’s looking ready to contribute this year.
This years WR corp appear far improved that last year’s group. Chows recruiting efforts are starting to show on the field. He has a clear vision of the the types of players he needs and, for the most part, he’s filling his needs. No coach can fill al the needs in any one recruiting class. Now that the foundation is laid, now the coaching staff needs to develop and teach.
I still think the most important recruit Chow landed this year was coach Chris Naeole (O-Line). As a 11 year NFL vet, he’s going to have the full respect of the OL corp. OL talent is one of the toughest areas to recruit for non-major programs, but Naeole should be able to get the most out of the players. A good position coach can turn a 2-star recruit into a better player than a 4/5 star by the time they are juniors and seniors.
Look for a vast improvement in the OL play… Sould be easy to notice since last years line was oft injured and way too inexperienced.
USC updates:
injury update… Star WR Marqise Lee diagnosed with a bone bruise after X-rays were negative. Listed as day-to-day. Will be ready for season opener vs UH
USC RB corp hasn’t looked very good according to one of their blogs. Most of the RBs have had nagging injuries. Only one injury free RB at this time.
Blogs not really raving about the practices other than the highlights. QBs have been really erratic the first week, a little better the last few practices and scrimmage.
Current point spread: UH (+21.5) at Caesars/Harrahs.
#24 RainbowCliff
+1,000,000
Prayers to DPK and ohana…
BEAT USC!!
Some intel…not really, culled from an SC football blog:
The Trojans capped their first two-a-day of Fall Camp with some good news about Marqise Lee.
Marqise Lee is listed as day-to-day, and expected back soon, after suffering a bone bruise in his right shoulder area on Friday, according to Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin compared Lee’s injury scare to losing your wallet and then finding it. In the end, you just broke even, but you are thrilled nonetheless.
The head coach refuted suggestions that Lee’s practice time should be scaled back to protect him. “Marqise’s game is a little bit off right now,” said Kiffin. “He’s still got to get a lot of work. We’ve got to make sure that we’re not relying on his athletic ability to take over, and that we are still putting him in a lot of situations so that he can continue to improve as a receiver as he goes into his third year here.”
On the field tonight, RB Buck Allen and TE Xavier Grimble were the offensive stars accounting for two touchdowns apiece. Kiffin on Allen: “Buck is probably one of our most improved players throughout spring and early fall here. Right now, we would feel very comfortable putting him in.”
Grimble appears ready to take the leap to being an elite tight end this season. “I am always hard on myself. I feel like I haven’t real done a whole lot yet,” said Grimble about fulfilling his potential. “I think you guys are going to see a lot more from me.”
The tight end trio has a new position coach this year as special teams coach John Baxter has added the unit to his responsibilities. “[Baxter] is a very, very sound coach,” said Grimble. “I knew that he was going to be a super detail guy. I love his coaching style.”
While Grimble and Randall Telfer are known entities to Trojan fans, Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick will have a much bigger role in his second season. “He’s coming along,” said Grimble about his young teammate. “I’m very excited to see him play this year. He’s grown so much. He’s going to be a great player.”
LT Aundrey Walker returned to practice.
34. None of that matters till you have a QB who can play…
#25. 3-Prong, Always had the gift of gab but when it comes to you good folks I come ALIVE with the spirit. I hope to meet you when I am there !
#26bowwar, mahalo for your kind thoughts. Don’t know about USC game as everything is coming all at once. Game I know will be sold out and I don’t have dates set as I await my good old college friend to set the traveling schedule. Will probably have to watch it at a local eatery as I will have my wife and in law with me. No matter just to be back on the Island is good enough !
#27 A House !
PLEASE e-mail me at cliffsanchez@gmail.com so we can set something up. I know I have a reception with lwc as I am still a board member. Wouldn’t be good to come back to Oahu and don’t have a A House reunion. My college friend works during the day so I will have all day with Mrs RainbowCliff and Mother In-law to show the UNIQUENESS of Hawaii !
My schedule is WIDE open !
#28 POMAI !
WOW a birthday celebration with you will be PRICELESS !
My good College friend will confirm as I might be coming before the game or afterwards. All I know I have dates set from 8-22 / 9-7th so beginning, middle or close to the end as I have 15 days that are open. All I know I am coming and looking forward to meeting MANY of you that I possibly can. Last time we saw each other was at the Sugar Bowl as this time will be on ROYAL SOIL !
Will post on the blog when schedule is fully complete.
#32 SteveM, will do !
Is that paris, france or georgia?
Happy 21st Birthday to Kody Afusia.
Great post former UH athlete.. The QB siituation will iron itself out and the critics will be silenced!
I get all of the love and hate for Timmy Chang. I personally love the kid for all he did for UH. He was the one top prospect who committed to UH and gave them his all for his time here. He may not have lived up to everyone’s expectations but when he graduated he was the NCAA all time passing leader. He gave his all to the program and was a local boy who was recruited by everyone and decided to stay home. How can you fault a local boy for doing what he did. If you ever have a chance to sit down and talk to Timmy you cant’ help but love him. He’s a down to earth guy who is just a regular local boy at heart.
Mr. Sanchez welcome back to Hawaii on your vacation. It is good to see a former Rainbow still continuing his ties to the University. I remember you playing point guard I think for Coach Little back in the early seventies. May you and your wife have a great trip back and may you be blessed with good health.
Timmy Chang was a terrific recruit for Coach Jones and Timmy did his best for the University. Our fans were an embarrassment for booing our local quarterback at one of the games that I had attended. There should never be that kind of out burst by our fans towards our student/athletes. Our football team will surprise a lot of people and I like the direction of our coaches on the field and off to give our student/athletes a chance to graduate with a degree. GO RAINBOW WARRIORS!!
RainbowCliff-
My braddah from annoda maddah. Dis is Addahknowjoe! I shortened my blog name for two reasons: One was a tribute to my longtime childhood and best friend who past away last year. His name was Joe. Esme and BigIslandKurt know him well. The other reason was everyone calls me by the short version anyway. =)
Can’t wait to see you again. We will definitely get together. Love you, my braddah!
old timer…spot on!
r.cliff…cattle calling.
good to hear how well ” boom” lakalaka did.
so whats the story on griffin?
broke wheel?
just when i was wondering about clark “superman” evans. he shows up when it counted.
just when i was wondering about clark “superman” evans. he shows up when it counted.
how did jeremy higgins do?
Jeremy was used in red-zone situations. Provides a QB draw-option, play-action wrinkle.
#48 old time 808, Kind sir mahalo for your sincere remarks. Yes, point guard of the 70’s with a BIG fro and a HEART of a champion !
Bringing wife and mother In Law along to enjoy “polynesian hospitality” !
Hope to meet you when I come !
#53 A-joe !
HOWZ IT !
Yes, indeed the ground will shake with that BIG hug of yours. Cant wait to wrap the paws around you. Coming back where it all began as all I can say is MAHALO !
Knowing all you good folks on this blog has been a WONDERFUL experience !
I always appreciated the FANS of Hawaii as they CHEERED for me every time during my career. Playing or not playing UH fans were ALWAYS letting me know. Signing autographs, meeting on the street or riding “The Bus” I could not ask of a better place to live, play college sport and get a quality education while surrounding myself around BEAUTIFUL people.
A-Joe, I am coming HOME !
MAHALO for your GREATNESS !
#55 Al, CATTLE CALLING !
NEVER been to one in Hawaii. All I have seen of them by way of pictures or video clip. LOVE the one of ST dancing and all you good folks laughing, drinking and eating !
Will be HONOR to attend with my love ones by my side !
Punchbowl kid, my prayers are with you and your family during these most difficult times. I pray you find comfort that all in God’s will and plan there is a purpose for all of us to be here and unfortunately for all of us to leave. Vaya Con Dios.
Good Morning Folks!
Hubs and I send our deepest sympathies to DPK, Sweety, and ohana at the lost of their loved one!
Have a wonderful trip back to the islands, Rainbowcliff! I hope you and your family have a great time during your vacation! Look forward to seeing and meeting you folks at the Tsaiko tailgate!
Have a great Monday, all! Only 17 more days to BEAT USC!
Good morning!
Looks like the spam has run amok.
Time for a change in careers.
Great Morning All!
I hope the Rainbow Warriors were able to R&R albeit for just one short day.
Hit the field again with a purpose today, men.
GO ‘BOWS!