In an ideal world, it’s best to not dip into the savings account. In the Warriors’ world, where knee braces are standard equipment, sometimes the reserves need to be considered. In the past two practices, quarterback Aaron Zwahlen and cornerback Rojesterman Farris have moved from the scout teams and practiced extensively with the backups. Matt Norman also has practiced as the No. 2 left tackle. What’s more, Vasquez Haynes has moved from wideout to free safety. Head coach Norm Chow […]

The triple-option offense is a wonderful weapon that helped the Warriors trounce BYU in consecutive years, led to a school-best 11-2 record in ’92, and made former UH coaches Paul Johnson, Kenny Niumatalolo and Jeff Monken very wealthy head coaches. But on the other side, to defend the triple-option … ouch. After UH upset California on the road a long time ago, “Ferd” and I were leaving California Memorial Stadium when we saw two Bear DBs. An hour after the […]

Largely overlooked in Saturday’s loss was tight end Dakota Torres’ 9-yard catch. It was the sort of play receivers are coached to make — secure the football before pivoting, then grasping tightly while absorbing hits — but often forget technically in the emotions of the game. It was a smart play, a tough play. And then — boing! — the realization hit that Torres, like many who play smart and tough football, was raised in Waianae. People of a certain […]

Maybe the toughest part of the schedule wasn’t over. In what has become a recurring theme in this series, the Aztecs set the tone with their Power-I running attack. While the Warriors made the defensive adjustment after the first two drives, the 14-0 start changed the game’s strategy. Looking ahead, the Warriors: 1) Need to get off to better — more inspired? — starts. 2) Heal. 3) Avoid self-inflicted mistakes (penalties, drops, missed assignments.

The Warriors arrive for homecoming game: Warriors video * * * * *

Fridays used to be casual. For the Warriors, a typical Friday was classes, a walk-through session, dinner at Kapiolani Community College, and meeting at a Waikiki hotel, where they stayed overnight. Following a national trend, the Warriors now abbreviate Thursday’s practices to mostly special-teams drills, then have a more extensive non-contact, non-pad practice on Friday afternoons. The new format enables the players to keep active while learning some last-minute plays. It also enables ailing players held out of practices Tuesday […]

As expected, quarterback Max Wittek was back at the controls this morning, participating in all of the offense’s drills during the 75-minute practice. The rest appeared to be beneficial for Wittek, who was mobile in the sets. Wittek, a co-captain, has started the first five games. There have been several tweaks to the active roster. Running back Jason Muraoka has been getting work as the No. 2 kickoff returner. And one of the strongest Warriors, fullback Kaiwi Chung, has been […]

Defensive coordinator Tom Mason had mixed feelings when he watched cornerback Rojesterman “Roe” Farris II score on a pick-six and make an acrobatic pass breakup against the first-team offense this morning. Farris, a freshman from Coral Springs (Fla.) High, is projected to redshirt this season. “I’m thinking: ‘Why are we redshirting this guy? He’s making plays.’” Mason said. Farris is among a group of freshman redshirt possibilities that includes quarterback Aaron Zwahlen, punter Alex Trifonovitch, linebacker Solomon Matautia, and offensive […]