Accolades

Stephen Tsai talks to Coach Jones and some players who were named to the All-WAC first team.

Each day, Esera makes the long ride from the North Shore. A greater journey was going from an unheralded defensive lineman to one of the nation's best backside blockers. "He really turned it up this year," Jones said. "He hustled. He was an inspirational leader."

Esera, who is married with two children, credits his family. He said he receives "big time" support from his parents and in-laws. "I'm very thankful," Esera said. "All I have to do is show up and go to classes."

Esera and Peters, both Kahuku High graduates, coaxed Jones into allowing the team to perform the haka. Jones said the haka, which often brings him to tears, will become a "new tradition" for the Warriors.

Peters is playing — and performing the haka — despite a chipped cartilage in his rib cage and partially torn ligament in his right knee. "I can't imagine playing safety with a broken rib," Jones said.

"You get used to it," Peters said. "You try and focus it somewhere else."

Jones described Peters as "not just a great player, but a great person."

You can see video interviews of Nate, Colt, Tala, Leonard, Ikaika, and Samson on the top of that page. Or you can click here.

Dave Reardon talks to Colt Brennan, who heaps praise on the team MVP, Ross Dickerson.

"I really think that Ross deserves that. A lot of times behind the scenes, you wonder why guys persevere. It's because the team respects him and what he's doing and he really respects them. We saw that in Ross," Brennan said.

"And he brought that mentality into this year. It didn't matter what he was asked to do. He was going to learn it and be the ultimate team player. I can't imagine a better MVP on our team this year."

...

"A lot of times, a guy being covered and running the right route to be covered is what's setting his buddy up to be wide open. If you're not open and you try to get open, you might ruin the play for everyone," the quarterback said. "Ross fulfilled that to the maximum. And because he was a senior, it filtered on down to the younger guys, and I hope the guys who come back carry it through next year."

Ross-ome!

Dave Reardon also talks to June, who believes Colt deserves a trip to New York.

None has had a better season statistically this fall. That's why Brennan leaves this afternoon for Orlando, Fla., to participate in ESPN's college football awards show on Thursday, accompanied by his parents, quarterback coach Dan Morrison, and UH media relations director Lois Manin. He's up for the Davey O'Brien Quarterback Award. Ohio State's Troy Smith and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn are the other finalists. Brennan is also a finalist for the Walter Camp Award that goes to the nation's top player, similar in qualifications to the Heisman.

Because Smith is probably a runaway Heisman winner, the Downtown Athletic Club might choose to bring just two others to the ceremony, diminishing Brennan's chances. He finds out tomorrow, after voting is completed at noon Hawaii time. (Star-Bulletin sports editor Paul Arnett e-mailed his ballot yesterday. It will be disclosed Sunday.)

I really hope Colt makes it to New York. It would be great for him and for the school. And it would give the critics who don't watch UH games but criticize UH anyway something else to cry about. Fun!