Fall Practice - Day 10: Monster, Kapolei, Injuries

Ferd Lewis writes a great column about how the Warrior defense is focusing on creating lots of turnovers this year. A preview of The Monster:

Indeed, if they have heard it once, UH defenders have heard "the game is all about turnovers" mantra a hundred times already this summer. Still, coaches shout it, exhorting their charges to live it.

This year the Warriors' defense seeks not just to hold back opposing offenses, it wants to go on the offense itself. And, if it can't score itself, then to put the ball right back in the hands of what should be the most potent offense in UH history.

"One of our goals — one of our biggest goals — is to average three turnovers a game," McMackin said. "With this (UH) offense that's an opportunity for us to score a lot of points."

I really can't wait to see this defense on the field.

Billy Hull writes an article featuring the four Kapolei graduates on the UH football team: Alasi Toilolo, Po'okela Ahmad, Daniel Otineru and Jon Medeiros. Here's an excerpt on Toilolo:

Toilolo was brought to Hawaii on potential as much as anything. He didn't play football until midway through high school, but has developed some pass-rushing moves at defensive end that have given some of the offensive lineman fits, including starting tackle Keith AhSoon.
"When we looked at him as a high school player we thought he would fit in perfectly as an edge rusher here," defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said. "He's got some unorthodox moves, but because they are unorthodox, they are not something you see every day, which really helps him."

Dave Reardon has an update on the injury bug going around. Those recovering from injuries include: Mike Lafaele, Blaze Soares, Solomon Elimimian, Adam Leonard, John Estes, Mario Cox, Davone Bess and Keenan Jones. But there was great news for Keenan, as well as Francis Maka:

Keenan Jones and defensive end Francis Maka reported outstanding summer school grades, ensuring their eligibility.

"I heard," defensive coordinator Greg McMackin said to a beaming Jones. "Great job."

Right on.

Stephen Tsai also has an update on the injuries, including those to Erik Pederson and Malcolm Lane. Also from the article:

• Players talk about fall camp winding down.


• Le'Marcus Gibson discusses Flossie (now tropical storm) and recounts how his hometown was devastated by Katrina.


• Joey Lipp talks about practicing at center and trying to maintain his weight.

And finally, Dave Reardon has a short anecdote on safety Keao Monteilh.

"I was 66 pounds and you had to be 70," he said, recalling when he started playing football at age 11. "I had to eat poi and drink water and wear heavy jeans for the weigh-in. Back then I was wondering if I'd ever make it to high school ball."

And today, he may be a starting safety with the Warriors. Practice continues today with a two-a-day. Visit the Warrior Beat and UH Sports Extra for the sheer livebloggery.

UPDATE: The Star-Bulletin reports that morning practice has been cancelled.

University of Hawaii football coach June Jones canceled this morning's practice.

"I want to see this blow over," Jones said, referring to rain and wind caused by tropical storm Flossie.

Jones said the Warriors will hold their regularly scheduled afternoon practice at 3:30 p.m. today.