Blaze, Sopoaga, American Samoa, SWA

AM 1500 has an interview with Blaze Soares from the Rob and Russ Show up on their front page.

Isaac Sopoaga took part in a 49ers O-line/D-line youth football camp yesterday. Here's what he had to say:

Sopoaga in particular appreciated the chance to impart his knowledge on the youth at the camp.

“It is a great and beautiful opportunity for them to be here so they can learn,” said Sopoaga. “These kids here are lucky to be able to take part in something like this. Where I grew up in American Samoa, we didn’t have this. I didn’t learn football until my last year in high school.”

Funny he should mention that -- Dave Reardon writes about a contingent of Hawaii and SMU football coaches who will be traveling to American Samoa next week to conduct the first June Jones American Samoa Football Academy.

According to Kevin Kaplan, director of the June Jones Foundation, the academy will involve 550 athletes, and five will each win a $2000 scholarship that can be used at any U.S. college — not just SMU or UH.

The UH coaches making the trip include Alex Gerke, Greg McMackin, Nick Rolovich, Brian Smith and Craig Stutzmann. SMU coaches include Jones, Dennis McKnight, Wes Suan, Jeff Reinebold and Frank Gansz. Interesting! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

UPDATE: Reardon has more details.

Current and former NFL players Jesse Sapolu, Maa Tanuvasa, Mel Purcell, Reagan Mauia, Paul Soliai and Leo Goeas are also scheduled to appear, Kaplan said.

It is McMackin's first trip to American Samoa.

"It's going to be a fun deal," McMackin said. "I'm really looking forward to it because they're a big part of the Warrior Nation."

Reardon also writes that season ticket sales are up from last year.

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And Shawn Withy-Allen is praised in this preview of the Fayetteville Guard's next couple games.

Withy-Allen has completed 26 of 33 passes and thrown for 10 touchdowns in the two games since he was coaxed back into playing by Gunnings.

“If you’ve watched the last two games, our defense has been on the field more than our offense,’’ Williams said. “That’s because of Shawn. Since he’s been back, the offense gets on the field and it’s boom, boom, boom and they score a touchdown. We don’t get time to rest.

“To have him (Withy-Allen) back, it’s felt like last year. Our offense is just scoring at will.’’