In Texas, Livas, Dooley

Stephen Tsai writes the Coach Mack has been more vocal in recent practices.

The master of halftime shows — in the past, he has thrown a projector, computer and water jug to emphasize points — has jolted the Warriors with blistering speeches the past few days.

"It's time to get down to business," McMackin said.

In preparation for tomorrow's nationally televised game against Louisiana Tech, the Warriors have been placed on a strict schedule: Meetings, practices, study sessions, meals and rest. Show up late, feel the wrath.

He even made sure to separate the offensive and defensive players on the bus rides between the hotel and Trinity High football field.

"This is an important ball game for us," McMackin said of the Western Athletic Conference opener. "The whole nation has a chance to see what Warrior football is all about. I feel a big responsibility for us to represent the team, our staff and the people of Hawai'i."

Tsai also has notes about NFL scouts being interested in Laupepa Letuli, John Estes, Aaron Kia, Fetaiagogo Fonoti and Blaze Soares.

Jason Kaneshiro has a report from Texas, and highlights LaTech's Phillip Livas.

Livas is the leading receiver for the Bulldogs, and is a threat on special teams. He ranked seventh in the country in punt returns last season and returned a kick 85 yards for a touchdown against Navy. He has a total of five returns for touchdowns in his career and was named first-team All-WAC as a kick returner last year.

"We just hope to contain him," UH special teams coordinator Chris Tormey said. "We hope to get good hang time on our kicks, good placement, run down the field and diagnose schemes, blocks and make plays. He's a great player.

"He's a tremendous open-field runner. Tremendous initial quickness, and really good top-end speed."

And Ferd Lewis takes a look at the competitiveness of LaTech coach Derek Dooley.