Kauai Scrimmage Wrap-Ups, Update: Video

David Simon of The Garden Island writes about yesterday's scrimmage on Kauai.

Close to 1,000 fans filed in to the visitors bleachers to see the team practice, then go 11-on-11 in a scrimmage that featured some big hits. In just the sixth practice of the spring, the coaching staff has the Warriors going full-speed and holding nothing back in their tackling.

The aggressive and physical approach, which is slightly different than some recent spring practice seasons, is having a positive effect on the team, according to Jasper.

“The new hitting is making us a lot tougher,” he said.

Stephen Tsai writes that Bryant Moniz is on "indefinite leave".

The Hawai'i football team will be without its No. 1 quarterback for an indefinite period, head coach Greg McMackin confirmed yesterday.

Bryant Moniz, who started eight games in 2009 and was No. 1 during this spring training, has been placed on "personal leave," McMackin said.

Dave Reardon doesn't write what the reason is, but he writes what it isn't.

THE REASON for Moniz's absence is very personal. But the fact that he's not with the team has to be addressed, because he's the UH quarterback, and the reason could have long-term implications for the Warriors.

The "personal business" is not about grades, injury, illness or lawbreaking. It is, however, definitely not something McMackin and offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich or anyone on the team wanted to have to deal with while preparing for the 2010 season.

"And things were going so good," Rolo said, shaking his head.

Not sure I like the sound of all that.

Jason Kaneshiro writes about the quarterbacks that did play.

"Very comfortable in there today," Austin said. "I went through my reads patiently, guys were getting open, both sides of the ball looked good. It was a good day."

Brent Rausch and Cayman Shutter both completed deep passes for touchdowns before a crowd of about 500. Rausch hit newcomer Darius Bright in stride down the left sideline for a 47-yard score. Shutter later connected with fellow freshman Billy Ray Stutzmann on a 40-yard touchdown.

"I threw a touchdown pass, but I felt I could have done better," said Rausch, who was 8-for-11 for 130 yards. "It definitely felt good to get that one (touchdown) in so clean like that."

Stephen Tsai writes about the defense's performance.

But yesterday, they were able to produce seven sacks in 48 pass plays. Because most of the pressure came from the front four — led by left end Kamalu Umu and defensive tackles Vaughn Meatoga, Haku Correa and Kaniela Tuipulotu — the linebackers rarely blitzed.

"I was really impressed with the D-line as a unit," Aranda said. "I thought they were able to create a pass rush with four guys. That was a problem last year. I know that (defensive line coaches) Tony (Tuioti) and Cal Lee really worked hard on it. I'm glad to see those guys play well."

Kaneshiro and Reardon have some news and notes.

And finally, congratulations to Rob DeMello.

DeMello, KITV's weekend sports anchor since 2005, has accepted the same position at rival KHON, where he replaces John Veneri, who will focus entirely on being the station's marketing director.

UPDATE: Video from KHON/KITV/KHNL.