Warrior Beat

Akil Francisco, who is entering his senior year at Encinal High in Alameda, Calif., has accepted a scholarship offer from the Warriors. Here’s the skinny: > Francisco, who is tall (6 feet) and quick, is projected to compete at cornerback for the Warriors. Although he is 155 pounds, he expects to add to his frame when he joins the Warriors’ strength/conditioning program next year. > Francisco has overcome a tragic childhood. His father — Mike “Dream” Francisco — was a […]

The Warriors staff is on the Garden Island today for two camps at Vidinha Stadium. The morning session is for pre-high school kids; the afternoon session is for so-called prospects. Head coach Nick Rolovich, his nine full-time assistant coaches and two graduate assistants are serving as instructors. The coaches will participate in a meet-and-greet fundraiser tomorrow at Kauai Community College’s Fine Dining Room. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 (presale) and $50 (at the […]

Former Warriors Julian Gener and David Griffin have signed with pro teams in Australia’s fledgling National Gridiron League. Gener, a linebacker, said he signed with the Newcastle Miners. Griffin, an offensive lineman, signed with the North Coast Heat. (Former UH defensive backs coach Ken Flajole was the Heat’s head coach until he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in January.) Gener and Griffin will leave for Australia in August. The season is scheduled to start in October. * * * * […]

After three years of knock-knock-knocking on doors, a pro team finally answered. Darryl McBride, whose last UH season was in 2012, yesterday was assigned to the Edmonton Eskimos’ practice squad. “I would have made the active (roster), but there are still more things I have to learn about the (CFL) game,” said McBride, referring to Canada’s wider field and 12th player on each side of the ball. McBride was used as a running back, linebacker and safety during his three […]

Today, we pay tribute to men of leadership, character and dependability. But enough about Lebron and Steph. Happy Father’s Day to all. * * * * * * Kapahulu is the winner of the Kolten Wong cards. Text (808) 256-0223 with mailing instructions. (I would be sorta-sorta disappointed if you didn’t actually live in Kapahulu.) * * * * * * Today’s prize is a Jesse Sapolu card. To enter the drawing, please post: Happy Father’s Dad! Avis will choose […]

Former quarterback Sean Schroeder’s UH career might have been short — three semesters — but it left an impression. Schroeder’s non-profit organization — 808 Passing Academy — will hold its first camp on June 25 at the TC Ching Athletic Complex. There is no admission fee. The camp is open to students currently enrolled in high school. Although the camp will emphasize passing and receiving, all position players are welcomed. Among the instructors are: Ashley Lelie, Garrett Gabriel, Miah Ostrowski, […]

A day after returning from the Australia/New Zealand series of camps, the UH coaches were back on the road to attend camps in Utah, Los Angeles, Oakland and Las Vegas this weekend. Head coach Nick Rolovich empathized with defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa, who returned to Hawaii, “did his laundry,” and departed for the mainland. Rolovich said the whirlwind tour Down Under was beneficial, calling it a “quality mission.” The Warriors were able to instruct athletes with various football experience. They […]

Does UH history fit you to a T? Today’s prize is a T-shirt honoring the “Termite Palace” and No. 32 (UH’s only retired football number). To enter the drawing, please post: Here’s to you, Tommy! Avis will select a winner. (By the way, you can submit more than one entry. The way it works is Avis sends me a random number. I check the post with that number, and — tada! — we have a winner.) * * * * […]