Warrior Beat

If you’re keeping track, this is the current breakdown of receivers: X — Chris Gant, Marcus Kemp Y — Scott Harding Z — Vasquez Haynes, Keith Kirkwood The swing players are: Ammon Barker, Daniel Masifilo, Donnie King, Allen Sampson, Duke Bukoski, Bubba Poueu-Luna. * * * * * Billy Ray Stutzmann will be in the  mix after he is medically cleared. He is scheduled to undergo further tests, including a heart stress test, to determine why he passed out before […]

For the second time this training camp, the Rainbow Warriors today will have double practices. Unlike Friday’s afternoon practice, which focused exclusively on special teams, there will be a more expansive workout for today’s second practice. * * * * * Oh, yes, the players had a much-needed day off yesterday following nine consecutive days of practices. Sort of. There still were meetings. But they had most of the day to participate in off-campus functions. * * * * * […]

Here are some football notes to go along with your favorite Sunday newspaper: • Last year, in response to penalties for dislodged helmets, head coach Norm  Chow implemented a rule discouraging long hair. Alas, there is a loophole — Lew-hole? — with what is regarded as the Lew Law. It spawned from defensive line coach Lewis Powell’s beard, which would be the envy of even a Duck Dynasty. The Rainbow Warriors will be allowed neatly maintained facial hair. The “neatly […]

Rain or shine — and it was pouring on the Koolau last night — the Rainbow Warriors will stage their first scrimmage of training camp today. Scripts call for the first and seconds teams to each have five drives of between eight and 10 plays. There will be a five-minute session for players who are lower on the depth chart. For the first and second teams, two of the drives will start on the offense’s 35, one on the 50, […]

Good things can happen to good people. Kawika Borden, a safety who moonlights as a long-snapper, has been awarded a football scholarship. When was the last time there were two Pearl City graduates on football scholarship at the same time? (Right guard Dave Lefotu is the other former Charger.) * * * * * Offensive linemen Jordan Loeffler (knee) and Chauncy Winchester-Makainai (back) signed medical-retirement papers yesterday. They will remain on scholarship. It’s a shame that injuries denied them a […]

In a mash-up of team captains and leadership council, the Rainbow Warriors now have a group of leaders known collectively as the captains’ council. They were selected in a voting by their teammates. Here’s this year’s captains’ council: Quarterback — Taylor Graham Running backs — Joey Iosefa and Aofaga Wily Receivers — Chris Gant and Scott Harding Tight end — Craig Cofer Offensive line — Ben Clarke Defensive ends — Beau Yap and Tavita Woodard Defensive tackles — Siasau Matagiese […]

Under the it’s-about-time category, several prominent figures today announced the launching of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. The first class will be selected this month. It will feature six players and one “contributor” to the sport. Preferred qualities are players born in the  region known as Polynesia or  of Polynesian ancestry. The class will be inducted in a ceremony Jan. 263 during Pro Bowl week. The hall will be headquartered in Honolulu, although a site has not been selected […]

Sometimes it’s not the weapon, it’s the aim. For instance, Penitito Faalologo is a raw talent who is aggressive, physical and has the seemingly boundless energy that football folks call “a motor.” In spring training and the four practices of training camp, Faalologo aligned at defensive end and was set loose to attack the backfield and anything in his path. Because he’s about 5-10, he was able to elude grasping blockers. But Faalologo was receiving limited reps. And then a […]