Warrior Beat

The Warriors today polished off the schemes they will use against San Jose State Saturday at Aloha Stadium.  Quarterback Bryant Moniz had to work on a school project, and did not participate in practice. Afterward, he struck what he called his “academic” pose: The most spectacular play came during punting drills, when returner Greg Salas made a behind-the-back catch. OK, it wasn’t one-handed. But according to our photographer, Craig Kojima, it was one of the most amazing plays he has […]

Good, lively practice today. The Warriors went about 2 hours. They’ll go, maybe, a little more than 90 minutes tomorrow, and then do a split-shift Thursday: Half the practice in pads, half without. The point is to teach them the adjusted schemes for Saturday’s game against San Jose State while providing some rest for healing players.  • Best play of practice was Darius Bright’s “steal.” It appeared nickelback John Hardy-Tuliau made an interception, but Bright was able to wrest free […]

It was back to business for the Warriors, who resumed practicing today after a four-day break: • Slotback Kealoha Pilares went through light drills while still recovering from a strained left hamstring. He said he expects to play in Saturday’s game against San Jose State.  • Quarterback David Graves said San Jose State is recruiting his brother, also a quarterback.  • Brett Leonard said he hopes to be medically cleared this week. He has missed the past three games because […]

Five UH football coaches return to Hawaii today after completing evaluation trips on the West Coast.  The past week was considered an evaluation period, meaning the coaches were allowed to watch practices and games, and meet with coaches, teachers and counselors. But they were not allowed to have official face-to-face visits with prospects.  The UH coaches estimated they watched more than 80 games or practices. Going to the schools, according to the coaches, is a process known as “inserts of […]

The time-tested belief is to not be seduced by opening night. With emotion and jitters, teams are not as good or as bad as they appear. That said, there was a lot to like about the UH basketball team’s opening victory over Montana State. In particular, it was nice to see that Hiram Thompson can make the adjustment to a more uptempo offense. Also, it was nice to see the geometry of the Rainbow Warriors’ NBA-style isolation plays. Better spacing […]

Yes, we know many UH fans are angry, frustrated and disappointed. And, yes, many won’t take it anymore and are demanding the Warriors make a declaration of independence.  But, really, how was it supposed to end after Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada decided to secede from the WAC to join the Mountain West Conference? Was there an expectation that San Diego State, UNLV or a Pac-10 school was going to be part of the WAC expansion plans? Of course […]

The combination of a bye week and a holiday gives the Warriors their first weekday day off since the first week of August. It comes right in time for everyone to play the new Call of Duty game. * * * * *  Suddenly, wideout Terence Bell, star of the recent scout bowls, is in contention for serious playing time next season. Bell is fast, sure-handed and athletic. He also has the drive to finish plays. What he nearly didn’t […]

Scout Bowl II — the offense-versus-defense scrimmage featuring scouts and redshirts — was as entertaining as Tuesday’s event.  Wideout Terence Bell continued to impress. He scored on a 68-yard play in which he hurdled three fallen defenders; made a leaping one-handed catch, and scored the game-winner on a tipped pass into the end zone.  The most innovative play came when David Graves fired a pass to Justin Clapp, who ran to his left, then lateraled to Graves.  Right tackle Sean […]