Warrior Beat

LAS VEGAS — The Warriors had an extensive practice today at Palo Verde High School.  Because the high school band was practicing on the stadium field, the Warriors warmed up for about 45 minutes at a neighboring field.  It was a solid workout, with the Warriors working on several different schemes, particularly on special teams. Of note:  • David Graves, the injury replacement for strong safety Spencer Smith, worked out at both quarterback and safety. He also was on special […]

May I ask you about being named player of the week? Bryant Moniz: “The player of the week? For our team?” The WAC. The WAC player of the week. Moniz: “For the WAC? Daaa-yam. That’s pretty cool.” When was the last time you won a player of the week award? Moniz: “Uh, never.” Not OIA player of the week, or something like that?  Moniz: “I don’t think so. That’s pretty cool. It’s a team award. But it’s pretty cool.” * […]

• Quarterback David Graves has been summoned as the injury replacement for Spencer Smith, who suffered a fractured right forearm in Saturday’s 31-28 victory over Army. Graves is scheduled to leave tonight on the red-eye flight, arriving tomorrow in Las Vegas, where the Warriors will train through Friday in preparation for Saturday’s road game against Colorado.  Graves has been told he will be used as a safety. He was a slotback/cornerback through his junior year of high school. “Any way […]

* This was a big victory for the Warriors. Why? Because during the summer, everyone kept saying the Warriors could not — NOT! — open the season 0-3. The Warriors showed talent in racing to a 21-0 lead; they showed heart in coming back from a 28-21 deficit. Squandering a three-touchdown lead is never good. But football is a game of momentum — and emotion — and, in the end, all that matters is whether you win or lose.  • […]

WEST POINT — The Warriors completed a fun-filled walk-through at Army’s Michie Stadium.  Several players swapped jerseys to throw off potential Army, uh, observers.  Near the end of practice, three guys parachuted onto the field.  As they hovered, UH punter Alex Dunnachie said: “Now that’s hangtime.” * * * * *    * * * * *    * * * * *      After years of haggling, the Warriors received a huge victory: Per diem.  UH still provides […]

• The Warriors practiced for 105 minutes at Park Ridge High in the final regular workout before Saturday’s game. (There is a walk-through tomorrow at West Point.)   Mack chats with the Owls     • This is my 20th season as UH football beat writer, and I’m still amazed at the Warriors’ traveling show. In quick time, conference rooms are transformed into training rooms and equipment areas. If these guys ever opened their own moving company …

PARK  RIDGE, N.J. — The Warriors arrived this morning and promptly went to their rooms for a nap. They had taken a non-stop flight from Honolulu to Newark, N.J., then the 30-minute bus ride to some place called Park Ridge. The Warriors will have a walk-through this afternoon in either a ballroom or on the hotel grounds. Then it’s an evening of meetings and more meetings. There will be a full practice tomorrow. Bryant Moniz         * […]

WEST POINT — We ran into Army head coach Rich Ellerson, who was preparing for Saturday’s game against Hawaii: * * * * *  Here’s where Army plays its home games …  And here’s where Army  practices outdoors …  And where it practices indoors . . .  * * * * * Columnist Dave Reardon and I have arrived in … Parkridge, N.J.  We thought we were lost — what do ya know? — we actually found our hotel. Now […]