Warrior Beat

Expanded coverage of UH football, including practice notes, game analysis, recruiting info and observations on the Mountain West Conference.

About the blog host

Stephen Tsai covers University of Hawaii football for the Star-Advertiser. Follow him on Twitter @StephenTsai and sign up for the Hawaii football newsletter here: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/email-signup/

Latest news

Tough one

By Stephen Tsai on October 11, 2009

That was a tough one for the Warriors, and it’s not going to get any easier. Idaho is quite good this year, especially at home. So, a few things are obvious: • Greg Salas is the Warriors’ MVP. • The Warriors are invested fully in Bryant Moniz. They even broke out what appeared to be some new pass routes. It was impressive that Moniz was able to pick it up with only a week of practice as the No. 1 […]

Game day: Fresno State

By Stephen Tsai on October 10, 2009

Aloha Stadium — The Warriors will be in all green uniforms for the first time since 1998. * * * * * * Ran into the Bryant Moniz. At least, I think they were. They were wearing shirts that read: We Want Mo. * * * * * * Big game today, which is why it was nice to see Mouse Davis make an appearance at yesterday’s walk-through. * * * * * And Princess Leila did really well in […]

And the winner is …

By Stephen Tsai on October 9, 2009

No. 184 — Constant Sports. Please call me at 256-0223 and I’ll either leave the tickets at Will Call or drop it off. Thanks for playing. And, by the way, JuJu picked the winning number. * * * * * * * * * * * It’s all about leverage. The defensive linemen used this platform-tent to work on firing out of a low stance and playing at “pad level.” * * * * * Happy birthday to Dr. Doc. […]

Just in case …

By Stephen Tsai on October 8, 2009

The Warriors apparently have an emergency plan to the emergency plan. Freshman Cayman Shutter took reps with the first-string offense during today’s team drills. Bryant Moniz will start against Fresno State, and Shane Austin is listed as the No. 2 quarterback. Running back Inoke Funaki is the emergency quarterback. Shutter, who is on track to redshirt this season, is the backup to Funaki. * * * * * I ran into linebacker Cory Daniel yesterday, and he still hasn’t fully […]

And the winner is . . .

By Stephen Tsai on October 7, 2009

Slugger wins the T-shirt. * * * * * From today’s practice: • Royce Pollard will retain his job as the No. 1 right wideout and kick returner. • Dustin Blount, who has been cleared to play, practiced as a backup slotback and kick returner. • It appears defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea will get the start at left tackle. • Defensive end Paipai Falemalu said his right ankle is at 85 percent, but that he still will play. • After […]

Moniz chat

By Stephen Tsai on October 6, 2009

Special thanks to Bryant Moniz for answering questions during the Warrior Beat Show today. * * * * * * From today’s practice: • Defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga (sprained right ankle) was able to participate in conditioning drills, but he did not practice. Still, expect Meatoga, who was limited to five plays against Louisiana Tech, to be ready for Saturday’s Fresno State game. • Rocky Savaiigaea is expected to start at defensive left tackle. • Jovonte Taylor has overcome a […]

Colt on the mend

By Stephen Tsai on October 5, 2009

Thankful for the support of the Washington Redskins and a “great situation,” Colt Brennan vowed to “come back with a vengeance.” “I want to show what I’m really like when I’m healthy,” said Brennan, who underwent surgery on his left labrum and left hamstring last month. During the 2008 Senior Bowl, an enlarged bone caused a tear in his right labrum. He underwent successful hip surgery. In the final preseason game of 2009, he suffered an injury to both his […]

No furlough

By Stephen Tsai on October 4, 2009

Kudos to linebacker Blaze Soares and center John Estes for organizing yesterday’s unsupervised players-only practice. The turnout was excellent, and, most important, it fostered team bonding. The coaches were correct in giving the players time off, especially after having been on the Mainland for 17 of 23 days. But it was nice to see the players take the initiative to try to improve. * * * * * Belated happy birthday wishes to Nalani Choy. * * * * * […]