Roll with the punches

Against Northern Iowa, the Warriors will be monitoring how officials are calling hits on punter Scott Harding.

Harding is an intriguing test case because he is unique punter who can roll out to either side and punt with either foot. The rule is once he takes a few steps laterally, he should be treated as runner, even if his intent is to punt. That’s fine, and the UH coaches are OK with the rule. The objection is that last week, Harding was clobbered after he punted. UH coaches believe Harding should be treated like any unprotected player after his play is over β€” in other words, after he punts, a defender should not be allowed to plow into his leg.

Harding has absorbed a few hits this year at a position that is rarely hit. That has taken a toll on Harding, and forced UH to consider reducing his large workload at slotback.

* * * * *

Diocemy Saint Juste and Dee Maggitt have been productive on kickoff returns, but slotback Keelan Ewaliko is considered an alternative this week. It makes sense. Saint Juste and Maggitt are valued at their regular jobs on offense and defense, respectively. Ewaliko β€” based on his success at Baldwin High and performances in UH practices β€”Β is an aggressive and daring runner.

COMMENTS

  1. Hank September 11, 2014 6:23 am

    Good Morning everyone. Yes, definately reduce Scott’s his work load. He’s taking a beating. I like the move of giving Barker a chance and moving Pedroza to inside.


  2. NorthShoreFan September 11, 2014 6:32 am

    Guud Morning Tsaikos…bootiful day.

    Totally agree, after a play is overs the player not be hit. After an incomplete pass, is the receiver allowed to be hit? Of course timing is everything and I think the coaches felt the hit was late.
    Interesting game coming up. Lots of questions need to answered and will be.
    IMUA WARRIORS!


  3. NorthShoreFan September 11, 2014 6:33 am

    oops..addy mistake..


  4. Maddog50 September 11, 2014 6:35 am

    I like the moves, more talent, speed height and more involvement. Hits on Harding have been brutal lets see a flag at least. Prefer he not get bit however


  5. Chicken Grease September 11, 2014 6:36 am

    Happy Patriot’s Day!

    Remember . . .


  6. Maddog50 September 11, 2014 6:36 am

    Should be not get hit


  7. NorthShoreFan September 11, 2014 6:36 am

    Guud Morning Tsaikos…bootiful day.
    Totally agree, after play is over, player needs to be protected. After an incomplete pass the intended receiver or qb is give protection against late hits. Why not a punter?
    Interesting game coming up. Lots of questions will be answered. Who is ready to step up?
    IMUA WARRIORS!


  8. 3-Prong September 11, 2014 6:43 am

    I questioned that “incidental contact” after leaving the tackle box call on Harding after his punt last week. He was also hit hard in the Washington game with no call. Hate to sound like a winer but Pac12 Officials “Come On Man! Glad they will be watching for it going forward. I assume they will warn opposing team in advance?


  9. tommui September 11, 2014 6:47 am

    GOOD MORNING, HAWAII!

    GO WAHINE!

    GO BOWS!


  10. JustAsking September 11, 2014 7:02 am

    UH 31
    NIU 28


  11. UHfan808 September 11, 2014 7:13 am

    πŸ™‚


  12. Shoko September 11, 2014 7:14 am

    I would think when Harding played Aussie football, he took his fair share of hits unless their is a rule against it in that particular sport.


  13. UHfan808 September 11, 2014 7:18 am

    Ugh.. Why I hate refs πŸ™ boo those refs πŸ™ πŸ™ πŸ™

    Extreme displeasure πŸ™

    —–

    Take care and heal up, Scott Harding!

    Maybe drink some gelatin, too! πŸ˜€ hehe


  14. ArcumFortis September 11, 2014 7:19 am

    Completely agree with the issue of roughing with Harding. It seemed like hitting him hard after he punted was a deliberate strategy. If we don’t protest this it will become routine. The novelty of his method probably is not well covered in the rules. But it would be absurd to condone late hits on a punter when he is no longer in the act of punting.


  15. UHfan808 September 11, 2014 7:19 am

    Good morning, Tsai-kos!

    Have a fantastic Thursday!

    Thanks for the news, Tsai-meister!

    GO WARRIORS!!!


  16. Pomaikaikeolahou September 11, 2014 7:49 am

    Good Morning:

    UH vs Northern Iowa
    21    –    10    iwonderwhytheyhateme
    23    –    14    AlaWai
    24    –    31    Chicken Grease
    24    –    10    bowwar
    24    –    28    SC
    27    –    24    3-Prong
    28    –    17    Pomai
    28    –    10    kawika49
    28    –    21    Fei Jai
    28    –    14    Ipu Man
    31    –    30    Whats Up
    31    –    28    C-Pop
    31    –    17    boolakanaka
    31    –    28    JustAsking
    34    –    17    akuhead2
    35    –    21    Lawaia
    35    –    17    eMpTy
    35    –    24    Andrew
    35    –    21    Warrior
    37    –    24    Haleakala
    38    –    24    hatakeman
    38    –    21    wafan
    38    –    28    Glenn
    40    –    28    UHfan808
    42    –    07    kev-1
    42    –    17    mo808
    45    –    21    oldtimer808
    48    –    13    Marleysdad
    49    –    28    TChahng
    56    –    14    d1shima


  17. Slugger September 11, 2014 7:57 am

    Go, Keelan! My co-worker at Haleakala Solar used to coach Keelan in pee-wee football. Moke’s gonna be happy that he gets to see Keelan play. Fast buggah on the track team at Baldwin.

    Good luck, Rainbow Warriors! Let’s Go Bows!


  18. hatakeman September 11, 2014 8:39 am

    I like it that more players will be getting in the game. Will pay dividends down stream.


  19. Whats Up September 11, 2014 8:41 am

    I agree, Harding is Hawaii best special teams player and keeping him healthy should be a priority. I hope Hawaii boys and Chow are taking Northern Iowa seriously, this team went on the road and almost beat BCS B10 team Iowa. 18 returning starters and a RB that is a beast. Lets keep in mind FCS McNeese State almost beat Nebraska this past weekend and Northern Iowa beat McNeese State last season.


  20. Inyoface September 11, 2014 8:50 am

    I was shocked when there was no flag on hitting Harding after that punt.


  21. Kris September 11, 2014 9:15 am

    I was shocked when Norm Chow went 4-20 in his first two seasons and retained his job.


  22. Inyoface September 11, 2014 9:35 am

    Haha damn


  23. Former UH Athlete September 11, 2014 9:42 am

    18 — I’m pretty certain the coaching staff and team are taking N. Iowa seriously. The program is not a point where they can take anything for granted and the coaches know they need every win they can get to help future job security.

    20 — The reply to your comment: $$$$ or lack thereof


  24. Ipu Man September 11, 2014 9:43 am

    Better yet, let’s hope UH never has to punt in this game πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚


  25. BigFan September 11, 2014 9:51 am

    Not football related but did not want to forget that today is 9/11. It was such a tragic day that I will not forget.


  26. tom September 11, 2014 10:00 am

    POMAI:

    UH – 28-7


  27. Chicken Grease September 11, 2014 10:36 am

    BigFan September 11, 2014 at 9:51 am

    Not football related but did not want to forget that today is 9/11. It was such a tragic day that I will not forget

    Quite. There IS more to what we know, though. Here’s the best of the explanations outside of the box, but, not beyond the pale:

    http://wheredidthetowersgo.com/

    Free Directed energy.


  28. amela September 11, 2014 10:58 am

    I don’t think the team or coaches will take anyone lightly, they need to win.


  29. amela September 11, 2014 10:59 am

    Why when I post a new comment a message says I already made a duplicate comment?


  30. tom-warriornation September 11, 2014 11:34 am

    Watch the Hawaii-Northern Iowa game live on the internet this Saturday at 9pm PST (only for those living outside of HI):

    Go Warriors! Win this one for Joey and Jerrold Garcia-Williams!

    http://www.themw.com/#!/watch-live#5915


  31. Chicken Grease September 11, 2014 11:35 am

    amela September 11, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Why when I post a new comment a message says I already made a duplicate comment?

    You must certainly be clicking twice on your mouse, amela. So stop. Heh. Just click once and right click and click “refresh.” And you will see your post (or “awaiting moderation” — don’t panic at that as well).


  32. Manoa Mist September 11, 2014 11:37 am

    Does anyone else have to log in with their name and email EVERY time you post? Or is it just me?


  33. SC September 11, 2014 12:09 pm

    Northern Iowa is a good team. They will surprise the UH spectators. Hope UH
    plays well and the coaches prepare the team. I was shocked to hear from
    a player that UH was not prepared for Oregon State in the first half. That is
    shocking especially if UH played Oregon State last year.


  34. nutmegger September 11, 2014 12:18 pm

    Going against my don’t bachi it philosophy:

    UH 31 – NIU 24


  35. Andrew September 11, 2014 12:18 pm

    I predicted a relatively close game this Saturday, but I’m hoping UH wins big in a lopsided game. I think it will greatly help the confidence of the team going into the long road trip.


  36. bowwar September 11, 2014 12:55 pm

    Based on being at the game last week, I thought the entire UH football team came out “flat”…There appeared to be a “lack of spark” (whether it’s self-confidence or not) when they hit the field. After the Iosepa fumbled the ball, it seemed like the team totally deflated. To their credit, the first two games did show improvement after half-time, so the team needs to get a “fast start” and sustain itself.


  37. 4-Prong September 11, 2014 1:11 pm

    Based on the title of the blog, I thought the entry was gonna be a Ray Rice joke.


  38. SailorBlue September 11, 2014 1:38 pm

    Caalling all Tsaiko Tgaters,

    It’s time for the next tgate. Come on out and enjoy some food, fun, friendship and football.

    Some notes:

    -Place remains the same – Rainbow Bay Marina, Cabana “A”.

    -Password remains the same – my name or Tsaikos

    -Tgate is potluck style. Bring your beverage of choice. Paper goods/cutlery provided by Tsaikos

    -Early crew will be arriving at about 9 AM

    -Grill crew will fire up about 10:30 so the grill will be ready by 11 AM

    -Clean-up will be 1.5 hrs before game (~4:30 PM). If you want to leave to go inside the stadium clean up what you brought.

    -Reminder the donation bucket will be open to support tgates. This money pays for the cabana and common use items like charcoal, paper goods, utensils, etc.

    -If you are planning on attending the post-game tgate bring your coolers to help store the left-over food.

    -There will be a water cooler and cups available

    -Tsaikos be sure to let your guest know where we’re located, the password and the few simple rules we follow.

    -Questions or directions? Email me: jboster@yahoo.com

    GO RAINBOW WARRIORS!

    Cheers, SailorBlue


  39. Pomaikaikeolahou September 11, 2014 1:52 pm

    Good Afternoon:

    UH vs Northern Iowa
    21    –    10    iwonderwhytheyhateme
    23    –    14    AlaWai
    24    –    31    Chicken Grease
    24    –    10    bowwar
    24    –    28    SC
    27    –    24    3-Prong
    28    –    17    Pomai
    28    –    10    kawika49
    28    –    21    Fei Jai
    28    –    14    Ipu Man
    28    –    07    tom
    31    –    30    Whats Up
    31    –    28    C-Pop
    31    –    17    boolakanaka
    31    –    28    JustAsking
    31    –    24    nutmegger
    34    –    17    akuhead2
    35    –    21    Lawaia
    35    –    17    eMpTy
    35    –    24    Andrew
    35    –    21    Warrior
    37    –    24    Haleakala
    38    –    24    hatakeman
    38    –    21    wafan
    38    –    28    Glenn
    40    –    28    UHfan808
    42    –    07    kev-1
    42    –    17    mo808
    45    –    21    oldtimer808
    48    –    13    Marleysdad
    49    –    28    TChahng
    56    –    14    d1shima


  40. Masatoshi-san September 11, 2014 1:59 pm

    Hawaii 41, Northern Iowa 17


  41. iwonderwhytheyhateme September 11, 2014 2:02 pm

    Has Saint Juste played any role on the offense so far? I looked at the stats and couldn’t find him on the rushing stats list. I can’t remember him in any plays either.

    I had hoped his much-hyped speed would have made a bigger impact. A thunder-lighting combo with Joey and SJ in the backfield would be fun to watch.


  42. Shoko September 11, 2014 2:10 pm

    Think DSJ caught a screen pass for a loss of yards against Washington. Been mostly kick returns for him.

    Care to guess what the below figures are?

    Northern Iowa $3,154,067 .
    Hawaii $9,063,145


  43. A-House September 11, 2014 2:14 pm

    #32 – you’ve got company!


  44. A-House September 11, 2014 2:15 pm

    well, since ST prefers NOT to comment on Woo and Cronk (sp) – let sleeping dogs lie


  45. A-House September 11, 2014 2:16 pm

    me tinks PAC 12 refs just like 2008 Sugar Bowl ones – UH opponents don’t need their help – if they do, then they fear UH.


  46. A-House September 11, 2014 2:17 pm

    hi ho hi ho it’s home from work I go ——————–


  47. Andrew September 11, 2014 2:52 pm

    I’m not an attendee of the tailgate but was curious about what the password is for? Is there a bouncer or something ? haha


  48. islandman September 11, 2014 3:12 pm

    42. — Football Expenses per year ? i typed in the UH number on the internet .


  49. islandman September 11, 2014 3:14 pm

    For 2012


  50. SailorBlue September 11, 2014 3:16 pm

    Andrew #47 – The tgate is on Navy property and they post personnel to keep out the personnel that are not authorized to park or use the facilities. Hence the need for a password to gain access to the tgate.


  51. Andrew September 11, 2014 3:18 pm

    Ah gotcha. Thanks


  52. Manoa Mist September 11, 2014 3:19 pm

    Thanks Mr. A House.
    As for Saturday’s game, this is a crucial one. If we can’t beat an DII school then folks are going to be howling. Still, I think you judge Chow on how he does in conference play. Go .500 in conference and I think he keeps his job.
    My prediction: Northern Iowa 31 Hawaii 17.


  53. kawika49 September 11, 2014 3:32 pm

    I think Nortern Iowa, will face many logistical challenges this weekend, considering; their small support staff.


  54. Andrew September 11, 2014 3:36 pm

    I think UH’s strong special teams play is the difference in this game. I also see UNI’s depth becoming an issue for them in this game as well. The game will stay close but UH will pull away in the 2nd half.


  55. Shoko September 11, 2014 3:54 pm

    48. Yep, that’s Northern Iowa’s and Hawaii’s football expense report. So, Chow better not lose this weekend!

    WARRIOR DEFENSE!


  56. Shoko September 11, 2014 3:57 pm

    Think the biggest logistic hassle is that they will have to lug their equipment back to the hotel after practice tomorrow because they can’t leave it in the locker rooms.


  57. Shoko September 11, 2014 4:01 pm

    Looks like they are staying near the Honolulu Zoo based on the pitcher. Somewhere off Kuhio and Paoakalani?
    https://twitter.com/CoachMarkFarley/status/510097037577035778/photo/1


  58. Shoko September 11, 2014 4:03 pm

    Picture*


  59. slenzi September 11, 2014 4:04 pm

    Pomaikaikeolahou plz put me down for UH 45 – NI 14
    This is the game to get pass-happy and love it.


  60. Chicken Grease September 11, 2014 4:05 pm

    Let the, uh, omens begin, heh heh heh heh heh . . . ah.

    None other than the biggest loser Governor “yes, I’m still governor, dammit!” Neil Abercrombie slated to be this weekend’s UH vs. NIU honorary team captain.

    Come on, now. Say it with me. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!, knees in the dirt, yelling toward the sky. All of it. Come on.


  61. Tiki808 September 11, 2014 4:08 pm

    I can make the food better than Neil Abercrombie is eating at the games. For show?


  62. Tiki808 September 11, 2014 4:48 pm

    55. Norm Chow’s expenses doesn’t include Northern Iowa football team. Sometimes the previous head coaches picks up the bill at the hotel for the visiting team and writes it off to the University. It ought not to be this way. We can not cover for their expenses also. They must pay up the cost themselves when it’s time to check out.


  63. Z September 11, 2014 5:11 pm

    Ben Dew starting at left guard for the other UH in today’s game @ by who.


  64. Chicken Grease September 11, 2014 5:23 pm

    Heheh. Z. You should be the one to have the final post of each Tsai blog entry. πŸ™‚


  65. Tiki808 September 11, 2014 6:00 pm

    A better solution is to look at it from a positive economics. What is and what is occurring in the community. Objectivity is the solution. This is a view for many to acquire. Picking up the bill for NI is out of the question. Think about this idea, positive economics.


  66. oneseason September 11, 2014 6:11 pm

    The 2012 season began with USC beating UH 49-10, followed by UH beating Lamar 52-2. While the Lamar game was fun to watch, the 8 losses that followed were sobering. While I definitely don’t want to presume that UH will have an easy time with NIU, if they are able to dominate, I hope the coach will not use this game’s score as an attempt to vindicate his efforts. With Colorado, Rice, Wyoming, SDSU, and Nevada coming up before the end of October, victories there should be the focus.


  67. Tiki808 September 11, 2014 6:40 pm

    As for the budget deficit acquired by UH AD, $1.48 million dollars projected in 2014, by The Garden Island, it is simply how one looks at the scenario. Normative economics is saying we should pick up the bill from the University for the opposing team when they’re down here in O’ahu. Football is important and so just pick it up the bill and write it off to the University. On the opposite side, positive economics says, what is actually happening in our community? Objective view points, they need to pay up and like everyone else, pay their own expenses. I meant Northern Iowa football team coming here and they’re expenses. For the better of the free enterprise system and the community, positive economics is only fair for everyone. The better solution for the community is, “positive economics”. Think about it!


  68. C-Pop September 11, 2014 6:57 pm

    #52 ManoaMist – UNI is not a DII school – used to be referred to as 1AA school (Montana, Weber St etc).


  69. C-Pop September 11, 2014 7:00 pm

    Eastern Washington, North Dakota State type teams, higher than DII


  70. Jack Flash September 11, 2014 7:48 pm

    Pomai,
    UH-38, UNI-14.
    Go Warriors! Go Bows!


  71. Luker#8 September 11, 2014 7:55 pm

    Pomai,
    UH 36
    Iowa 18


  72. jiminy cricket September 11, 2014 7:57 pm

    Stephen Tsai,
    Look at comments 32 and 43. I have to do the same thing. It actually turns people off from making comments. I know it feels like a hassle. We did not have to do it with the old blog. Can’t you fix this?


  73. Candy September 11, 2014 7:59 pm

    With Iosefa out is there any thought of using # 54 Faalologo? I thought he was a bruising runner who could really pound for yardage?


  74. Chicken Grease September 11, 2014 8:02 pm

    Wish this game was tomorrow already.


  75. Fei Jai September 11, 2014 8:05 pm

    This is a must win game. The other two I had down as losses before the season, so no surprises there. If we don’t win this one, the fan base will likely start to move in the other direction.

    Norm one smart buggah so he knows this already.

    Play hard and good luck Warriors!


  76. 3-Prong September 11, 2014 8:28 pm

    Looks like the Wahine may not need Nikki tonite. 2-0 on Utah State.


  77. Lurker#8 September 11, 2014 8:53 pm

    Pomai,
    UH 38
    Iowa 18


  78. Tiki808 September 11, 2014 10:10 pm

    I wonder if Norm Chow knows he’s being stupid. Stop picking up the tab for the opposing team and writing it off to the University. It’s like you’re picking it up from a movie, Back to School, by Rodney Dangerfield. I meant it.


  79. Da Punchbowl Kid September 11, 2014 10:26 pm

    Candy –

    During the spring game, Fa’alalogo was really moving the pile, gang tackled every time. He would be a devastating blocker in a Jumbo formation. Not sure if he could play his smash mouth style for too long without getting injured. He is one bull of a player to be sure. Need to find ways to get him on the field.


  80. Pcwarrior September 11, 2014 10:42 pm

    Good evening Pomai,

    Please put me down for:

    UH 41 NIU 17

    Mahalo

    Go Rainbow Warrior!!


  81. st. anthony trojan September 11, 2014 10:48 pm

    me agree FJ…
    me loose my vending spot..IF WE LOOSE..

    imua rainbow warriors…


  82. cocobean September 11, 2014 11:01 pm

    #79. You do know that every non conference team that comes here is paid an “appearance fee,” unless it’s a home and home deal. Same with UH. When we go on the road to play a non conference team we’re won’t take the game unless the payment is large enough to cover all expenses and make some kind of profit.


  83. BigFan September 11, 2014 11:51 pm

    Cocobean, I thought Tiki808 might have been “putting us on” by his comments. lol. Didn’t understand his previous comment (#68) too.


  84. Bowwar September 11, 2014 11:52 pm

    Abercrombie as honorary team captain?? That’s an absolute joke!


  85. Bowwar September 11, 2014 11:53 pm

    We may as well have Abercrombie be “co-captain” with Donna Kim…


  86. akuhead2 September 12, 2014 3:26 am

    Pomaikaikeolahou,
    My confusion this time: can I update my score prediction to
    34 – 19
    For the money. For the braggin’ rights. And to keep it consistent between sites.
    Yes. Still, and even more, Beeg Mahalo for gathering the scores.
    I don’t think they can score 2 touchdowns on Clune. Just 1 and 4 field goals.


  87. 3-Prong September 12, 2014 4:25 am

    Grease and Bowwar: Totally agree with you captain and co-captain comments.

    Have a great Aloha Friday Gang! Go Wahine and Go Warriors!!


  88. Makani September 12, 2014 5:25 am

    Pomaikaikeolahou,
    I would like to join in the prognostication for the UH vs NIU football game.
    UH 41, NIU 18. Thanks!


  89. tanman September 12, 2014 5:49 am

    UH – UNI
    31-20

    But who’s playing QB? Woolsey? Will he be replaced if he is not effective? Then, what? Will it be Graham or will it be Higgins?


  90. Dorobo September 12, 2014 5:59 am

    Sorry for the late comment.
    I always felt that refs viewed Hawaii differently than “United States schools.”
    Outlawing the shaka sign but allowing the hook em horns?
    Helmet to helmet hit on Moniz not even drawing a flag?
    Hawaii is not seen in the same light as other colleges.
    Not enough clout, not enough influence and certainly not enough money!!!
    BTW are they done with their investigation of Gib?
    Thanks for letting me vent.
    GO WARRIORS!!!


  91. Inyoface September 12, 2014 6:23 am

    Hope Woosley gets replaced if not effective before its too late in the game.


  92. Chicken Grease September 12, 2014 6:30 am

    Someone double check Woolsey’s academic eligibility. Is he able to play?


  93. cocobean September 12, 2014 7:00 am

    #90. Chow said he was close to replacing Woolsey with Higgins in the OSU game.


  94. Stephen Tsai September 12, 2014 7:37 am

    Ding, ding, ding.
    New post is up.
    Here’s the link: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=23016


  95. Candy September 12, 2014 8:38 am

    Da Punchbowl Kid,
    Mahalo for the note and spelling correction on Fa’alalogo. Maybe he can move the pile when needed.


Comments are closed.