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Thursday, February 23, 2006

Polys coming to Aloha Stadium

The University of Hawai'i announced it's 2006 Fall Football Schedule. The Warriors opponents will be bringing quite a few Polys from Hawai'i to Aloha Stadium to play.

Due to the recruiting strength of Coach Keith Uperesa, UNLV now has only of the largest numbers of Polynesians in Division I-A football. Kamuela Kapanui (Kamehameha Schools), Noble Richardson (Maui), Malo Taumua ('Aiea) Kea Toledo (Damien) return home. Incoming freshman and JC transfers from Hawai'i include Johan Asiata (Youth Challenge Academy-Honolulu), Ramsey Feagai (Radford HS), and Malosi Te'o from Hawai'i High State Champion's Kahuku.
The Rebels will also have two sets of brothers on its roster this fall--Fa'auao and Omega Hogan of Indian Springs, Nevada and the Fuimaono brothers, Howie and incoming freshman Starr from Bonita HS in Chula Vista, CA. Joining the team this Fall will also be two high school teammates from American Samoa high school Faga'itua: Aaitui Isa'ako and Daniel Mareko who were coached by AIGA Foundation member Pooch Ta'ase. Other Polynesians on the roster include Tevita Fehoko, Gilbert Gallahar, and incoming freshman Tolu Pili.
Nevada will be making their second trip to Hawai'i in less than one year following their thrilling 49-48 victory over Central Florida in the Hawai'i Bowl. Kamehameha Schools alumnus Caleb Spencer returns for perhaps his final game at Aloha Stadium. Spencer will enter his senior year following a 1st Team All WAC campaign as a junior. Nevada has done a good job of recruiting Tongans from local high schools, McQueen (Charles Manu and Mohulamu Otuafi) and Hug (Talaisa Paloka). The Wolfpack also includes brothers Daniel and Nate Agaiava of Lynwood HS (CA). Other Polys on the team include Josh Mauga and Selevasio Fauolo.
Following the departure of former head coach Nick Holt back to USC as Defensive Coordinator, Idaho came up with a big hire in former Vandals Head Coach Dennis Erickson. Erickson retained Samoan linebackers coach Johnny Nansen. St Louis graduate Zachary Santos returns home to Honolulu. Former AIGA Foundation combine participants on the Idaho roster include Tone Taupule (Long Beach Jordan), Alex Toailoa (Los Amigos-Fountain Valley, CA), and George Fa'avae (Torrance HS, CA and LA Harbor JC). Other Polys on the team include returning starting nose tackle Siua Musika and incoming freshman Jonah Sataraka.
Coach Dick Tomey will be making his first trip back to Hawai'i since taking the helm at San Jose State. Tomey previously coached Arizona to a blowout victory over UH in 1997. Tomey's coaching staff includes four former UH assistant coaches: Brent Brennan, Ken Margerum, Joe Seumalo, and Tom Williams. Brennan is the uncle of current UH QB Colt Brennan. Seumalo played at UH from 1985 to 1988, he also is rumored to being pursued by Oregon State as it's Defensive Line Coach. The Spartans roster includes former AIGA Foundation combine participant Freddy McCutcheon, brothers Jason and Josh Pulu, Ulisese Liua, and Ekahi Casino. Incoming participants include Ben Taifane and Cameron Coulter both of Franklin HS (Stockton, CA) and Leone HS in American Samoa. Taifane and Coulter moved to Stockton from American Samoa to be coached by AIGA Foundation member Jeff Mauga. Other Polys on the team include Ta'ase Jennings of McKinley HS in Honolulu and Ailao Eliapo and David Lomu.

***AIGA Foundation will hold a High School and Junior College Combine at San Jose State on April 8th. ***

Oregon State more than other college has made the most in roads into Hawai'i in the past two seasons. The coaching staff includes former UH Offensive Line Coach Mike Cavanaugh. The Beavers fall roster will include 10 Hawaii high school graduates:
Kahuku (6): Al Afalava, Kaulin Krebs, Jeremy Perry, Suaesi Tuimaunei, Devin and Kevin Unga
Kamehameha Schools (2): Mana Lolotai, Ryan Pohl
Roosevelt (1): Naymon Frank
St Louis (1): Tavita Thompson
Other Tongans on the team include Eric Moala, the younger brother of AIGA Foundation member Tevita Moala, as well as James Otuhiva, William Vea, and Joe Halahuni as well as Mau Nomani of Tigard HS (OR) who is Samoan.


2006 Football Schedule

Sept. 2 at Alabama
Sept. 9 TBD
SEPT. 16 UNLV
Sept. 23 at Boise State*
OCT. 7 NEVADA*
Oct. 14 at Fresno State*
Oct. 21 at New Mexico State*
OCT. 28 IDAHO*
Nov. 4 at Utah State*
NOV. 11 LOUISIANA TECH*
NOV. 18 SAN JOSE STATE*
NOV. 25 PURDUE
DEC. 2 OREGON STATE

* denotes WAC game
Home games in CAPS & BOLD

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Interesting article from NPR on A's bro. Nice blog, a bit too heavy on the sports, but cool.
AC: HNL