California Poly Football Roundup: Nov 9-11

Niko Aumua WR, Jr (Alameda HS, CA): Scored Alameda's first two touchdowns with receptions of 14 and 17 yards each in leading his team to 31-0 win over Encinal. Aumua finished with 3 receptions for 44 yards. Oakland Tribune

Ronnie Fouch QB, 6'2, 195, Sr (Redlands East Valley HS, CA): Was 12-21 for 264 yards and 4 TDs passes in a 48-26 win over Fontana Miller. HSI

Roy Helu Jr RB, 5'11, 206, Sr (San Ramon Valley HS, Danville, CA): Rushed for 77 yards on 16 rushes including a 44 TD run for the first score of the day in a 21-17 win over cross-town rival Monte Vista. Helu also had 2 receptions for 24 yards. SF Chronicle

Justin Lata RB 5'11, 220, Sr (Narbonne HS, Harbor City, HI): Had 12 tackles in a 41-0 victory over Kennedy . Lata has 178 tackles and 7 sacks for the season.

Lewis Tuiavi'i LB, 6'1, 180, Sr (Franklin HS, Stockton, CA): Had 18 tackles, 1 sack for a 7 yard loss, and a 68 yard interception in a 49-12 win over Lodi. Tuiavi'i has 178 tackles and 17 sacks for the season. Teammate Tenise Uelese (RB/DL, 6'0, 340, Sr) had 21 tackles for the game. Uelese has 161 tackles and 15 sacks for the season.

Havelock Pomele RB, 5'10, 210, Jr (Milpitas HS, CA): Scored twice with an 11-yard run and a 31-yard run. He rushed for 90 yards in Milpitas' 46-0 win over Cupertino. Sophomore Steven Fanua (LB, 6'1, 200) led the team in tackles with seven. He also had 10 assists and two sacks. Fanua has 185 tackles and 6 sacks for the season. Milpitas Post

Seta Pohahau RB, 5'11, 190, Jr (Aragon HS, San Mateo, CA): Scored Aragon's first 3 touchdowns of the day with runs of 14, 5, and 3 in Aragon's 43-8 win over Hillsdale. Pohahau finished with 132 yards on 13 rushes. Junior Vaitai (5'10, Soph) also ran for 117 yards on 13 yards. Pohahau pictured left Daily Journal

Sam Seumaala RB (South San Francisco HS, CA): Rushed 25 times for 189 yards and 2 first half TDs in the 28-14 win over El Camino. San Mateo County Times

Thomas Su'a RB, 6'0, 205, Sr (St Joseph, Santa Maria, CA): Rushed for 246 yards on 27 carries and 3 TDs in a 33-14 win over Nipomo. Santa Maria Times

Jack Sula RB, 5'11, 185, Jr (Carson HS, CA): Rushed 17 times for 187 yards and scored on touchdown runs of 4, 49, 6 and 5 yards. Sula was pulled in the 3rd quarter of Carson's 51-14 rout of Gardena. Defensive Back Jeff Mueller (5'11, 151) had 2 interceptions and a pass breakup in the win. Daily Breeze

Issako Tagaloa RB (Jefferson HS, Daly City, CA): Rushed 21 times for 107 yards and a 19 yard TD run in the 35-21 loss to Menlo HS. San Mateo

Lincoln Togiai LB, 6'1, 250, Sr (Elk Grove HS, CA): Had 11 tackles in a 36-15 win over Franklin (Elk Grove, CA).

Alek Taliulu LB, 6'2, 215, Jr (Tehachapi HS, CA): Had 17 tackles 35-12 loss to Kerman. Taliulu finished the season with 111 tackles.

Paul Tuiono DL, 6'2, 250, Jr (Woodside HS, CA): Had 3 sacks in a 42-20 win over Menlo-Atherton. Lopeti Taufoou (RB, 5'11, 185, Sr) rushed 16 times for 91 yards and one TD. SF Chronicle San Mateo County Times

Josh Uikilifi RB, 5'9, 185, Jr (Mills HS, Millbrae, CA): Had 107 yards rushing for Mills, added a 62-yard scoring run in the third quarter to extend the Vikings' lead to 42-6 before Capuchino's Nick Faamausili (RB, 6'2, 235, Jr) added a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring. San Mateo County Times

Higland HS (Gilbert, AZ): Nuku Latu

Nuku Latu: DE/TE, 6'2, 250, Sr (Highland HS, Gilbert, AZ)

5A spotlight on Nuku Latu

By Les Willsey, Tribune

November 10, 2006

Two years ago, the school Nuku Latu attended dropped football, and he needed a place to play. Fortunately for Gilbert Highland, he landed with the Hawks.

‘‘He played at a charter school and they folded their program,’’ Highland coach Preston Jones said. ‘‘We’ve had him for two years. He’s the kind of kid we wish we had for another year or had from the start.’’

Latu, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound senior, leads Highland in receiving (25 catches) and sacks (six). His contribution this year was expected to be mostly on offense. He’s provided more.

‘‘He’s been better on defense than we thought,’’ Jones said. ‘‘He proved he’s tough enough to handle it. Heck, he just turned 17. He’s young and he’s going to get a lot better in college.’’

Latu is one of the few players to have gone head-to-head with Chandler defensive end Cameron Jordan and come out even or a little better.

‘‘(Chandler) Coach (Jim) Ewan said they were really impressed with his hitting,’’ Jones said. ‘‘There were a couple plays where he and (Cameron) Jordan met and it sounded like two trains colliding.’’

Latu is glad Highland got a chance to redeem itself from a game it lost that it should have won. The Hawks blew a 17-0 lead against Sierra Vista Buena the second week of the season. Highland made the turn with a 3-2 record and had Gilbert, Hamilton and Chandler left on the schedule. They knew they needed to win one of those games to be in the playoff hunt. ‘‘Beating Gilbert was big for us,’’ Latu said.

Latu’s timing was perfect. Four of his six sacks came in that game, and he caught a 2-point conversion that ended up being the difference.

Playing at the next level may be an option. Idaho will be on hand to watch Latu play tonight against Chandler Basha in the first round of the playoffs. Boise State, Wyoming, San Diego and South Dakota State are also interested.

Nate Ilaoa's Dream Season Built on Perseverance

Posted on: Friday, November 10, 2006

Ilaoa's dream season built on perseverance

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

While recovering from knee and shoulder injuries early in his career, University of Hawai'i senior running back Nate Ilaoa never dreamed things would turn out this way.

That he would become a triple threat — as a blocker, runner and receiver — or that he would be, as quarterback Colt Brennan said, "the straw that stirs the drink."

Or that strength coach Mel deLaura would declare Ilaoa as the "best athlete" in the Western Athletic Conference, only to be trumped by defensive secondary coach Rich Miano's declaration of "best player."

Or that opposing defensive coordinators would have fits trying to solve the riddle of a 5-foot-9, 245-pound player who is deceptively quick and evidently strong.

Ilaoa never had these sweet dreams because to dream requires sleep, and there were precious few REM nights three years ago.

His series of unfortunate events began in 2002, his second year and first season at UH, when he suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder.

"It kept popping out of the joint," Ilaoa said. "It kept popping out every game, and I'd pop it back in, and keep playing. It was really sore. I couldn't throw a football. I couldn't raise my (right) arm. A lot of things were tough."

Even resting had become difficult.

"When you're sleeping, your arm could just slip out (of the joint)," he said. "You wake up and your arm is just stuck. I'm like, 'All right, I'll have to pop it back in.' "

Ilaoa would sleep on his back, with a pillow under his right shoulder, his right arm across his chest.

"It was very hard to sleep," he said.

After undergoing shoulder surgery in the spring of 2003, he was even more limited. "That year I was lifting like crazy, up to 370 (pounds) benching," he said. "After my surgery, I couldn't even do the bar."

Then in the 2003 season opener against Appalachian State, he suffered a torn knee ligament.

It took two full seasons for the knee to heal. In the meantime, he underwent a second surgery on his right shoulder.

"So now I'm getting surgery and my knee's not even done healing, and that means you can't rehab," he said. "I can't lift and I can't run. I can't squat (lift) or do the dumb-bell stuff. I'm just sitting there with a bad knee and a bad shoulder, and the doc is saying, 'just chill.' "

Ilaoa, who weighed 180 pounds when he signed as a slotback in 2001, was up to 240 pounds entering the 2005 training camp.

"He had that midnight problem," said his cousin, UH center Samson Satele. "That's Jack-in-the-Box, Zippy's, whatever's open at midnight. That's how he gained the weight."

After Ilaoa suffered a pulled hamstring on the second day of the 2005 training camp, head coach June Jones voiced his displeasure to reporters. Jones said Ilaoa was overweight, and had let down teammates. Jones said Ilaoa's poor condition led to the hamstring injury.

"It was a tough situation," Ilaoa said. "But I wasn't going to give up. I had a lot of support."

DeLaura knew that Ilaoa's injuries made it difficult for him to train. Unwilling to give up on Ilaoa, deLaura created a special conditioning program.

"He really worked with me," Ilaoa said.

After a few weeks, Ilaoa, who had moved from slotback to running back, was the starter. He finished with 643 rushing yards, an average of 7.6 yards per carry, and six touchdowns.

During the offseason, Ilaoa committed to improving his strength and stamina. Accepting reality, Ilaoa realized he could not lose the 30 pounds to fit the image of the speed back.

Instead, Jones said, Ilaoa "decided to get into shape at the weight he was at. That's what he did."

Despite gaining about 70 pounds during his UH career, Ilaoa had never lost his quickness nor elusiveness. DeLaura worked on Ilaoa's endurance, mapping out sprint drills.

"Summer time, he ran every day," deLaura said.

Ilaoa also spent hours on the Elliptical, a cross-training machine.

Ilaoa reported to training camp at 254 pounds, but Jones said, "he was in shape."

The result was a player whom Miano described as a "hybrid. He has a fast player's feet and a big man's power."

In football, comparisons are used to rate players. Scouts have compared Ilaoa to running back LenDale White, a second-round pick by the Tennessee Titans.

But deLaura said Ilaoa shares the qualities of Southern California's starting running backs last season.

"He's a LenDale White with Reggie Bush skills, as far as catching and shakes and moves," deLaura said.

"Look at the numbers," said Miano, who serves as UH's liaison to the NFL. "He's averaging 7.2 yards per carry (this year)."

On shovel passes, which are UH's equivalent of draws, Ilaoa's yards-after-catch average is better than 15.0 per play. He averages more than one broken tackler per rush.

In team testing last spring, Ilaoa ran 40 yards in 4.65 seconds, performed 121 sit-ups in two minutes, and bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times.

"He's one of a kind," Jones said. "No question about that. I've had a lot of great big runners — "Ironhead" (Heyward), Jamal Anderson, Alonzo Highsmith. They were taller, 6 feet, probably. Nate's 5-9, maybe 5-10. I've not had a player that heavy run that fast or make the moves that he makes."

New Mexico State defensive coordinator Woody Widenhofer, whose "Steel Curtain" defense won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marveled at Ilaoa's skills. Widenhofer used an offensive lineman to simulate Ilaoa in practice.

Utah State defensive coordinator Mark Johnson said he used a defensive lineman to portray Ilaoa.

Louisiana Tech head coach Jack Bicknell said he didn't even bother to find a stand-in.

"Who are we going to use?" said Bicknell, whose defense will face Ilaoa and the Warriors Saturday at Aloha Stadium. "We don't have anyone that big who is that fast."

USU's Johnson has described Ilaoa as a "freak" because of his footwork and "center of gravity."

Johnson said Ilaoa is comparable to Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, a Saint Louis School graduate who played for the Steelers, "although I think Nate might be better. Nate's tougher."

Miano said if Ilaoa drops another 10 pounds, to 235 pounds, "he's a legitimate first-round talent."

All of which leaves Ilaoa feeling "blessed."

"I've been fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of great people playing football," Ilaoa said. "I've had great coaches from Day One. I know all of the coaches were in my corner. Some have had different ways of getting (the message) to me."

Jones said: "I like all of my guys, but they can't be treated the same. ... Nate is a great kid. He's got a good heart. The players love him. He's a good kid. He needed to get focused, and he did this year. He has a bright future."

Jason Rivers Gives Warriors Leadership This Year

Rivers gives Warriors leadership this year

The receiver didn't play in 2005 but is making up for it with his unselfish attitude this season

By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

Playing receiver at Hawaii is all about adjustments.

They're usually in the middle of plays. For Jason Rivers, the most important ones were made mid-career.

He found himself in an awkward position last offseason, a veteran and a rookie at the same time. After two solid years in the same lineup with Chad Owens, the former state sprint champ was poised to become UH's primary target in 2005.

A big highlight was catching the 7-yard touchdown pass in 2004 that gave Tim Chang the NCAA career passing-yardage record. That came against Louisiana Tech (3-6, 1-3 WAC), the team the Warriors (7-2, 5-1) play tomorrow at Aloha Stadium in search of their sixth consecutive win.

Rivers' breakthrough season of 2005 never happened because academic and injury issues kept Rivers off the field. Freshman slotbacks Ryan Grice-Mullins and Davone Bess emerged as the Warriors' top receivers for new quarterback Colt Brennan during UH's transition year.

Rivers returned to the team last spring. In some ways he was just another talented young pass catcher who had to prove himself. In others, he was a wizened veteran left over from the Chang years.

Rivers entered the 2006 season 14th in UH career receiving yards, but had yet to catch a pass from Brennan. In his first two games, Rivers had just five catches for 61 yards and no scores. In the last four, he has 20 receptions for 288 yards and five TDs.

"They already had their chemistry and I was coming in new. I think it's better now. I've got a few games under my belt. It's all quickly coming together," Rivers said.

At 6-feet-2 and 192 pounds, Rivers is the Warriors' most physically impressive receiver. His position coach, Ron Lee, said he is living up to his potential.

"Jason, right now, is playing the best football of his career," Lee said. "He's practicing at a high level. He's having fun, and I think his best football is still ahead of him."

For the season, Rivers has 40 catches for 563 yards and eight touchdowns. He doesn't lead the Warriors in any category, but is right in the middle of a tightly spaced group of six who have received for between 476 yards (Grice-Mullins) and 698 (Bess).

Grice-Mullins said the threat of Rivers catching a deep ball helps the other receivers. So does his willingness to share -- the football, as well as his knowledge.

"He definitely helps stretch the field and he brings a physical game. He and (slotback) Ross (Dickerson) will run right through you," Grice-Mullins said. "The year with him sitting out I think really helped him. He's a totally different guy now. He's more of a team guy. He understands it's not about how many balls you catch or yards you get. He's taken a leadership role."

Rivers was a big part of UH's late-season rallies in 2003 and 2004 that led to winning records and Hawaii Bowl appearances. He said this season is more exciting because of the way the Warriors have played on the road (they finished 3-2 away from home, and clinched a winning record and Hawaii Bowl bid with a 63-10 win at Utah State last Saturday).

"This is better than before because it says a lot about our team, going on the road and winning consistently, putting up 60 points," Rivers said. "That says a lot about us playing to our potential."

Mainland USA Poly Footbal Round Up: Week of Nov 9-11

Doug Fiefia RB, 5'10, 170, Sr (Bingham HS, South Jordan HS): Rushed for 97 yards on 18 carries helping Bingham to a 35-0 win over Pleasant Grove and will face Alta next week in the Utah 5A State Championship Game. Sam Langi (5'10, 185, Jr) also scored on a 24 yard TD run in the third quarter to put Bingham up 28-0.
Deseret News

Langilangi Haupeakui RB, 5'11, 217, Jr (Rite of Passage, Yerington, NV): Rushed 13 times for 161 yards in a 40-15 win over Needles (CA). aupeakui has 1005 yards for the season in 11 games.

Adam Timo RB, 6'0, 170, Soph (Snow Canyon HS, St George, UT): Rushed for 130 yard on 24 carries and touchdown runs of 7 and 19 at Rice-Eccles Stadium to lead Snow Canyon over Delta 27-7 into their first 3A State Championship since 1999.
Deseret News
SLC Tribune
The Spectrum

2006 Alaska Polynesian Football All State and Conference Selections

Congratulations to the following Polynesians in Alaska who have made All State and All Conference. The Alaska Coaches Association select the All State teams and the coaches in their respective conferences selected the All Conference teams. In addition online publication Alaska Preps (as noted below) also selects a seperate All State and All Conference teams as well.

Edan Ulukivaiola: East HS (Anchorage) DL/T, 6'4, 250, Sr

1st Team All State DL, 2nd Team All State Offensive Tackle

1st Team All Conference (Cook Inlet) DL and Offensive Tackle

Alaska Preps.com: 1st Team All State DL and 2nd Team All State Offensive Tackle

Alaska Preps.com: 1st Team All Conference DL, 2nd Team All Conference Offensive Tackle





Shawn Pili: East HS (Anchorage)
ILB, 5'11, 225, Sr

1st Team All State LB, 1st Team All Conference (Cook Inlet)

Alaska Preps.com: 2nd Team All State LB and 1st Team All Conference LB











Jordan Foma'i: East HS (Anchorage)
G/DL, 5'10, 280, Sr

2nd Team All State Offensive Guard and DL
1st Team All Conference (Cook Inlet) Offensive Guard and DL

Alaska Preps.com: 2nd Team All State Guard and 1st Team All Conference Offensive Guard and 2nd Team All Conference DL

***Also was selected Outstanding Offensive Lineman (North) in the Al Aska Shrine Football
Classic which was held October 28th***





Jaytee Naea: West HS (Anchorage)
DL, 6'0, 260, Sr

2nd Team All State DL, 1st Team All Conference (Cook Inlet) DL

Alaska Preps.com: 3rd Team All State DL, 1st Team All Conference (Cook Inlet) DL

Naea pictured left (#55)










Faifo Levale: Douglas HS (Juneau)
DE, 6'2, 230, Jr

1st Team All State Tournament DE

Alaska Preps.com: 2nd Team All State DE, 1st Team All Conference (Railbelt) DL

Levale pictured left (#52)








Salemale Lauvao: West HS (Anchorage):
RB/LB, 6'0, 205, Sr
Alaska Preps.com: 3rd Team All State OLB

2nd Team All Conference (Cook Inlet) RB and LB

Alaska Preps.com: 2nd Team All Conference (Cook Inlet) RB and LB

Rodney Kalifa: Dimond HS (Anchorage)
G, 5'10, 245, Sr
2nd Team All Conference G (Cook Inlet), Alaska Preps 2nd Team All Conference G

Paulatai Sevelo: Service HS (Anchorage)
DL, 6'3, 260, Sr
2nd Team All Conference DL (Cook Inlet), Alaska Preps 2nd Team All Conference DL

Leo Aukusitino: Service HS (Anchorage)
DE, 5'8, 170, Soph
2nd Team All Conference DE (Cook Inlet)

Kiona Suapaia: East HS (Anchorage)
LB, 6'0, 205, Sr
2nd Team All Conference LB (Cook Inlet)

Josh Kaiwi: West HS (Anchorage)
DE, 6'0, 250, Soph
Honorable Mention All Conference DE (Cook Inlet)

Spencer Saena: South HS (Anchorage)
LB, 5'9, 183, Jr
Honorable Mention All Conference DE (Cook Inlet)