NFL Poly Opening Week Rosters/Depth Chart

Arizona 
Senio Kelemete 2nd Team Left Guard

Baltimore
Haloti Ngata 1st Team Defensive Tackle
Ma'ake Kemoeatu 2nd Team Nose Tackle

Carolina
Amini Silatolu 1st Team Left Guard
Louis Murphy 2nd Team Wide Receiver
Kealoha Pilares 1st Team Kick Returner, 3rd Team Wide Receiver
Sione Fua 2nd Team Nose Tackle

Chicago
Stephen Paea 1st Team Nose Tackle
Matt Toeaina 2nd Team Nose Tackle

Cincinnati
Domata Peko 1st Team Nose Tackle
Rey Maualuga 1st Team Middle Linebacker

Cleveland
Shawn Lauvao 1st Team Right Guard
Kaluka Maiava 1st Team Weakside Linebacker

Dallas 
Mana Silva 2nd Team Strong Safety

Detroit
Dominic Raiola 1st Team Center

Houston
Shiloh Keo 2nd Team Free Safety

Indianapolis
Samson Satele 1st Team Center
Fili Moala 1st Team Defensive Tackle
Martin Tevaseu 2nd Team Nose Tackle

Jacksonville 
Tyson Alualu 1st Team Defensive Tackle

Kansas City
Tony Moeaki 2nd Team Tight End
Ropati Pitoitua 2nd Team Defensive End

Miami
Ray Feinga 2nd Team Left Tackle
Paul Soliai 1st Team Defensive Tackle
Koa Misi 1st Team Outside Linebacker

Minnesota
Matt Asiata 3rd Team Running Back
Rhett Ellison 3rd Team Tight End

New England
Michael Ho'omanawanui 4th Team Tight End

New York Jets
Sione Po'uha 1st Team Nose Tackle
Josh Mauga 2nd Team Weakside Linebacker

Philadelphia
Stanley Havili 1st Team Fullback

Pittsburgh
Troy Polamalu 1st Team Strong Safety
Alameda Ta'amu 3rd Team Nose Tackle

San Diego 
Malcolm Floyd 1st Team Wide Receiver

San Francisco
Mike Iupati 1st Team Left Guard
Isa'ako Sopoaga 1st Team Nose Tackle
Will Tukuafu 2nd Team Nose Tackle

St Louis
Wayne Hunter 2nd Team Left Tackle

Tampa Bay
Roy Miller 1st Team  Defensive Tackle
Daniel Te'o Nesheim 2nd Team Defensive End

Tennessee
Al Afalava 2nd Team Strong Safety

Washington 
Roy Helu 2nd Team Running Back

Warriors over Vikings, 26-6

Our finest teams battled it out for this year’s 2010 - 2011 American Samoa High School Athletic Association’s Varsity Football Championship match up on Saturday, with the Warriors claiming this one with a big blow out victory defeating the Vikings 36 - 6.

This match up was one tough game, as it was played under heavy rain showers, which had the players hyper and wet, throughout the whole game.

As soon as they rain poured, both teams had to ditch their passing game, and focus on running the ball.

Samoa News spoke to Jason Magalei, Tafuna Warriors head coach about the game. “First of all, I would like to send out our fa’amalo and fa’afetai to head coach Sua’ese Pooch Ta’ase, and his players and the parents of their association for a heck of a game. They showed very good sportsmanship ... [and were] our toughest competitor this year.”

He had praise for his coordinator coaches Loso I’aulualo on offense and defensive coordinator coach Kevin Magalei.

As far as our offense, we changed it up from our regular scheme, so we had to work with our double tights, we had to allow an extra blocker inside, for an attack in the box, and when that happens, we were able to get Viavia Manuma out. But defensively, coach Kevin and coach Nathan Magalei, coach Scottie and the rest of our defensive coaches did a hell of a job today to adjust to Fagaitua’s offense. But our kids, they played really well today. They came out – they represented, and they did a good job today.”

On the other side of the field, Samoa News spoke to Fagaitua High School’s head coach, Sua’ese Pooch Ta’ase, on what he has to say, about the match, and how things went on their side of the field, “first of all, I would like to congratulate coach Jason Magalei and the Warriors team for a great job today. Tafuna was the better team than us, and we would just like to congratulate them on a job well done.”

One more time for Week 8 MVPs

The American Samoa High School Athletic Association’s football season, Week# 8, closes to head into the playoff’s for our Junior Varsity Division match ups, which start tonight at the Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. Also concluding Week# 8 is the selection of our two Most Valuable Players of the Week for both Varsity and Junior Varsity Division.

These two athletes are among the finest high school players we have here on island for the 2010 football season: They were both titled as top players for Week #4 of ASHAA football, so neither is new to the title.

In the Varsity Division, we have Leone High School’s Risati Mapu, who is coming back for the third time this year, to be the MVP of the Week for the Varsity Division, while Fagaitua High School’s Aloese Su’a is recording his second time as MVP of the Week for the JV Division this season.

MVP VARSITY: LIONS RISATI MAPU #1 RUNNINGBACK/ LINEBACKER

Leading the Lions to victory last weekend was starting runningback Risati Mapu, who wears #1 on the field for the Lions.

Risati recorded two touchdowns against the Stallions, as he lead them to victory in their second meeting with Kanana Fou. He is also captain of the team, earning his respect on the football field.

The 17- year old hails from the village of Vailoa, and he is currently a senior at the Home of the Lions. Earlier this year, Risati was selected to the American Samoa All Star team, which played against Australia in the Samoa Bowl. The 5’10” 187lb Mapu, is the son of Neemia and Mata of Vailoa, and a native of American Samoa.

Samoa News asked Mapu how he felt, when he found out that he was the MVP again, for the third time this season.

“I am very surprised”, said Mapu. “I am certain that I feel very blessed. I cherish this moment with thanks to everyone in my life, and I will always be humble nevertheless. I would like to challenge my whole team to push harder... I know most of you can come to deserve this honor, and I thank you for helping me achieve it.”

He added, “I can’t believe this is my third time being MVP of the week, but I know there are also more players on our team who deserve this title, so this one goes out to all the Lions out there, whereever you’re at, this award is going out to all of you, especially my teammates.”

His goal for this season is to bring the championship title back home: “Like I said before, and time and time again, this is where the gold belongs, and that’s the main goal for myself and the whole team for this season, to bring back the title to the Home of the Lions.”

Mapu strives to accomplish his goals in life as he looks forward to attending college, and trying to make it big.

“Keeping focused in school in order for me to play good on the football field, with no regrets of failing grades, then God willing, I want to make it to the big leagues, to represent my family, my village, my school, my home of American Samoa.”

Along with his praises, are his humble words of appreciation: “I will never see myself being selfish against my teammates or others because of this title, and for that I first want to thank my whole team. From the oldest player to the youngest on the squad, thank you for never giving up in our last game against Tafuna. My offensive line, your strength and patience has lead us to victory”.

Mapu added, “I would also like to thank my coaches, head coach Pati Pati, and the rest of the Lions coaching unit— thank you for pushing me in practice, and for forcing me to play hard, now I sit with the pride that you have given me. To the Lion supporters, thank you for your faith and prayers, and last but not least, to my parents. Thank you Mom and Dad for never doubting me, and for always coming to my games, to encourage the skills I have, and to motivate me to play harder.”

JV MVP: ALOESE SU’A #20  Fagaitua Vikings

Runningback/LinebackerJunior Varsity MVP of the Week is Aloese Su’a, who sports No. 20 on the field for the Fagaitua High School Vikings.

This is the second time Aloese has been named an ASHSAA MVP of this year’s football season. He is a sophomore at the Home of the Vikings.

During their previous game against the Samoana Sharks, their second meeting of the season, Aloese scored three touchdowns, leading his team to victory.

The 15-year old running back hails from the village of Sailele, and is the son of Pola and Vaititi Su’a of Sailele. He is a youth member of the EFKAS Sailele church.

The 5’9” 169 lbs running back was speechless when Samoa News notified him yesterday that he had once again earned the JV MVP of the Week honor for the second time.

“I have no words to explain how happy I am, but I will stay humble, and accept this golden title, as it is very hard to work for,” said Aloese.

He says that his main goal for this season, is to bring the ASHSAA JV championship title home to the Star of East.

“My mind is set to that goal, and I am pretty sure that this is the main goal for my whole team, to bring that championship trophy back here, to the Home of the Vikings,” he said.

Aloese says that his future goal is to play in the National Football League.

“After High School, I am looking forward to a college opportunity, to where ever life takes me, and when I am there, I will work hard while I have the open chance to the big leagues,” he said.

Aloese says his role model is his father.

“I’m inspired by my father and his hard work. He has encouraged me throughout all these years of my life to work hard,” Aloese said. “So when I am in that backfield looking to run the ball, I think of him…”

Aloese extends his thanks to all who have helped him in his young football career.

“My coaches, for all the training we have gone together with along this year, and I would also like to thank my team for their hard effort in practice and on the field,” he said. “I would also like to thank my parents, for all their support and all their prayers, and faith in me and my team.”

NCAA Polynesian Football Round Up

Virginia Tech starting OLB Jeron Gouveia-Winslow had an interception, pass break up and a tackle in a 19-0 win over Boston College. 

Nebraska starting I-Back Roy Helu Jr rushed for 59 yards on 19 carries in a 17-3 win over South Dakota State. In 4 games Helu Jr has rushed for 305 yards and 4 TDs.

San Diego linebacker Loka Kanongataa had 10 tackles, 5 for loss and 1 forced in a 24-0 win over Butler

North Carolina State starting DT Natanu Mageo had 4 tackles including a sack in a 45-28 win over Georgia Tech. 

Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was 8 of 12 for 153 yards and 2 TD passes of 30 and 4 yards  in 55-38 win over Fresno State. Masoli added 59 yards including a 56 yard run that set up the opening touchdown. 

Georgia State linebacker Louie Muasau had 5 tackles in the 24-21 over Campbell.

Gardner Webb defensive end Preston Pemasa had 6 tackles including 1 sack in a 30-14 loss to Sam Houston. Pemasa a true freshman leads the Big South with 4 sacks for the season.

Southern Utah receiver and returner Fesi Sitake had 9 receptions for 97 yards and 1 TD and 118 yards on 6 returns in a 42-28 loss to Texas State. Receiver Jared Ursua had 3 receptions for 82 yards including a 70 yard TD pass.

Notre Dame starting LB Manti Te'o had a career high 21 tackles (8 solo) and 1 quarterback hurry in a 37-14 loss to Stanford. In 4 games Te'o leads the Irish with 54 tackles including 3.5 tackles for loss. 

Houston starting NG Matangi Tonga had 4 tackles including a 0.5 tackles for loss in a 14-6 win over Tulane.

Juco transfers will have to wait to make impact

By ERIC SCHMOLDT - Star-Tribune staff writer trib.com | Posted: Monday, August 30, 2010 12:00 am

Kurt Taufa'asau and B.J. Sumter admit they aren't quite ready for the season opener yet.

The pair of junior college transfers were seemingly recruited to Wyoming to help play an immediate role at defensive tackle in the Cowboys' new 4-3 defensive scheme.

But with just a few weeks of fall camp to acclimated to Division I football, Taufa'asau and Sumter will likely have to wait a little longer.

"We're just trying to get used to the altitude and the speed of the game," Taufa'asau said this past week. "In Division I football, the game tempo is way different from junior college, where we were, so we're still trying to get used to it for our first game.

"We're getting closer."

Taufa'asau, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound junior from American Samoa, is expected to be listed as a second-string tackle when the depth chart is released this afternoon.

Sumter, listed as 6-foot-1 and 310 pounds, likely won't be on it, unless they list the position three deep.

"They've come a long ways," UW defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery said. "They're both working hard and doing the right things. B.J.'s a kid that we want to get his weight down a little bit and when he gets that I think he's going to get better off. Kurt's just still understanding the defense a little bit.

"But they're both good kids and they're going to help us out big-time."

While they might not be completely up to speed yet, the fact that they're in Laramie together has certainly aided their progress.

While still at New Mexico Military Institute, the two took separate visits before deciding they would like to transition to the Division I level together at UW.

"It's been good to have somebody you know who's real close to you," Sumter said. "It makes it a lot easier, the transition."

The fact that they would be competing for playing time right away helped make that decision as well.

The 4-3 scheme meant the Pokes needed more defensive tackles, especially because mainstay Fred Givens was a senior last season.

"On the recruiting trip, they told us we had a good chance to come in and compete for a starting spot," Taufa'asau said.

That opportunity was magnified when UW lost Alex Stover, whose career is over after a recurring groin injury.

"He practiced the first three or four days and had me pretty excited," Montgomery said. "Then it was just like, 'OK, I've gotta get another guy ready."

Sophomore Mike Purcell and redshirt freshman Patrick Mertens have a solid hold on the top spots heading into the season.

Ben Durbin and Taufa'asau will likely be the first two into the rotation behind them.

"Over the summer and during the fall camp, we have been competing our [butts] off," Taufa'asau said. "We're getting there, but we're still not quite there yet.

"But oh yeah [we'll contribute this season]. That's what we're for. They didn't bring us here for nothing."

After enduring long journey, Aaitui peaking at right time for Rebels

By Ryan Greene (contact)

Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010 | 2:15 a.m.

ELY — For UNLV senior defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui, there are only two places he could have wound up at this point in his life: On the football field or on the farm back home in American Samoa.

"I really like this option," he said with a grin following Saturday morning's practice in Ely. "Football is life, especially when you're from the islands. Football is the ticket to success."

Despite the fact that he's playing after suffering a partially torn ACL in his left knee in the spring — an injury that did not require surgery — and a cast on his left forearm, Aaitui couldn't be happier.

To explain why, you first have to go back to 2007, when Aaitui first arrived at UNLV. He'd only played one year of high school football, had never lifted a weight in his life and didn't speak a lick of English.

At 220 pounds, his body had been trained to play rugby — his sport of choice since the third grade — but that's not a sport he could realistically go back to now.

After just a year in the weights program at UNLV, he ballooned to 290 pounds. Now, entering his final season as a Rebel, he's a 315-pound mountain of pure muscle, expected to be the anchor for a revamped defense under first-year coach Bobby Hauck.

Oh yeah, and he's also fluent in English.

"When I first got here, I had no technique. I came over with nothing," he said. "It took some years to develop. Last year, I started to learn how to rush the passer and everything. It's been a pretty good progression."

Aaitui had what Hauck called one of the most impressive spring camps of anyone on his inherited ball club and again is drawing rave reviews so far through fall camp.

What makes it all so impressive, too, is that he was able to overcome a major physical hurdle late in spring ball when he hurt the knee in a standard drill working against the offensive line.

A full tear is an injury that typically requires immediate surgery and roughly six months of rehab. Aaitui let the swelling go down, then was right back at it.

"When I hurt my knee, it was a big deal. It was a big deal. I was thinking about my family ... It was a big thing," he recalled. "I told the doctor to give me two weeks to rehab. After two weeks, I was running with the team and doing drills.

"I'm able to play with it. It doesn't bother me."

Aaitui still wears a heavy brace on his left knee, though ACL issues typically hinder lateral movement. However, in his position, Aaitui is asked to push piles, collapse pockets and essentially play downhill. It's a role he can also fill with the cast that he had applied for an undisclosed injury between practices on Saturday.

"I was really impressed with him about the middle of February," Hauck said. "It's like the light when on, he picked it up, and I've been overly impressed with him.

"For a big guy, he's pretty dynamic in the pass rush and gets off the ball pretty well. When you see a guy who looks like him, you'd think run-stopper and then bring somebody in for him when we're in the nickel (package). But you really don't have to, because he's pretty good off the ball."

He's finally found a home at the tackle spot after flip-flopping between there and defensive end over the past couple of years under Mike Sanford's staff.

Aaitui recorded 31 tackles and 2.5 for losses in 2009 and is expected to post even bigger numbers this year.

He'll be doing so under some watchful eyes, as he's regarded now as a legitimate NFL prospect. Just the mention of playing after college brings a smile to his face.

After his playing days are done, he said, the thought of coaching has crossed his mind.

Aaitui is already showing signs that it could be a legitimate career path. He has commanded the attention of the younger interior linemen and is a natural example for them to follow. It was the case following Friday's morning session, when he spent roughly 15 minutes doing some extra work with freshman Nate Holloway.

It's the natural leadership that the coaching staff also thinks will help the unit overall right from go.

"With our senior leadership, we don't want a single bad rep on film, and that's what we challenged with them. He's really bought into that, and that's awesome," defensive coordinator Kraig Paulson said. "What we try and stress on both sides of the ball is it's more on how you play, and he's really tried to craft that. We needed a profile guy like that to step up and have that great film on a day-to-day basis. The benefits are exponential."

Former COC linemen Peko and Fanene: Along the same line

By Paul Putignano Signal Staff Writer

It is worth noting when a community college has two athletes in the NFL at the same time.

Two on the same team is attention-grabbing.

But two potentially start on the same side of the same defensive line?

That’s unheard of — except in Cincinnati.

For the fifth straight season, former College of the Canyons stars Domata Peko and Jonathan Fanene will play side-by-side for the Cincinnati Bengals, who opened the preseason Sunday with a 16-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

Fanene had two tackles in the game, including a sack. Peko didn’t record a tackle.

“Who would ever think that two guys that grew up as close as those two did with each other, and went to the same junior college, would end up on the same (NFL) team?” says Cincinnati defensive line coach Jay Hayes.

“They are both doing very, very well,” he adds. “They are core players for us on our D-line.”

The 6-foot-4-inch, 292-pound Fanene played at COC in 2000 and 2001, while the 6-foot-3-inch, 320-pound Peko suited up for the Cougars in 2002 and 2003.

The two behemoths first met in high school after Peko moved from California to the small island of American Samoa, where Fanene was born.

Little did they know just how much their futures would intertwine.

“It’s really cool to have someone from the same place you’re from, who cares about you and understands the difficulties (you face),” Peko says. “Someone you can talk to when you miss home.”

Hayes praises their bond and the family nature that has been fostered within the defensive unit, as well as their play up front.

Their football skills began to take shape under former COC head coach Chuck Lyon and defensive line coach Leon Criner.

That especially rings true for Peko, who was named a Junior College All-American, an All-State first-teamer, the Western State Conference Player of the Year and a WSC first-teamer — all in 2003.

“Oh man, COC was so much fun,” he says. “It was a big part of my journey to get to the NFL. We had a good coach, who took really good care of me. That’s where I really learned how to play D-line.”

Peko evolved into a dominant community college defensive lineman and led the team to a Southern California championship and an appearance in the state championship game in 2002. One year later, the Cougars won the Western State Conference Bowl.

“He was more of a raw-talent guy than Jonathan was,” Lyon says. “He was a more true technique, inside tackle. He was a big kid, strong kid and had a little mean streak in him. He definitely had that from the beginning. He was a very quiet young man and didn’t say much. But he didn’t have to say much with his size.”

In 2001, Fanene helped COC beat Saddleback College 35-32 in the WSC Bowl at Cougar Stadium. It was the first-ever bowl victory in the program’s history.

“It was a jump start for me,” Fanene says of his time at COC. “That team right there was a family team. We had a picnic every Friday. We could bring our friends around and we could talk about football and the things we needed to get better and prepare for games on Saturday. The program was perfect, right on time for me and some of the teammates.”

Fanene had 65 tackles and 14 sacks in his final year with the Cougars before signing with Utah.

“He was really undersized, but he probably had the biggest motor I’ve ever coached,” Lyon says of Fanene. “He was just so darn quick and relentless in his pursuit of the ball that people couldn’t block him.”

Peko transferred to Michigan State for the 2004 season with his brother, Suki.

Two years later, Domata was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

“Domata has come in and as soon as he got here, was able to be productive and was able to play against players that were supposed to be some of the best guys in the league,” Hayes says. “He was able to handle them and really dominate them. ... He’s really been one of those guys that gets better and better all the time. As we get better, you’ll see Domata playing in the Pro Bowl and things like that.”

Fanene, meanwhile, was selected in the seventh round by Cincinnati in 2005 after two years under head coach Urban Meyer and a 2004 victory in the Fiesta Bowl.

“He is the first player off the bench for us,” Hayes says. “He can play all the positions and has played all the positions with us in his career. He really is considered a starter for us. Jon will play maybe 40 plays a game.”

In 2009, Fanene had 36 total tackles, six sacks and a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in week 13 against Detroit.

Peko, voted a team captain, missed five games with a torn meniscus and finished with 27 total tackles.

Cincinnati’s defense allowed the fourth-fewest yards per game (301.4) in the NFL and the sixth-fewest points (18.2) last season.

Peko says the team’s goals include improving on both marks.

The duo’s biggest impact, however, may come in the form of mentorship.

And on a team that has battled character issues in recent years, their influence is invaluable, Hayes says.

Among the players they have taken under their wing is former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga.

“We are leaders on the team and we need to continue to help the young guys coming in and show them what it is to be an NFL player,” Fanene says. “A lot of guys that come in think it is all about them on the first day and about fast cars and everything else. But your job is the first priority.”

Adds Peko: “We’re not always very vocal leaders. By action and doing things on the field is how we lead.”

The mentality has taken both men a long way.

They’ve found passion in the sport they love.

And as they continue grinding away at football’s highest level, the best thing they may have found might be each other.

“They are like brothers,” Hayes says. “They teach us Samoan words and things like that. It’s always been a great situation to expand your horizons being around those guys. They are really sharp guys and are doing a lot of good things in the community. Both are very involved doing community service and are involved in their churches. They are good husbands and fathers and they love their work and what they do.”

Months after 60 Minutes ‘Football Island’, donations continue to pour in

Months after the airing of 60 Minutes Football Island highlighting the local football program, donations from those touched by the stories of American Samoa’s athletes continue to pour in with the latest donation received from Phyllis Lindsey and Edward Maiava in Olympia, Washington. This most recent donation from Washington — a container of helmets, football cleats, pads, jerseys and pants — has been received by the Samoa Bowl Committee. The container was shipped to American Samoa through the help of Janis Holland at Clipper Oil Company, who managed to pay the shipping of the container to Pago Pago. The Samoa Bowl Committee, which also contributed to shipping costs.
High school squads are gearing up for the upcoming football season that kicks off Aug. 14 and Samoa Bowl says they plan to distribute the equipment to high schools this week.

Chairman of Samoa Bowl Pete Gurr says American Samoa is blessed.

“We are so blessed that we have people out there who actually are willing to help us. We did our part as to assisting the container to get to American Samoa and keeping track to make sure that it gets here,” he said.

Melila Purcell, Samoa Bowl Vice Chairman told Samoa News that the equipment will be divided evenly among the schools. This year there are seven squads competing in football, the most ever in the territory.

“We want to thank Phyllis Lindsey and the Maiavas in Olympia, Washington for this tremendous donation of football equipment for the youth of American Samoa, to develop their skills and athleticism...,” he said. ”We sorted out the equipment last Saturday and we are still trying to bring more stuff out of the container to be sorted.”

Purcell says most of the equipment that arrived in the Washington container are extra large in size and up.

“So we have already discussed that this equipment are for better use in the high school level,” Purcell noted.

Purcell says they are still sorting through the equipment.

“We are still working on opening up more boxes in the back of the container but as far as the equipment that were in the front part of the container, we have sorted out seven boxes per school of football helmets, but in due time, every school will have an equal amount of all the donated items,” he said.

Several donations spurred by the 60 Minutes Football Island segment have been received by American Samoa including a donation from Toronto, Canada businessman Mario Elia and another from Oregon High Schools.

Another donation of sports items gathered from around the US, during an equipment drive coordinated by Terri Jacques in San Luis Obispo, Calif., is enroute to American Samoa.

Samoa Bowl says they are also awaiting yet another donation — native of Faleniu who is in the U.S.

Maiava is putting together football chin straps, mouth guards and other items as part of his Eagle Scout project. The equipment will be sent to American Samoa for use by high school football athletes.

Tafuna Warriors head to Oregon Nike Football Camp

n preparation for the upcoming ASHSAA football season, the Tafuna Warriors are getting ready to head to the US mainland to attend the University of Oregon Nike Football Camp. The Warriors had a near perfect 10-2 season, losing once to the Samoana Sharks in the second round of the last ASHSAA football season and then again at the hands of Samoana in the title match last November. (Samoana won 7-6.) Tafuna hopes with the help of their summer football camp, they can achieve the perfect season next time around. According to Tafuna Warriors Head Football Coach Jason Magalei, the group of Varsity and Junior Varsity players, coaches and parents will depart the island for Oregon on June 17, 2010. “We will be leaving the island on the 17th of next month, and we will be attending summer football camp at the University of Oregon’s Nike Football Camp,” Magalei said, noting that their trip will last 10 days. He says after their summer camp at Oregon University, they will ride to Portland State University, where they will meet up with Samoan football coach Lolegi Suiaunoa. The PSU coach will give the boys a tour of the school, and teach them some basic fundamentals of the game from the NCAA’s point of view. “We will be going over to Portland State University after our summer camp, to meet up with one of our Samoan coaching friends who is coaching for Portland, and he’ll give us a tour of the school, and help the boys out by running through some skills and methods that they use [at] the college level,” added Magalei. He says after their PSU visit, they will drive over to Lewis and Clark University (LCU) in Portland, where they will meet up with the previous Tafuna Warriors JV head coach Kolose Ili, who is now coaching football at LCU. “We are very happy to say that we also have another stop in Portland after our visitation to PSU,” said Magalei. “We are really looking forward to seeing one of our old friends and coaching staff members, he was last years JV head coach, and Championship head coach for two seasons straight — coach Kolose Ili.” Of Ili, he says “we are so looking forward to meeting with him again, and since now he’s a coach for LCU, we planned that he would also run his JV players who are now in the Varsity squad, through some drills and methods that they use at LCU for the benefit of our boys.” Magalei also mentioned that when they get to Hawaii on their way to Oregon, they will drive to the University of Hawaii Manoa, and take a tour of the school while waiting for their flight to Portland in June of next month. Forty-one football players, a mixture of Varsity players, and Junior Varsity players are planning to make the trip. Eight coaches will also be on the same flight, along with five parents including the Booster Club secretary, treasurer, and members that have already paid and set reservations for June 17. Samoa News asked Magalei, how are they able to make the trip with the amount of players and parents going to summer camp in Oregon. “Well we planned this trip from last year, and we have been working very hard on fund-raisers throughout the past months,” said the Tafuna head coach. “If I can remember, I am positive that we started our fundraising project for this trip in January of this year, and now we have the amount we need to ensure the benefits of these student athletes of Tafuna High School, as we look forward to another challenging season.” The team of Warriors will depart on the 17th of June, and will arrive back on island June 27. The week they return from football camp, they will get back into working the kids summer football program to prepare for the next ASHSAA Football Season. The Tafuna High School Warriors Football team would like to send out a big fa’amalo and fa’afetai to all who have helped out with their fundraising throughout the weekends, and for supporting them while they prepare for the upcoming football season.

SHS receives new Riddell helmets from Canadian businessman

Samoana High School has received a shipment of 60 brand new Riddell ‘Revolution’ football helmets courtesy of a businessman in Toronto, Canada, who was prompted to donate to the local high school after watching CBS’ 60 Minutes ‘Football Island’ in January this year.

After the 60 Minutes segment aired, Samoa News received a number of inquiries from parties wishing to donate to local football program but the request from Toronto businessman Mario Elia— was the first e-mail received by Samoa News, prompted by the 60 Minutes piece.

Administrators and football coaches are ecstatic with the donation that they say will help to improve Samoana football, increase athletes’ chances of a future in the game and ensure safety.

School Principal Rev. Simon Mageo says the helmets are “top of the line” and the donation has left him speechless.

“What else can I say … you know, I’m speechless … to have it come from someone who has no affiliation with Samoa or Samoana High School,” he told Samoa News. “All that it took was that touching piece done by 60 Minutes.”

Mageo says Elia, a sports fanatic, told him his heart went out to the local players when he saw the fields they play on and the equipment they use.

“It’s an answer to our prayers— all of these great donations we receive from people,” he added. Mageo notes that the helmets are Riddell Revolution helmets which are “lighter, safer.”

Riddell is the official helmet of the NFL and according to the Riddell Web site, the Revolution was introduced in 2002, the first major football helmet innovation in 25 years.

It points out that “since that time, more than half a million youth, high school, college and pro players have made the switch to the Riddell Revolution, the standard against which all football helmets are measured.

Riddell says an extensive long-term study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was published in the February 2006 issue of Neurosurgery and it said players wearing the Riddell Revolution® football helmet were 31% less likely to suffer a concussion than athletes who wore traditional or standard football helmets.

The helmets alone are worth between $10,000- $13,000.

The 60 helmets, shipped in seven boxes, were delivered to Samoana yesterday by Transam Shipping Co. representative Timena Tiatia who told Samoa News via e-mail that the seven boxes contain brand new helmets straight from the manufacturers and the items can accommodate up to two teams.

Tiatia presented the helmets on behalf of Elia.

“Mr. Mario Elia has no ties to the territory but his heart was drawn by the determination reflected in the short clipping on 60 Minutes which drove him to come up with this donation,” said Tiatia.

Elia wanted his donation to go directly to Samoana who won the Varsity football title last November. The championship game in which Samoana defeated Tafuna 7-6 was covered by the CBS crew.

As reported by 60 Minutes, the game was postponed from earlier in the day because Sharks quarterback Tavita Neemia had to bury his father before he could play and the win was naturally a very emotional one for Tavita and his team.

Tavita, who will be a senior in the fall, was the first Samoana player to handle one of the helmets from Elia, after students unloaded the Transam shipment off a truck.

Junior Varsity Football Head Coach Meauta Mageo began their three-week spring training yesterday for his JV squad with more than 40 players going through runs, drills and exercises on the rocky field that was also featured on 60 Minutes.

“It’s going to make a huge impact on the players in Samoa,” said the SHS JV Head Coach, who played for Samoana years ago. He graduated from Samoana in 1984 and played college ball at Southern Oregon University. Mageo returned to Samoa recently and it is his first year teaching and coaching.

He notes that it was football that allowed him to get an education and now he is back where he started— but pushing young athletes to get ahead through the sport of football.

“Coming back to Samoa 20 years later, the equipment is still the same when I played,” he told Samoa News. “Safety is first and foremost … to see this donation for Samoana High School … we are so excited to play now we have the proper equipment and to see this donation, I’m ecstatic that the kids will finally play with nice, equipment.”

Meauta says Elia’s donation will go a long way in improving the game and safety for their players.

“He (Elia) saw the equipment we were playing with was really outdated … thanks from the bottom of our hearts,” said Meauta.

When Samoa News asked Elia in January what moved him to donate, he said: “You live in a beautiful place, but I understand that two thirds of your population lives below the poverty level.”

“A huge reliance is placed on the two canning factories, but now it’s reduced to one factory,” he said. “The negative impact of losing that factory is monumental, I sincerely hope that StarKist remains a strong presence.”

Elia, who makes his home in Toronto with his wife and two children Kiri and Cody, says he is a sports fanatic, whose first love is ice hockey, the national sport there— and he loves football. He explains they have the CFL (Canadian Football League) and the NFL, widely watched by Canadians.

At the football level for American Samoa, he says “there is a lack of proper equipment and proper fields to practice on.”

“Yet despite the lack of those things there’s a spirit that I saw and that I think everyone watching 60 Minutes saw,” Elia said. “Yes, size and strength are important, but as it was said, ‘it’s not the size, it’s the heart.’ … that’s what came through.”

He told Samoa News “not every one can make it to the NFL” but he would just like to help out “in a small way by providing proper helmets to those boys who clearly are aspiring for greater things in their lives.”

Elia contacted a helmet manufacturer in the US, to secure the equipment. While he did not ask for help, Elia says the helmet company and a shipping company offered breaks.

He hopes his donation “may go further to encourage others to help out.”

Principal Mageo, who notes the last time they ever received new helmets was in 2004, said the players will begin using the Riddell helmets during spring practice, throughout the summer and in the next football season.

“I e-mailed him (Elia) … I couldn’t thank him enough and to express our appreciation for his wanting to give from his heart, especially for our kids,” he said. “He’s heaven sent.”

Warriors' Iosefa on move again, this time to offense

The past fall, Joey Iosefa traveled 2,500 miles from American Sāmoa to attend the University of Hawai'i.

Yesterday, Iosefa went 10 yards, from linebacker to running back.

He has made an easy adjustment to both moves.

Iosefa made a strong first impression in his debut at running back during the Warriors' fifth practice of spring training. He made a few knock-back blocks and gained yards with tough runs.

"He's physical," offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said. "He put in hard work in the weight room. He loves being here. He's a great teammate. We're happy to have him on the offensive side of the ball."

Iosefa was a quarterback/safety at Fagaitua High in American Sāmoa. Two years ago, he was contacted by UH coaches.

"It was like a dream," Iosefa said. "I wanted to play college ball."

The Warriors made him a grayshirt offer, meaning he would sign his letter of intent February 2009, but not join the Warriors until January 2010.

Under grayshirt rules, Iosefa was allowed to attend UH as a part-time student in the 2009 fall semester. The stipulations were that he could not receive a football scholarship that semester nor practice with the team.

"I paid my own way, from my pocket," said Iosefa, who lived with relatives in Kalihi. He now is on full scholarship.

During the offseason conditioning program, Iosefa trained with the linebackers. He was at that position for the first four spring practices.

"He gave it a shot," Rolovich said. "The history of him having the ball in his hands made it a natural move."

Iosefa was notified after Monday's practice.

Iosefa, who is 6 feet 1, said he has gained 40 pounds since September, and now weighs 230. He can bench press 300 pounds.

Alex Green and Chizzy Dimude, both seniors, are expected to get most of the carries in the Warriors' one-back offense.

"We were looking for some young guys (to develop)," Rolovich said, referring to true freshmen John Lister and Iosefa. "They're going to give us that 1-2 punch as far as young guys. They will be contributing this year."

Football Govs add four more recruits for 2010

Iosua Siliva
Defensive End
6-3, 252
Leone HS
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Defensive end prospect...in final two seasons was credited with 54 tackles and eight quarterback sacks...also played offensive tackle...participated in Samoa Bowl VII "Back to the Roots" matchup on New Year's Day....returned interception 50 yards for TD in game and also had quarterback sack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LktKvPRKWbo&feature=youtube_gdata

Bengals impress young football players during school visits

As a visit years ago from Joe Salave’a had impacted Bengals lineman Domata Peko when he was a student at Samoana, school visits by Peko, teammates Rey Maulauga and Jonathan Fanene are making a big impression on local athletes who dream of playing in the NFL.

“It was good,” Fa’asao Marist Crusader defensive end David Katina told Samoa News after hearing the guys speak. “Like Domata was saying about Joe Salave’a...now I’m looking at them...I see the same thing. I want to be in their shoes too.”

Katina is a senior at Kanana Fou High School, who plays defensive end for Fa’asao Marist. He has just signed on to play for the University of Hawaii Warriors and Head Coach Greg McMackin.

Katina, an International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Team pick, says he stayed with Fanene in the US recently and met Maualuga and Peko on the trip home Sunday.

“Using their advice, about God and hard work I think I can get there,” Katina said.

First stop yesterday was Tafuna High School, the alma mater of Cincinnati defensive tackle Jonathan Fanene who spoke to a hyped up crowd of Warriors.

“I started off where you are now, sitting and listening to the words of the previous NFL players we had back then, and now here I am, living the dream that I have always wanted to live, and it all goes back to education,” he said. “We are human beings like you are, and if you’re living the life that we started off at, then don’t tell yourself that you can’t make it. If we can make it, you can make it.”

He encouraged them to stay in school, listen to their parents, love themselves and their surroundings. After Tafuna, Fanene attended College of the Canyons and the University of Utah.

“The most important thing in life for me, is my family. My parents have raised me from childhood to be the best I can, and sometimes I tend to stray, but they’re the only two people in my lives who will always forgive me no matter what I do, and this is what I can do to repay them, is to love them and obey them,” said Fanene.

At Leone he told students they should be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices if they want to make it.

Tafuna, Leone and Fa’asao Marist received football equipment yesterday from the Domata Peko Foundation and Maualuga.

“Dreams do come true,” Leone High School Vice Principal Dorian Salave’a told the students during the Bengals visit yesterday, which he called a “very special treat for everyone who has dreams.”

Manu’a boy Maualuga, who grew up in Hawaii, threw up a shaka sign as he was introduced.

“When I was a little kid, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” he told the Lions. “I started playing football in the seventh grade...we moved to California and my dad forced me to play football...I didn’t want to play.”

Maualuga said he wanted to ‘ka’a’ and hang out with his friends.

“But I realized that my purpose here on Earth is to play football...I was blessed with God-given talents...the size, the ability,” he said. “There’s a reason everyone is here...I’m thankful...I have the best job in the world.”

He recounted that there were a lot of critics who told him he would not play Division I college football but he was able to prove everyone wrong, even some skeptical family members.

His parents and their teachings were a big influence on his life, said Maualuga and told youth they should “cherish” the time with their mom and dad.

“We’re having a great time in Samoa and hopefully we will leave with a lot of memories,” he said.

Peko, a Samoana High School graduate reminisced on days of high school, joking that Leone always had “the prettiest girls.”

He shared the experience of listening to Joe Salave’a years ago.

“In 2001, Joe Salave’a came to my school...doing the same thing I’m doing...I told Joe I was going to make it to the NFL,” Peko said. “If there is one thing Joe told me I needed to make it to the NFL — it was hard work. If you want to be in the NFL, go to school, go to class and obey your parents. Keep your eyes in the prize. If me, Rey and Fanene can do it, you can too...make your family proud and our people proud...I love Samoa and I love my people...If you listen to one thing today from us — put God first.”

In answering questions from the students, Peko said before he joined the Bengals, he was a big Raiders fan. While he has realized his dreams other goals they (himself, Maualuga and Fanene) seek to accomplish include playing in the Pro-Bowl and winning a Super Bowl.

He said the hardest challenge he faced on his way to the NFL was having bad friends and the hardest thing was getting rid of them.

“Don’t hang around with those people...hang around with people who have the same goals with you,” Peko advised.

Last stop on the Bengals’ high school visits yesterday was Fa’asao Marist High School which is celebrating Catholic Education Week. Their teammate defensive tackle Orien Harris was with them.

“We saved the best for last,” Peko said to a cheering crowd of Cougars and Crusaders.

Peko told Samoa News his Foundation was able to collect 150 sets of donated pads and helmets while the Foundation put in 120 sets. The sets have been divided up for the schools.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do...playing football here, we had some sorry equipment...and I hope you guys win the championship with this,” he told Fa’asao Marist.

Linebacker Maualuga purchased 700 pairs of cleats that were distributed among the island’s six high schools for their football players.

Fanene, from Nu’uuli, told students he came from a poor family, the second eldest of 13 children.

But times for Fanene are way different now. He is going into his fifth year with the Bengals, a 2005 seventh round NFL draft pick. He has a family of his own, wife Lori and son Truman and with his NFL salary has built a palatial home for his parents and siblings in Malaeimi that was featured on 60 Minutes’ “Football Island”.

"Family first, and education,” he told Fa’asao Marist.

Students questioned Peko on many things: why the long hair; how it feels to be a professional football player; and what he plans to do after football. One also asked if they communicate with Steelers’ Troy Polamalu, another Samoan in the NFL.

Peko says it feels great to play in the NFL; and they grow their hair long to represent the islands as do Tongan players in the NFL. Polamalu, he says, is a very humble person and after games they like to shake hands and talk. He says when he can’t play football anymore, he’d like to return to American Samoa and become a teacher.

“I’m going to try to bring all the Samoans together, all the uso, and try to do a football camp for the kids next year,” Peko said

Kanana Fou High School’s Ben Langford, 16, who has one more year as quarterback for the Crusaders said the Bengals visit taught him a lot.

“About how to make it in the NFL, with God and hard work,” says Langford, “and hopefully one day we can make it too and come back to Samoa to help with our community.”

Players will visit Kanana Fou High School and Lauli’i Elementary School today. They are expected to visit with the American Youth Football Samoa League on Saturday.

Cats Go Global for Big Recruit

The University of Arizona football program added a noted 21st newcomer to its class of 2010 today, with the arrival of a National Letter of Intent from Aiulua Fanene of American Samoa.

Fanene, 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, played defensive tackle and offensive guard for Tafuna High School on the island, garnering notoriety that earned him a spot in the Samoa-Hawaii All-Star Bowl and a later USA Football event in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in connection with the NFL's Pro Bowl.

Fanene, whose brother, Jonathan, is a five-year NFL veteran defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, was recruited by UA defensive line coach Mike Tuiasosopo, who knows the Fanene family after recruiting the older brother to Utah from College of the Canyons in 2003 while an assistant for the Utes.

Aiulua earned co-defensive player of the year honors and first-team all-Samoa honors at Tafuna his senior year. Tafuna lost to Samoana High School in a defensive battle in the island prep championship game, 7-6.

He and several other island players were featured in a CBS 60 Minutes feature, "Football Island," that ran on the network last month.

He is one of 12 children of David and Anna Fanene of Nu'uuli.

Fanene was on the World team in USA Football's Team USA vs. The World all-star game in late January, named to the squad by the International Federation of American Football.

Head Coach Mike Stoops announced a signing class of 20 newcomers and three mid-year enrollees in a news conference on the Feb. 3 national signing date. Fanene now gives the Cats a group representing nine states and the Pacific island U.S. sovereign territory.

See the 60 Minutes feature by clicking here.

Bengals receive huge welcome at Fagaitua, Samoana & Voc-Tech

Cincinnati Bengals stars — Domata Peko and Rey Maualuga received huge welcomes at Fagaitua, Samoana and Nu’uuli Voc-Tech high schools yesterday — when they donated equipment to football programs and urged students to get an education, noting the key to success is hard work.

The Vikings, Sharks and Wildcats excitedly welcomed the Bengals.

An assembly of students and faculty from Fagaitua, where Peko was a 10th and 11th grader, was the first group to be visited by the Peko/Maualuga entourage, Peko’s wife Anna, their sons and many other relatives.

“I’ll never forget Fagaitua High School...I had the best time of my life here,” Peko told students and faculty, and the crowd roared.

Helmets and pads were donated to all three schools by the newly-formed Domata Peko Foundation. Maualuga has donated cleats for all the players. Students received souvenirs, Bengals posters, candies and some keen advice from Peko and Maualuga. Those who asked questions received Bengals wear.

“First of all I’d like to thank God for this opportunity,” said Peko. “I thank the principal, and the teachers for having me here today...I wanted to come and talk to you a little bit about education...we need to stress to players that football and education go hand-in-hand...you can’t have one without the other.”

Peko said he attended Lauli’i Elementary School, Fagaitua High and graduated from Samoana. He earned an associate degree from a junior college and picked up a full scholarship to attend Michigan State University where he majored in sociology. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL draft.

It was his dream to play for the NFL.

“I was in your shoes...I’m here now, I made it,” he told the Vikings. “In order to be successful, you have to work hard, listen to your teachers, keep your head up high...if I can do it, you can too.”

He pushed them to resist peer pressure.

“I know it’s hard, sometimes it’s hard,” he recalled. “Your friends say ‘sole ka’o e faakau se pusa pia.’ It was tough to be able to stay away from those things.”

The motto of the Domata Peko Foundation is “Building our kids a brighter future.”

In response to questions from Fagaitua kids, he said the best thing that has happened to him are his two kids — sons Domata Jr. and Joseph. His favorite music is reggae.

The Vikings insisted on hearing from Maualuga who has been able to trace his roots back to Sili, Olosega, Manu’a, however, his family lives in Nu’uuli, he explained.

“The opportunity to come back to where my mom and dad are from...I grew up in Hawaii with my older brother,” he said. “We used to get upset because we had to wear the same clothes to school every year...I was ashamed...people made fun of us. My dad would tell us ‘poko le ulu, maua ai mea lelei’.”

He said he chose to chase his dreams of playing in the NFL.

“Put God first in your life...being able to appreciate...when I wake up everyday I try to represent you guys, I’m representing all the Samoans,” said Maualuga.

All school visits were opened with words of prayer and hymns sung by the students. At each school the players changed their uniforms to fit in with the student body, each taking mementos of the schools with them.

At Voc-Tech, the school’s Top 4 students for this quarter were awarded Bengals jerseys by Peko.

He also urged students to do their best, to be the fastest and strongest as in the NFL you are among the “best of the best.”

Principals Samasoni Asaeli (Fagaitua), Simon Mageo (Samoana) and Saouila Fanene Kava (Voc-Tech) thanked the Bengals for their help and for visiting their schools.

Each principal was presented a jersey by Peko.

Students cheered and screamed for the football stars during the assemblies.

At Samoana, Maualuga said when he was a child his parents worked two jobs to put food on the table. A rowdy Sharks audience quieted with Maualuga’s story. He said it was hard growing up and told students to be mindful of, and thankful for their parents.

Maualuga’s father died several years ago.

At Voc-Tech, he told the gathering that he lived in a strict household and his mother worked hard everyday. Maualauga said he wanted to make his dreams a reality and play for the NFL so he could take care of his mother and she would never have to work another day.

“Be happy they (your parents) are here,” he said. “I thank God for the opportunity to play football. Anything’s possible...the sky is the limit. There will be some bumps...but put God first.”

Peko, Maualuga and their families will also visit Tafuna, Leone, , Fa’asao Marist high schools and Lauli’i Elementary.

Sharks’ coach Pepine Lauvao will coach American Samoa All Stars

American Samoa High School Athletics Association (ASHSAA) Coach of The Year Sharks’ Varsity Head Coach Pepine Lauvao will coach this year’s All Stars who will play squads from Hawaii and Australia in the two-day Samoa Bowl VII, set for Jan. 1-2, 2010.

Twenty-two standout players have made the All Stars’ first and second teams.

Samoa News understands that each player who was honored with an ASHSAA award during the closing ceremony of the 2009-2010 season, Nov. 28, has made the list.

Awardees received trophies during the awards ceremony held after the championship game in which the Sharks beat the Warriors 7-6 at the Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Standout players were selected by seven voters, head coaches of all the high school football teams that participated in this years season, as well as one ASHSAA member.

The awards are as follows:

—Coach of The Year: Samoana High School Head Coach Pepine Lauvao

—MVP of the Year: Sharks starting quarterback Tavita Neemia

—Offensive MVP of the Year : Fagaitua Vikings quarterback Ieti Ieti

—Defensive MVP of the Year: Tafuna Warriors middle linebacker Tavita Faagu

—Co-offensive Back of the Year: Sharks’ Siona Eliu and Vikings’ Arona Tuiafono

—Co-offensive lineman of the Year: Warriors’ Ailua Fanene and Sharks’ Filei Tauave

—Defensive Back of the Year: Sharks’ Erupi Autele

—Defensive Lineman of the Year: Vikings’ Ropatiu Lefauaitu.

—Co-Receiver of the Season: Lions’ Lawrence Danielson and Sharks’ Tanielu Matautia

—Co-Linebacker of the Season: Warriors’ Peni Imo and Sharks’ Eroni Foifua

—Special Teams: Lions’ So’o Enele

—All Purpose Player of the Year: Warriors’ Iolamo Fonoti.

Catching up with: Simi Toeaina

The Oregon Daily Emerald caught up with senior defensive lineman Simi Toeaina after practice this week to discuss everything from his relationship with his cousin Jeremiah Masoli to his home in American Samoa. Here’s what he had to say:

Oregon Daily Emerald: Tell me a little bit about being cousins with Jeremiah Masoli.

Simi Toeaina: It’s great. We’re together before practice, during and after, so it’s really good.

ODE: Do you live with him or any other guys on the team?

ST: No, I live on my own. But friends are always coming around my spot so it’s not too bad.

ODE: What do you do as far as cooking goes?

ST: A lot of rice. Got to have fresh rice every day.

ODE: So what do you like to do outside of football?

ST: Just hang out mostly.

ODE.: All right, well, what about music? What kind of music are you listening to these days?

ST: I listen to a lot of reggae. Obviously Bob Marley and a few others.

ODE: What about movies?

ST: Yeah I like movies. My favorites are Gladiator and 300.

ODE: Now I understand you’ve done some relief work back in Samoa. Tell me a little bit about that.

ST: Yeah. The team organized a food drive for some of the villages back in American Samoa after the tsunami hit. We have quite a few guys on the team that have family there. (The fundraiser raised nearly 18 tons of food, water, and medical supplies for those in need.)

ODE: So now after five years this will finally be your last run out of the Autzen tunnel. What’s that going to be like for you?

ST: It’ll be emotional. But it’s going to have to last for just that moment, because once it’s game time you’ve got to stay focused.

All MEAC William Falakiseni

Norfolk State center William Falakiseni (Tafuna HS, AS, College of the Siskiyous) was named first team All-MEAC. Falakiseni (6-2, 300), a junior-college player in his first season at NSU, was a stabilizing presence along the NSU line. He helped pave the way for NSU to rank third in the MEAC in scoring offense (26.6 ppg) and total offense (348.4 yards per game).

Bengals' Jonathan Fanene worth the wait

By John Erardi
jerardi@enquirer.com

On the edge of the mayhem, but also deeply (and gratefully) entrenched in the middle of it, stands the Bengals' Jonathan Fanene, the indomitable defensive end from American Samoa.

He's been there since Antwan Odom went down five weeks ago with a season-ending injury.

It is guys like Fanene and Brandon Johnson and Bernard Scott --and other players who've had to step in when the starters went down --that have helped make the Bengals what they are this season: 7-and-3, and extraordinarily close, a team in the best sense of the word.

Typical of the squad's unselfish attitude --perhaps even the very symbol of it --is Fanene, 27, who has had to earn his way up the depth chart as a seventh-round draft pick out of the University of Utah in 2005.

"When I came in, there were already guys who were ahead of me, high draft picks," said Fanene, a fifth-year pro. "There wasn't anybody willing to take me under their wing and explain how the system works. It's taken me (a while) just to learn the defense. There were a lot of things to do, and I wasn't prepared."

The biggest adjustment to the pros is that playing football is a business, not merely unbridled fun as it was in college, Fanene said. If you don't approach it like a job in which you grow and keep getting better and become more valuable to your team, you'll soon be on the outside looking in, he said.

He admits that he had to come to grips with that fact. There's more time required, more film-watching, more sacrifice.

"I'm still trying to catch up, doing more, learning more" he said.

Fanene didn't begin playing football until he was 14. He began as a tight end.

Typical of all the D-linemen on the Bengals, he has good hands. The Utah product wasn't switched to defense until he was a senior in high school. A junior-college defensive coordinator moved him to outside linebacker, "which is where all this ( pass-rushing) started," he said.

"My junior year, I was moved to the inside and my senior year I was moved to right end," he said.

Coach Marvin Lewis raised some eyebrows earlier this season when he said that nobody among the current Bengals had come so far as Fanene. Lewis wasn't talking geographically; he was saying that nobody had come into the Bengals' fold as such a project and had developed into such a player.

No higher compliment can be paid to an athlete, to anybody really, because it means he or she has done the utmost to fulfill their abilities.

"I'll agree with what Marvin says on that (because) I feel like I've improved a lot," said Fanene, noting that this past offseason was huge learning experience. "Coach (Mike) Zimmer taught me a lot -- not only me, but the whole D-line. To get to the quarterback, the first thing you've got to do stop the run and then use your hands."

It is also possible that Lewis' words were meant as continued motivation to Fanene. Just don't expect Lewis to ever admit that.

The Bengals needed Fanene if they were going to stay on the playoff road. The loss of the reconfigured and re-charged Odom, who had eight sacks, was potentially season-altering.

"We miss him," Fanene conceded. "Antwan's a tremendous pass-rusher. But we're going to keep this thing going."

Without a push toward the opposing team's quarterback, there is no push to the playoffs. One of the top surprises, of many, on this team is its ability to get to the QB, to trigger the sack dances and the chest-pounding and the crowd-rallying that is the Bengals' 2009.

For all the excitement that the offense brings when it is clicking -- the increasingly fine play-action and precision passing of Carson Palmer, the thumping running style of Cedric Benson, the remarkable cutting ability of Bernard Scott, the fingertip grabs of Chad Ochocinco -- it is the defense that is this team's emotional center.

With the blanket coverage by the Bengals' cornerbacks, there is time for the D-linemen to do their work, and none have done it so dramatically well to the naked eye as Fanene, who has five sacks, tops among the active players.

He didn't have any sacks last Sunday -- none of the Bengals did, for the first time this season -- but he did have a big pressure that flushed the quail that Johnathan Joseph picked off.

"Came from outside, beat the tackle," Fanene explained.

It was one of the few times Fanene wasn't being doubled Sunday. He's come a long way. Not too long ago, the only thing he was being doubled out of was the starting lineup.

Fanene used to be known as a guy who made unconventional plays --not because he didn't want to follow the book, but because he didn't know the book. Now he knows what he's supposed to do.

"I don't want to be selfish in my rush lane; the job is to contain," Fanene said.

When he put the pressure on Raiders' QB Bruce Gradkowksi that resulted in the interception, the score was Bengals 17-10, and there were exactly six minutes left on the clock, tailor-made for the offense to put this game away as it had put away so many games this season.

It didn't happen, but Fanene's attitude is this:

There's another game Sunday. It's like pass-rushing.

"You just keep coming," he says.

Like the rest of the veterans, Fanene knows that doubts are already being voiced nationally that maybe the Bengals finally realize where they are, and will wake up.

"We don't believe in that," Fanene said." We don't believe in the talk, the rumors, all that media stuff. We have a great group of guys that want to work, want to win, and we've got a staff that's going to prepare us for this game...We're going to win this game, and the division."

Ute players raising money for village where family members died

Video Courtesy of KSL.com