HENRY'S THOUGHTS ON SAMOAN RUGBY

Graham Henry is definitely throwing caution to the wind in this article for RugbyHeaven but I like the way he thinks. We've all been saying it for decades now but NZRU or Australia will never budge on adding a Pacific Islander team to Super 14.

FOOTBALL RECRUITING

Some names to watch in the upcoming recruiting season:

Moses Alipate
Quarterback
Jefferson HS
Bloomington (MN)
Ht: 6-foot-5, Wt: 230 lbs
Verbal Committment: Minnesota
Received offers from: Colorado, Washington State

Taimi Tutogi
Fullback
Chula Vista HS
Chula Vista (CA)
Ht: 6-foot-1 (Event), Wt: 242 lbs
Verbal Committment: Arizona
Recruited by: Oregon, Washington, Fresno State, Hawaii, Arizona State, New Mexico

Lavasier Tuinei
Wide Receiver
Golden West CC, Hamilton HS (IN)
Huntington Beach (CA)
Ht: 6-foot-6, Wt: 195 lbs
Verbal Committment: Oregon
Recruited by: Arizona State, Oregon, Oregon State.
Forty Time: 4.5 Secs

Billy Ray Stutzmann
Wide Receiver
St. Louis HS
Honolulu (HI)
Ht: 6-foot-1, Wt: 160 lbs
Verbal Committment: Hawaii
Forty: 4.5 secs, Vertical: 30 inches

Levine Toilolo
Tight end
Helix HS
San Diego (CA)
Ht: 6-foot-8, Wt: 239 lbs
Forty: 4.87 secs, Vertical: 27 inches
Verbal Committment: Stanford
Received Offers from: Florida, Vanderbilt

Xavier Su'a-Filo
Offensive tackle
Timpview HS
Provo (UT)
Ht: 6-foot-4 (Event), Wt: 285 lbs
Received Offers from: Auburn, BYU, Colorado, Connecticut, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, USC, Stanford, Utah


Tui Crichton
Offensive tackle
Timpview HS
Provo (UT)
Ht: 6-foot-4, Wt: 280 lbs
Verbal Committment: BYU
Received Offers from: Hawaii, Utah

Michael Philipp
Offensive guard
Arroyo Valley HS
San Bernardino (CA)
Ht: 6-foot-3, Wt: 320 lbs
Forty: 5.1 secs
Received Offers from: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, Washington
Considered No. 1 at his position in the nation.

Fono Vakalahi
Offensive center
Bryan HS
Bryan (TX)
Ht: 6-foot-4, Wt: 317 lbs
Verbal Committment: BYU
Received Offers from: Baylor

James Aiono
Defensive End
Snow College, Murray HS
Epraim (UT)
Ht: 6-foot-3, Wt: 282 lbs
Verbal Committment: Utah
Recruited by Arizona State, BYU, Oregon State, Utah
In the top five across the nation at his position

Talia Crichton
Defensive End
Lakewood HS
Lakewood (CA)
Ht: 6-foot-4, Wt: 245 lbs
Verbal Committment: Washington
Received Offers from: Hawaii, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Utah

Hebron Fangupo
Defensive tackle
Mt. San Antonio C.C.
Walnut (CA)
Ht: 6-foot-2, Wt: 330 lbs
Forty: 4.91 secs, Bench reps: 31
Verbal Committment: USC
Received Offers from: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah

Latu Heimuli
Defensive tackle
Highland HS
Salt Lake City (UT)
Ht: 6-foot-3, Wt: 296 lbs
Received Offers from: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Oregon State, BYU, California, Arizona State, UCLA, Utah, Washington State
Uncommitted

Manti Te'o
Inside linebacker
Punahou HS
Honolulu (HI)
Ht: 6-foot-2, Wt: 225 lbs
Forty: 4.6 secs
Received Offers from: BYU, USC, Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA, West Virginia, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, California, Colorado, Auburn, Baylor
Listed as the No. 1 recruit in the nation at his position

LT Filiaga
Inside linebacker
Bingham HS
South Jordan (UT)
Ht: 5-foot-11, Wt: 231 lbs
Forty: 4.6 secs, Bench max: 350 pounds, Vertical: 34 inches, Shuttle: 4.17 secs
Received Offers from: Arizona, BYU, Stanford, UNLV, Utah, Washington

Steven Fanua
Outside linebacker
Milpitas HS
Milipitas (CA)
Ht: 6-foot-1, Wt: 200 lbs
Verbal Committment: California
Received Offers from: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Boise State, Colorado, Fresno State, UNLV

Jamal Atofau
Safety
Bellevue HS
Bellevue (WA)
Ht: 5-foot-10, Wt: 175 lbs
Verbal Committment: Washington State
Received offers from: Arizona, Boise State, Oregon, Oregon State

SOFELE HEADED TO CAL

Cottonwood running back Isi Sofele who has been recruited by a number of top universities the past two years is headed to one of the best colleges (academically and athletically) in the west. It remains to be seen if Sofele will live up to his collegiate bill, following in the footsteps of another great Cottonwood Colt, Stanley Havili. Havili has been a great find for the USC Trojans.

If Sofele can post the same numbers he has for the Colts in his four year career and flaunt his athleticism, there is no question that he can put himself in the same class as former backs like Marshawn Lynch and J.J. Arrington.

For Sofele and anyone like him, its a no-brainer: You can become one of the great Cal backs if you can keep your grades on par with the Average Campus Joe and listen carefully to the guidance of Coach Tedford and his staff.

TANA - TOULON NO MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

By the sounds of things, Tana's storied arrival as the guy who would bring Toulon out of the rugby cellar in France is not going as planned. Even bringing in Tana's Wellington and All Black cohort Jerry Collins and sneaking in former league star Sonny Bill Williams has not brought respect for the team. What's next for Tana? Club President Mourad Boudjellal is forcing the issue by bringing in South Africa head coach Jake White to give Umaga a few pointers. Or will this just be a major distraction for a guy who has only had a year and a few months to work with a team that was horrible to begin with? Give the guy a break. Its his first coaching gig and you can't expect him to turn it around immediately, even with all the money you're throwing around!

MAORI REPLACED IN PNC

Do you agree with the NZRU's decision to replace the NZ Maori with the Junior All Blacks in the Pacific Nations Cup? Sure, the JAB's won the 2006 and 2007 tournaments but the Maori did their country proud this year, even with Australia A added this season. Or is that the real reason behind the NZRU's move?

According to the report published by Stuff.co.nz, NZRU believes that their JAB's would be a much better fit for the competition because it gives their younger, second tier team an opportunity to prepare for a 1st grade representative role. My guess is that they just can't stomach a possible hiding by the Aussies, hence the move to bring a more evenly matched team (or what they think is a much stronger side) to represent them in the PNC. Hey losers! The Maori did just fine without your so-called 'non-Maori' players. Besides, most of the JAB's have some claim to Maori lineage anyway. Or are you afraid you'll lose the services of another Chris-Jack-in-the-making? Oh and if that was the motivation behind your decision, it back-fired because Australia A is out again! Make up your minds!

TAVANA NAMED MVP

Samoan volleyball sensation Futi Tavana was named MVP of the BYU Pre-Season Tournament last weekend. The Cougars overwhelmed perrenial volleyball powerhouse UCI-Irvine in the final. The 6-8 freshman and Kauai High School alum was consistent throughout the tournament, coming up with key blocks and kills to lead his team into the finals.

Futi is the son of Dr. Gaugau and Palagi Tavana and was recruited to play basketball and volleyball but chose the latter to play for the Cougars.

KAUHA'AHA'A MOVES NORTH

Chad Kauha'aha'a will move from Weber State to USU as defensive line coach. Kauha'aha'a has been the defensive line coach at Weber State since 2005 when he left Baldwin High School in his native Hawaii to join his college football coach at Utah, Ron McBride.

Kahua'aha'a was added to new Utah State head coach Gary Anderson's staff today along with fellow Weber State coach Kevin Clune. Kauha'aha'a is the perfect fit for the struggling Aggies and I believe that he will bring passion to the rank and file in Logan. Kauha'aha'a brings added recruiting clout for the Aggies in Hawaii and in Polynesia communities where they once had a prominent foothold with island players before the outgoing administration took over.

PAC-10 FOOTBALL AWARDS ANNOUNCED

I can't recall a time in the history of the PAC-10 when so many Pacific Islanders have made huge contributions to their respective teams. The number of PI's on rosters around the west's biggest and most powerful conference is staggering and that number continues to rise as players like Willie Tuitama (right), Stanley Havili and Fili Moala make a significant impact on their respective teams.

The PAC-10 yesterday announced their All-Conference Teams and, no surprise, Rey Maualuga was voted the Defensive MVP and recipient of the Pat Tillman Award.

Tuitama (QB, Arizona), Fenuki Tupou (OL, USC) and Norris Malele (OL, California) were on the Offensive 2nd Team while defensive tackle Fili Moala (USC) joined teammate Maualuga on 1st Team Defense. This is Maualuga's third consecutive All-Conference 1st Team selection.

Defensive linemen Tyson Alualu (Cal) and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim (Washington) made the defensive 2nd Team and a bevy of Pacific Islanders made the Honorable Mention list including Lyle Moevao (QB, Oregon State) and Cal running back Will Taufo'ou.

AH-HOY PAC-10 ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

For the second year in a row, Kahuku alum Camilla Ah Hoy has earned All-Academic Team honors in the PAC-10. The 5-10, Junior from Laie is an Honorable Mention on the list and joins seven other members of the Oregon State volleyball squad on the list of honorees.

Ah Hoy was an All-State selection for the State of Hawaii and was named OIA Player of the Year her senior season.

VOTE FOR MAUALUGA

The Chuck Bednarik Award goes to the Defensive Player of the Year in college football. This year, USC senior linebacker Rey Maualuga is one of the three finalists, joining James Laurinitis of Ohio State and Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin. All three players were chosen from a pool of 50 players chosen at the start of the season.

Maualuga was also a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, another defensive award, voted on by the Football Writers Association of America. Arizona's Rob Waldrop first one the award back in 1993. This year's recipient is defensive end Brian Orakpo of Texas.

Fans have a chance to influence the panel. Voting for the Bednarik Award closes on December 11th. If you would like to show your support for Rey, click here and cast your vote today! And we I won't be mad if you take a minute to vote for Utah kicker/punter Louie Sakoda either. Louie is a finalist for the Ray Guy (Punter) and the Lou Groza (Kicker) awards.

SITAKE NEW DC FOR UTES

Congratulations to Kalani Sitake on his promotion to Defensive Coordinator for the undefeated and Sugar Bowl bound Utah Utes. Sitake takes over the defensive reins from Gary Andersen who is moving up north to take over as head coach at Utah State.

Kalani has a great football mind but more than that, he's a players coach and a great individual off the field. I wish him well in his new position and more success to the Mountain West Conference powerhouse!

MANTI TE'O NAMED BUTKUS AWARD RECIPIENT

Punahou senior linebacker and highly coveted national recruit Manti Te'o was named the first ever high school recipient of the Dick Butkus Award on Friday, December 5th. The award was presented to Te'o by legendary linebacker for whom the award is named on the Punahou campus and is traditionally awarded to collegiate linebackers. The Butkus Foundation expanded the award to the high school level and it is an amazing accomplishment on Manti's growing list of accolades as he prepares to move up to the college ranks.

How good is this kid? Just this year alone, he's been named Interscholastic League of Honolulu Defensive Player of the Year, Gatorade Hawai'i Football Player of the Year, All-ILH first team defense selection, and All-State Defensive Player of the Year. And, he's being heavily recruited by nearly every big name university in the nation, but he's narrowed down his list of possible addresses to Brigham Young, Notre Dame, USC, UCLA and Stanford.

If that's still not enough, check this out.....Oh yeah, he's also a great student in the classroom, an Eagle Scout and volunteer's in his community.

DESERET NEWS ALL-STATE FOOTBALL TEAMS

Su'a-Filo named Desret News 4A Football MVP

(Inset: Timpview's Bronson Kaufusi tackles Isi Sofele of Cottonwood. Both made the 4A 1st Team. Deseret News)

Xavier Su'a-Filo has been at the top of the recruiting lists nationally for prep-recruits and in his final season as a Timpview T-Bird has shown that he deserves the hype. Its not often that a lineman is named an MVP but Su'a-Filo is well respected and very deserving of the honor.

The Deseret News released their Football All-Star teams and some of the names you'll see here have been making headlines all season. Bingham's Harvey Langi picked up where his brother Sam left off for the Miners last year, amassing 1,377 yards and 17 TD's for the season.

Tenney Palepoi (Skyline) L.T. Filiaga (Bingham) and A'i Ho-Ching (Alta) were key components for their respective teams on defense. And Josh Kealamakia missed just one PAT during the season for the 'new kid on the 5A block' Syracuse.

Seniors 'Isi Sofele (Cottonwood) and Adam Timo (Snow Canyon) were premier running backs for Class 4A and both made it on the 1st team this year. Wide Receiver Alo Moli (Cottonwood) was one of the best in the State this year. Offensive lineman Percy Taumoelau (Cottonwood) made it possible for Sofele to rush for 30 TD's.

Bronson Kaufusi (Timpview) is a mountain at 6-7, 240 but the kid is quick and even though he is only a Junior, he's showing the temperment and the experience of a veteran on the T-Birds' defensive line. He has the football pedigree and will be playing D-I ball in another year, just like his father and uncles did before him.

George Sevens Update

Surprising developments in the world of rugby today. Portugal and the USA have advanced to the quarter-finals of the South Africa (George) Sevens after some gutsy play from both sides. Portugal scored its first ever win against Samoa to lock their place in the cup rounds while South Africa narrowly escaped an upset by the USA. The two teams now join New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, England, South Africa and Argentina in the quarterfinals in South Africa, the second leg of the IRB Sevens Series.
(Inset: NZ's Julian Savea, Oriental Rongotai)

BASKETBALL NOTES

After a promising 2006-2007 and 2007-08 seasons in which the Toronto Raptors skated into the playoff's, their coach, Sam Mitchell was fired after a dismal 8-9 start to the new season. Mitchell at one point was coach of the year, but it appears his run of winning seasons came to an abrupt halt and Raptors management has seen enough.

His name is Blount for a reason. Former NBA and Cincinnati alum Corie Blount has been charged with felony drug possession. I guess Blount needed some help relaxing during his retirement.

Lorenzo Wade is back for the SDSU Aztecs after being suspended indefinitely from the team. Wade was placed on suspension in mid-October when he was charged with stealing a television from a woman's apartment. A TV? I'm not a thief, but wouldn't someone notice you walking out of someone's house with a TV? A George Foreman grill would have been less inconspicuous.

A bit of sad news to report: Former Wake Forest star and NBA retiree Rodney Rogers who spent time with the Nuggets, Clippers, Suns, Celtics, Nets and Sixers is paralyzed from the shoulders down following an ATV accident in Vance County, N.c. last week. Sad news for a guy who was always in the news for the right reasons. (Inset: Rodney Rogers / Courtesy Jim McIsaac, Getty Images)

FOOTBALL NOTES

The Jets' Shaun Ellis was arrested a week ago on possession, speeding and driving without insurance. According to Coach Eric Mangini, Ellis is taking it on the chin and has taken full responsibility for the incident. Not often you hear someone in professional sports taking full responsibility for their actions.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers is one of those guys with a Pacman Jones-like ability to stay in the news for his lawlessness. This time, Rogers is being held in the Oakland County jail for violating parole. Another megalomaniac testing the theory that the a little bit of cash-money on hand makes him above the law.

The NFL Players Union (gotta love unions) is seeking to block the suspensions of five players who used "dietary supplements" that contained a banned substance. So here's my question; if you're running like Forrest Gump every day of your life and jacking weights like Governor Ah-Nold, why do you need to be taking "dietary supplements"?

It's the third coming out of retirement party for Junior Seau (inset). The New England Patriots signed the 39-year-old after Adalius Thomas was placed on injured reserve this week. The Pats have already lost Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander. What was the record for being the oldest in the NFL again?

PAC-10 All-Academic Teams

Congratulations to USC's Christian Tupou for making the PAC-10's honorable mention All-Academic Team.

All-MWC Teams Announced

The Mountain West Conference today announced their All Conference football teams and (no surprise), Ray Feinga continued his string of successes with another conference accolade. It's Feinga's second straight year as a 1st Team selection and although offensive linemen are often the unsung heroes on football teams, Feinga always managed to standout amongst his peers.

I was surprised to find that Koa Misi was named as a 2nd Team selection considerig his dominance on the defensive line this year for the Utes. But Misi has another year to prove to NFL scouts and the nation that he is an oppressive force on defense.

The last name Asiata showed up on the all-conference lists but its not the Asiata you expected. Matt Asiata closed out the season with a great showing against BYU, but it was UNLV offensive lineman Johan Asiata that made the MWC honorable mention list, even on a team that performed way below expectations.

Athletes Living in Fear

This article written by ESPN's David Fleming may give some insight into the culture of fear that is being bred by those who are preying on professional athletes. It may also shed some light on why athletes are desperately looking for ways to protect themselves from criminals and the occasional stalker.

All-WAC Post-Season Awards

Running Back Vai Taua (Nevada) was a major part of the Wolfpack offense this season, earning him 1st Team accolades on the All-WAC post-season honors. Hawaii's Joh Estes (Offensive Line) also made the first team, while offensive Lineman Mike Iupati (Idaho) and Defensive Lineman David Veikune top the list of Polynesian players on the 2nd Team.

BIG-10 Post-Season Awards

You have to be an exceptional player to get noticed in the Big Ten conference where guys like Chris "Beanie" Wells (Ohio State), Brandon Myers (Iowa) and Daryll Clark (Penn State) dominate the headlines. But Illinois Tight End Michael Hoomanawanui managed to slip in under the radar, making the Honorable Mention list for the All-Big Ten Conference.

Hoomanawanui played in all 12 contests for the Illini this season, catching 25 passes for a total of 312 yards (12.5 avg) and two TD's. The Junior TE is a big target at 6-5, 274 and will be a critical part of Head Coach Ron Zook's offensive lineup next season.

All-ACC Football Teams

Congratulations to Mike Tauiliili of Duke. Tauiliili was named to the All-ACC Defensive 1st Team in the linebacking corps along with Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) and Mark Herzlich (Boston College).

A native of Houston, Texas, Tauiliili capped off a successful senior season with 140 tackles to lead the conference, four interceptions, caused three fumbles and recovered a fumble. He is the first Blue Devil linebacker to earn 1st Team All-ACC honors since John Zuanich did it back in 1994.

Congratulations Mike! Read a Senior profile on Mike from GoDuke.com here.

Maualuga Among Finalists for Nagurski Trophy

USC Senior linebacker and defensive machine Rey Maualuga has been named as a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Trophy along with four others from around the nation. Check out the finalists here.

Congratulations to Rey on a very successful final season with the Trojans!

P-O-U-T Spells Trouble for Marbury

Yet another reason I don't enjoy professional sports:

Stephon Marbury is pouting. Carrying on like spoiled little child who can't get what he wants. Does anyone else who works a real job walk into work one morning and say, "Listen Boss, I'm not going to do any work around here until Bob starts putting paper in the copier after he's used up an entire ream printing pictures of his butt. And, I refuse to work in an environment where people don't care about burnt popcorn, tacky cubie decorations and office politics. Oh, and by the way, Julie in procurement won't go out on a date with me."

What it all boils down to is Marbury whom I thought was a stand up guy until this recent bawl-fest is refusing to play for miscellaneous reasons. Now the Knicks (after suspending him for refusing to play in a game a week ago) have now banished him from practices and from having any contact with the team whom Marbury says, "shot me in the back."

Hey Stephon, suck it up, lace up your Starbury's and get to work!

Is that a gun in your pants or are you just happy to see me?

This is hilarious! Another reason why athletes and guns (unless its a hunting rifle in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness) don't mix. Why? Why did Plaxico Burress think that a hand gun should be part of his ensemble? I guess plain 'ol bling isn't enough anymore. These guys are getting more and more ridiculous as time goes by.

So. Africa Conquers Dubai

New Zealand have been the team to beat for years now in Dubai, but it appears that the Kiwi's and Fiji will have to keep an eye on England and South Africa in this year's IRB Sevens Series. South Africa hoisted the Dubai Sevens hardware after a thrilling 19-12 victory over England. Its a big boost for the Boks who now move on to their home turf in George with the momentum.

New Zealand and Fiji lost out on their chance for the cup with the Kiwis bowing out to England (19-21) and Fiji losing the eventual victors South Africa, 7-10.

Samoa beat Kenya, an increasingly deadly foe to win the Plate final 12-7.

Masoli, Ducks Swamp Beavers

Jeremiah Masoli and his Oregon teammates won the very heated rivalary contest between Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers. The Beavers, led by another PI QB, Lyle Moevao came into the game with the 17 spot in the polls and a chance to walk away with a conference championship and an automatic bid to the Rose Bowl. Unfortunately for the Beavers, who were without star running back Jacquizz Rodgers, the Ducks had other plans as they absolutely crushed the Beavers 65-38.

Masoli completed 11 of 17 passes and three TD's and had, what I believe to be a career game. He marched his team masterfully down the field on nearly every Oregon possession and even when they didn't manage to put up any points (which was almost never in this game), he looked very cool in the pocket and when he was flushed out. This kid is only a sophomore and this was a very good way to end the season and get some very good in-conference experience against a quality defense.

Moevao was equally impressive, completing 27 of 51 passes, five for TD's but also threw two interceptions. And while the Ducks were putting up solid passing and rushing yards (Johnson 219 yds, Blount 112), the Beavers could not get anything going on the ground and depended solely on the Moevao and his receivers to pick up the slack.

I was sad to see the Beavers go out like that, but they have a relatively young team to build on for next season and they will get another chance to prove their worth with a post-season bowl. Congratulations to the Ducks, but this may have been a better contest if Jacquizz had been healthy enough to test the Beaver run-defense.

Bowl Confusion Series

Does anyone understand the BCS mess? The bowl picture is so disproportionately out of sync with what should happen, its amazing that anyone can figure out who should be crowned national champion. So far the general consensus is that Alabama and Florida are set to play for the championship.

I’m not sure that I’m excited about this matchup because even though Alabama looks like a dominant team, they struggled to put Mississippi away, they should have crushed Tennessee and they only managed 36-points on Auburn who came into their game with ‘Bama with a 5-6 record.

Florida may have an 11-1 record, but I’m still not convinced that they should be in the title game. I’m not digging that hole any deeper. This whole (toilet) Bowl Championship Series is going down the crapper and fast. I’m going to be just as disappointed as I have been in years past and I’ll say what I always say before the bowl games get underway, its not about the game, its about the money!

Maualuga, Trojans Bid Farewell

Rey Maualuga and his classmates will play their final game for the Trojans today in the Coliseum against longtime rival Notre Dame. I'm pretty sure that this is going to be another lopsided affair so I'll be tuning in at around five minutes before the game is over. Joining Maualuga is Defensive Tackle Fili Moala.

Salt Lake Tribune All-State Volleyball Teams

Congratulations to the young ladies named in this year's Salt Lake Tribune All-State volleyball teams.

Day One - IRB Sevens Series: Dubai

The power teams of the IRB Sevens Series topped their respective pools Day One of the Dubai Sevens competition with New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa, England, Kenya, Australia, Fiji and Argentina all through to the quarterfinals.

Fijian born Isoa Damu is spearheading England's attack but will be up against the 2007-08 Champions NZ who bring back another very experienced team led by IRB Sevens Player of the Year DJ Forbes. Samoa got a scare from France, but are through to the quarterfinals, topping Pool C. Samoa will face Fiji who fell in their first match of the day to England, 5-28.

Deseret News All-Region 1, 4, 6 Football Teams

Deseret News released their All-Region Football teams yesterday. Among the notables are Syracuse Kicker Josh Kealamakia and Peni Maka'afi (Northridge). American Fork's Sam Katoa won Co-Offensive Lineman honors. Tevita Vaitohi (Spanish Fork) and Jordan Pili (Timpanogos) were First Team honoree's.

Isi Sofele (picture courtesy of Deseret News) was named the Region 6 MVP and Highland's Latu Heimuli is Region 6's top Defensive Player. Cottonwood was this year's runner-up in the 4A finals but they ran away with the hardware in regards to Region 6 honors with a number of players on the 1st and 2nd team lists. One name to watch for next season, Granger lineman Manu Mulitalo.

Deseret News All-Academic Lists

The Deseret News announced their annual High School Academic All-State lists. Congratulations to everyone who made the list including ONE Polynesian, Alta's Kava Afu (football). Let's get more on this list. Its great to run a 4.4 forty, its even better to hold a 4.0 GPA!

BYU Swims In The Wrong Lane

After the devastating loss to the Utah Ute's football team, three BYU swimmers decided to kill some time by driving off in a rental car, attempting to withdraw money using the victim's debit card and then proceeded to drive the stolen rental care for another two weeks. Did these guys sign the Honor Code? Probably, but a piece of paper can never enforce honor when you're dealing with a bunch of closet criminals. Classic case of "if its too good to be true, it is!"

Wesley Big for USU

Tai Wesley came up big for the Aggies against Weber State last night, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. Wesley is a sophomore and a former Utah Mr. Basketball.

A Little Late But...

Congratulations to New Zealand for (finally) winning the Rugby League World Cup with an emphatic win over Australia. Another round of applause to Fiji for breaking through to the semi-finals and to the teams from Samoa and Tonga, even though they came up a bit short this time around.

Utes Win Big Against Cougars

Congratulations to the Utah Utes for their dominating win over rival BYU. As expected, the Utes tested the Cougars both on offense and on defense to cruise to a 48-24 victory to top the Mountain West. Now the Utes wait on the BCS braintrust to decide their fate. CONGRATULATIONS UTES!

Utah's High School Champs

The Alta Hawks came back in the fourth quarter to beat the Bingham Miners in the 5A championships while coach Louis Wong and his Timpview T-Birds Ended their perfect season with a win over Cottonwood with a convincing 34-28 victory for the 4A championship. Congratulations to both teams!

Photo: Timpview's Levi Te'o against Cottonwood. Scott G. Winter, Deseret News

It’s a Red and Blue Thing

Unless you have spent a considerable amount of time in Utah, you cannot begin to understand the deep 'party' lines that divide this State at the close of each football season. Its been called the Holy War and is (in mind) the most heated rivalry in the nation because of the animosity cultivated between both players and fans since the very first meeting between the two universities back in 1922.

Utah still has a sizeable margin in the victory column with 50 wins to BYU's 29 and unless the Cougars can make notable improvements on defense, the Ute's may be celebrating victory number 51 tomorrow night on their home turf.

Though ranked in the top 20 throughout the season, the Cougars have been absolutely lethargic since their big win over UCLA and a follow-up victory over Wyoming a week later. But suspect performances over Utah State and New Mexico in early October and then the embarrassing loss to TCU has Cougar fans wondering what happened to the team that pulled off that (controversial) last second win against Washington early in the season?

The Ute's on the other hand have quietly moved up in the polls and have felt that they have been on a mission to prove that they are a legitimate BCS contender after pulling off a big upset against Michigan in their opener. Since then, they have dominated the teams that BYU has struggled against and they beat another out of conference opponent in Oregon State, a team that has a real shot at the Rose Bowl.

Anyone who has been a fan of either team will tell you that this game means more than any other game in the season. If these teams came into this game with a losing season this would still have a Super Bowl atmosphere. But, given the fact that a BCS berth is on the line and at the very least a potential big sponsor, big money bowl for the loser, both teams will have to play their hearts out to walk away with the win.

If BYU’s defense shows the same spirit and effort they did against Washington and UCLA, this will be a defensive battle. Utah’s defense is solid but its their offense that will concern BYU most. With Brian Johnson at the helm of the Utah offensive attack, you have a very quick, mobile quarterback that can beat you with his arm or his legs. Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack are a potent backfield that will test BYU’s defensive front.

The Cougars have to do more than just rely on Tight End Dennis Pitta and Wide Out Austin Collie. Max Hall has other options and he’d better use them tomorrow to keep Utah’s secondary honest. Fui Vakapuna may need to get the ball more to punish Utah’s talented defensive unit but Harvey Unga needs to finally have that break out game the Cougars have been waiting for all season.

Prediction: Utah 33 – BYU 28

Good video preview here for the game from CBS Sports but where does this fool (Horowitz) get "this may be biggest in the rivalry's history that date's back to 1896." ??? Try 1922!

Preview: Italy v Pacific Islanders

Good luck to our Pacific Islanders against Reggio Emilia - Sunday 23 November

Tongan Son Martens in for PI's

Tongan International Sililo Martens will replace Fiji's Mosese Rauluni in the Pacific Islanders' starting 15 for their upcoming test against Italy's Reggio Emilia. Martens is currently contracted with Llanelli Scarlets.

Update - Who's Yo Daddeh?

Didn't I tell you that Pacman would be back?

5A Football Championship

Names to watch in 5A Championship

ALTA HAWKS:
Dan Adams - Monster defensive end who makes life for QB's absolutely miserable.
Brady Davies - Adams' counterpart on defense is lightning quick and very tough on the outside.
Ammon Olsen - Leading 5A passer has a great pocket presence and delivers the ball quickly and on target.

BINGHAM MINERS:
LT Filiaga - Heart of the defense and a leader on both ends of the ball. Great blocking back and very instinctive on defense. One of the nation's top recruits. Carries a 4.0 GPA.
Harvey Langi - 174 yards and two TD's in a rout of Skyline in the 5A semi-finals. Has carried 174 times for 1269 yards this season with 17 TD's.
Talai Livai - Quick, agile lineman whose senior leadership has been critical in the tough games up front. Great in space when pulling and solid on the run and pass defense.



Keys to the game:
ALTA: Stop the running attack and keep the Bingham defense off the field. On offense they will need to get rid of the ball quickly downfield to keep the Miner's on their heels.

BINGHAM: The exact opposite. Keep the ball out of the hands of Ammon Olsen who leads the 5A passing yards (2,481)and has killer efficiency (.625). He's just as dangerous standing the pocket as he is when he get's flushed out. Contain, contain, contain!

Publicity or Legit?

Okay, so if the girl can play, let her play but I have an inkling that these guys needed to put some butts in the seats so they pulled in a 16-year-old to lead the circus. It smacks a little of 'Man races Horse' for me but then again, who doesn't enjoy a little cheering for the underdog now and then?
Read it here....

Thug Sports - 11/19/08

When does a guy whose playing football and going to school FOR FREE (in most cases) decide that the best way to get a little 'cash money' is to rob someone at gun point? The latest victim of "Stupid is as stupid does" is Charleston Southern's T.J. Latimore and his Merry Band of Misfits.

From the "Who Gives a Damn?" dossier, our friendly neighborhood felon Adam "Pacman" Jones is getting more air time than Brittney Spears. This time, he's out of alcohol counseling and is waiting to hear back from NFL brass on his future. My guess is he's going to be back because at the end of the day, its a business and 'Boys owner Jerry Jones wants a returon on his investment.

The Vikings' Bryant McKinnie will be back in court on March 16, 2009 for his involvement in a brawl back in February. When are these knuckle heads gonna learn that when you are a celebrity (even when you're very low on the celebrity totem pole), someone out there wants to make the evening news and they'll find a way to get their mug (and yours) on TV. Stay home! Let the strippers come to you if you need 'em that bad!

Another IRB Sevens Series

Samoa have named an experienced side for the 2008-09 IRB Sevens Series opener in Dubai. Captain Uale Mai is back along with one of the best finishers in the sevens game, Mikaele Pesamino.

Fiji and the United States who were recently added as one of the core teams for this seasons competition after their gutty performances in the 2007-08 series have named their training squads for the event as well. They welcome back their field general, Waisale Serevi but will be without the services of playmaker William Ryder in Dubai. Ryder is currently playing professionally in Japan for Toyota-Verblitz. Fijian Jone Naqica and Tui Osborne are back for the US. Captain Todd Clever is on tour with the USA Eagles so coach Al Caravelli is blooding new players in Dubai.

Gordon Tietjens' NZ Training Squad is once again packed with experience and talent. They are the dominant force in the IRB Sevens Series and look to run the tables again in 2008-09. DJ Forbes, Solomon King and Tomasi Cama are natural finishers and will be the seasoned veterans on the squad but Edwin Cocker and Nigel Hunt are nursing injuries after their country's domestic season.

Teams for Duabi Sevens:
Arabian Gulf, Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Georgia, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA, Wales, Zimbabwe

Beavers Smelling Roses?

How good are the Oregon State Beavers? How about good enough to play in the Rose Bowl if they can get past their final two conference opponents at Arizona and the season finale against Oregon. The Beavers beat the Cal Bears today to maintain pace for the PAC-10 title. They upset then #1 USC and would have beaten Utah if not for a last second Louie Sakoda field goal to steal the win in Salt Lake City. Lyle Moevao was solid again at QB for the Beavers today and except for a few mishaps, the Beavers, with their large Polynesian contingent could be poised to be in the Rose Bowl for the first time in over four decades.

Utah is the real deal. BYU, again narrowly escaped with a win against in-conference foe Air Force, setting up what will probably be the biggest disappoint of the season after being kicked and dragged through the mud by TCU. Utah will run the table on BYU this year in front of the MUSS. As much as I like BYU (Robert Anae is a dear friend and several friends and family members play on the team) I'm just not convinced that they can hang with Utah for four quarters. Especially since Utah has beaten everyone that BYU has struggled against.

Rugby Shorts

How many times are we going to hear the same tired story from New Zealand and Australia in both rugby codes? Samoa's rugby league coach John Ackland is the latest in a string of high profile coaches to step up and ask the rugby elite not to turn a blind eye to the state of island footy. Read his comments here.

Now their talking about creating a Quad-Nations tournament involving Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Tonga in 2010. That's all fine except our teams will still be excluded from playing top level competition because Australia and New Zealand will still be involved in the Tri-Nations between England. Another brilliant idea to keep the poor from feeding at the table of the rich.

Meanwhile, Fiji is the only pacific nation left in the Rugby League World Cup. Joe Rabele's boys will face the might of Australia in the semi-finals and although the Fijian's are expected to crumble under the Aussie pressure, you can rest assured that Fiji will throw everything that have at Australia from the opening whistle until full-time. GOOD LUCK FIJI!

New Zealand played to a 32-22 victory over England in the other Semi-Final to setup what will most likely be a decider between the Kiwis and the Aussies.

In Union news, the Pacific Islanders fell hard once again, this time in a 42-17 spanking at the hands of the French. and the All Blacks are getting set for a friendly on November 18, against Munster in the Zurich Challenge, which fields three former NZ internationals in Lefeimi Mafi, Doug Howlett and Rua Tipoki.

Vote Now! NFL Pro Bowl

Alright, so the NFL has opened its ballots for this year's Pro Bowl teams. And as you may have guessed, I've selected every Polynesian that I possibly could because in my book they are always deserving of a place on either squad considering they survived all of the poking and prodding at home and on the field to get to the league. So I'm going to be ghetto (fabulous) and ask everyone to take the time and make a difference. Not an Obama-sized difference but a difference all the same. You don't have to sign in, there are not hidden charges and Ed McMahon is not going to show up at your door and hand you a check with your name on it but its still worth your time.

I think Chris Kemoeatu has been BIG for the Steelers this year. His teammate Troy Polamalu hasn't had his name called as much this season but you know when he's on the field. The guy is a maniac. Oh, and how did Arizona manage to get four guys with ties to Polynesia (Aaron Francisco, Travis LaBoy, Taitusi Lutui, Pago Togafau), each of them making major contributions to the team? Indianapolis is not nearly as dominant as their NFL Superbowl team but Freddie Keiaho is every bit as sharp as his rookie season.

There's been an excellent showing by several Polynesian players this season and like I've been saying for years (believe me, I have) we'll just keep on getting better!

Three & Out

From the Please Shut Up Section...Again!

Is anyone else sick of Dallas' Terrell Owens? I'd like to say that his complaints about not getting the ball enough is news, but for T.O. its just par for the course. I know he's a 'Go to Guy' and he's definitely entertaining, but how can anyone stand his incessant whining? He’s been an absolute ‘ghost’ on the field since Tony Romo went down with an injury to his pinkie so what does T.O. do to get back into the news? He causes controversy. And the media who, in the past have enjoyed plastering his mug everywhere are finally getting sick of him. Could finally be closer to the days when T.O. joins Deion Sanders at a tent revival and no where near a football field? I doubt it. He’s too addicted to himself to go away quietly.

From the Gold-Digger Diaries:

Kansas City running back Larry Johnson may be running from someone other than a linebacker soon after a woman filed a lawsuit today against Johnson for spitting a drink in her face at a Kansas City bar. That’s not the funniest thing about the story. The funny thing is (at least to me) that the woman and her lawyer are claiming that “this is not about money.” Johnson has been in trouble with women (who in the NFL hasn’t except my man Reno Mahe?) before and I would put money on the fact that he actually did spit in the woman’s face, but REALLY? Here’s a better way to settle the matter: File a restraining order on him, wait until he shows up at the club again and spit yellow dye on his tailored suit and Italian shoes. Athletes hate it when their crap gets jacked!

From the Stay at Home Daily:

The dude accused of shooting Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Richard Collier 14 times said (big surprise) that he’s not guilty. Here’s the thing, if you’re making BANK, don’t drive to the hoes, tell the hoes to come to you! Please read the news. Dudes playing in ANY professional sport are a target. So the safest and most prudent place for you to be partying, is in the safety of your home or your mama’s!

From the Academically Challenged

Its really simple: Keep your grades up, do what the coaches ask you to do and in four, maybe five years, you’ll have a degree, maybe more. The opposite just doesn’t get you close to the red zone in the real world. Just ask the latest victim of prep paralysis, Nebraska’s Cody Glenn. No one will spill the beans on Glenn’s suspension but these days, it doesn’t take much to get a swift boot in the backside on any college team.