All Poly Camp Brings Best in Football to Bountiful

With the state high school football championships several months away, players across the country are already preparing for the upcoming season.

This last week, Bountiful High School played host to the All-Poly Sports football camp, which is one of the most popular and respected prep football camps in the nation. It has become an annual event at Bountiful High.

This football camp is one of the premier contact football camps in the nation and drew more than 330 participants from all over the United States. The majority of the participants were not from Utah.

The All-Poly Sports organization puts on three camps a year: one at Bountiful High School, one in America Samoa, and the last one in Hawaii.

The camps in Hawaii and America Samoa only allow for athletes from those islands.

The main focus of this football camp is to help athletes succeed in life, not just as athletes, but it helps students look beyond their athletic careers and prepare for the future. Alema Tao, the camp director, stated that the focus of the camp is to “promote higher education.”

“Camps and Clinics teach kids the importance of going to college,” Tao said. “The camp is also focused on building character and traits in these young men that will help them succeed in life beyond sports,” with his main goal being to get all of these athletes to college.

The camp was coached by former National Football League and college athletes as well as current college coaches.

Coaches from all over the nation and within Utah attended and spent time with the athletes.

These coaches and pro-athletes got a chance to talk to the camp attendees about the importance of attitude, perseverance, determination, and academics.

Last year, this camp, which had close to 150 seniors, graduated 43 athletes to division scholarships in athletics.

Bountiful coach Larry Wall is always left impressed by the camp, which he is not directly involved in. By watching from the sidelines Wall has been able to see the true work that goes into the camp.

“Alema does a great job every year getting sponsors, managing the logistics of getting the athletes from out of the state and the college coaches.

“I hope people understand the college coaches that come do so on their own dime,” he said. “There is not a stipend for these college coaches. It’s always a great week.”

Full Article

Boyblue Aoelua Receives Promotion

Boyblue Aoelua received a promotion this spring.

The New Mexico State Aggie junior went from special teams player in 2009 to starting middle linebacker candidate in 2010.

"Big difference," Aoelua said following Wednesday's practice at Aggie Memorial Stadium. "Last year, I just played on special teams. Now, I've got to know where everyone's lined up and their assignments. It's kind of like being the quarterback of the defense. It's not an easy task. But it's fun."

NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said he's been happy with the play of the 5-foot-10, 217 pound linebacker from American Samoa.

"He understands his assignments this year," Walker said. "He knows when to kick our tackles over or when to get us in another defensive front. So far, I've been pleasantly surprised with Boyblue."

2009 (Sophomore): Aoelua played in nine games for NM State in 2009 on special teams. He tallied two tackles on the year, one coming against Prairie View A&M (9/12) and New Mexico (9/26). 

2008 (Freshman): Aoelua played middle linebacker and on special teams for the Aggies in seven games in 2008 before suffering a season-ending injury. On the season, he tallied six tackles and a fumble recovery. Aoelua recorded three straight games with two tackles against New Mexico (9/27), Alcorn State (10/4) and Nevada (10/11).

High School: He was the Fagaitua High School starting linebacker for three years, helping his team to three straight island championships in 2003, 2004 and 2005, finishing as the island runner-up in 2006. He and Fagaitua High School posted back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2004 and 2005. He was a first team All-AHSS selection during his junior and senior seasons. In his senior season, he recorded 64 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and five fumble recoveries. He also played in the Samoa Bowl in 2005 and 2006 and was named to the AHSS All-Star team both years. He was also a member of the Honor Roll all four years of high school.

Personal: Aoelua is the son of Solmio and Auga Aoelua.  He is majoring in geography.

Full Article

1st Northern California Polynesian Bowl 2010

If the apparent success of the original is any indication, there will likely be a sequel.

The inaugural Polynesian Bowl, pitting all-star teams of graduating seniors from the Bay Area (south of the Carquinez Bridge) and the North Valley (Solano County, North Coast and Sacramento Valley) at Rodriguez High's Coach Ed Hopkins Memorial Stadium was an unqualified success.

Raising money for (PAIA) Polynesian Athletes in Action, the game attracted fans and family members from all across Northern California, packing the home side bleachers in the stadium and lining the street with cars.

On the field, the Bay Area team won a spirited game 16-6, putting it out of reach with a third-quarter touchdown.

A handful of Fairfield players with Polynesian backgrounds as well as some of their friends who were invited to the game were on the field, and all said it was a great time playing against family and friends from all over.

"It's like a Polynesian Super Bowl," said Sioeli Pulu-Katoa, a fullback/linebacker from Valley Christian-San Jose.

The game is the first of its kind in California, modeled after the Hawaii/Polynesia-Mainland Bowl.

Leading the Bay Area team, which is coached by Fremont-Oakland's Isamu Falevai, is the Oakland Athletic League MVP and first-team All-East Bay defensive end Sione Tupouata. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Tupouata, also of Fremont, is headed to Utah next season.

But Tupouata isn't the only star for the Bay Area. The backfield features two of the top rushers from San Mateo County in Jared Puamau of Mills and San Mateo's David Rango, both of whom ran for more than 1,350 yards last season.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity," Puamau said.

The Valley roster is highlighted by Eureka's Soma Vainuku, a USC-bound fullback who rushed for 2,202 yards last season.

 Football has become deeply rooted in the Polynesian culture, featuring such NFL stars as Troy Polamalu and Junior Seau.

"It's a big thing in my family," Pulu-Katoa said. "I have a whole lot of relatives who have been there, who played at the next level."

Sequoia's Vincenzo Makasini, a 6-foot-5, 400-pound lineman, originally didn't like football but was pushed into it by his family. By his junior year of high school, he enjoyed himself.

"I like being forced to do stuff," Makasini said.

Vanden High running back Damon Treat, whose grandparents hail from the Big Island of Hawaii, played for the North Valley team and said the game was a blast.

“It was a lot of fun,” Treat said. “There's a lot of family out here just playing hard and doing what we love to do.”

Treat also said it was a good chance to play in front of a home crowd once more before he heads off to Minnesota's St. Cloud State in the fall.

Also on offense for the North valley team was Rodriguez quarterback Myles King.

“It was a fun game, I think they should definitely keep it going each year,” King said, adding that the competition was tougher than any he had faced.

“The Bay Area, I respect them at a whole different level now,” he said. “It was intense, those are the biggest dudes I've ever played against in my life.”

 

King wasn't the only one in awe of the visitors on Saturday as his teammate Konner Bent wasn't even sure he wanted to play when he was initially invited because of the enormity of the opposing players.

“But I figured I'm going to play in college, and in college the dudes are going to be big, so it was good experience,” Bent said.

On the turf, Bent said there was some contentious moments, but that it's all just part of the game.

“There was some trash talking on the field, but there's always going to be trash talking in football,” bent said. “We're all friends now, and it was a lot of fun.”

Bay Area roster:
QB/S Joe Latu (Mt. Eden), RB/S Ben Pomele (Milpitas), FB/DT Mailau Puamau (Fremont-Oakland), RB/LB Ivan Nisa (Fremont-Oakland), WR/CB Antwan Striplin (Mt. Eden), RB/CB David Rango (San Mateo), FB/OLB Maloni Hausia (Mt. Eden), RB/LB Sifa Vea (Milpitas), RB/LB Taukei Taimani (San Mateo), WR/CB Andrew Tokomata (Castlemont), FB/LB Bo Pita (Aragon), RB/LB Aoese Noa (San Lorenzo), RB/LB Apera'amo Amira (Encinal), FB/OLB Sioele Pulu-Katoa (Valley Christian-San Jose), RB/S Jared Puamau (Mills), TE/DE Pila Puafisi (Oakland), RB/DE Sione Tupouata (Fremont-Oakland), TE/DE Iosia Iosia (Aragon), OL/DL Sinilau Tauteoli (Fremont-Oakland), OL/DL Amerika Mane (Milpitas), FB/LB Nolan Lealao (James Logan), OL/DT William Fukofuka (San Lorenzo), OL/DL Seth Magalei (Heritage), FB/LB Alfred Tafuna (San Lorenzo), OL/DL Carrington Reys (Heritage), OL/DL Vincenzo Makasini (Sequoia), OL/DL Semisi Mataele (Menlo-Atherton), OL/DT Alepate Faletau (Menlo), OL/DT Kapono Mataituli (Marshall-S.F.), OL/DT Taniela Musika (Milpitas).

Valley roster:
QB/S Myles King (Vailoatai-American Samoa), RB/LB Soma Vainuku (Eureka), FB Jamon Archie (Burbank-Sacramento), WR/DB DeAngelo Thurman (Will C. Wood-Vacaville), TE/LB Folo'i Vae (Edison-Stockton), FB/LB Faga Tuamasaga (Vailoatai-American Somoa), RB/DB Andre Loafea-Carter (Cordelia), WR/DB Keanu Henry (Vailoatai/Fagasa-American Samoa), RB/LB Samson Tofelogo (Fairfield), DB Steve Jones (Laguna Creek-Elk Grove), QB/S Konner Bent (Cordelia), WR/KR Deondre Batson (Laguna Creek), WR/DB Ray Ledoux (Vailoatai-American Samoa), DL Victor Amerson (Burbank-Sacramento), WR/KR Jordan Morrow (Cordelia), RB/DB Brandon Justin (Will C. Wood-Vacaville), WR/DB Alex Hubbard (Fairfield), FB/LB Hercules Tofelogo (Fairfield), WR/DB Damon Treat (Big Island-Hawaii), OL/DL Sione Sina (Monterey Trail-Elk Grove), FB/LB Ryan Corpuz (Will C. Wood-Vacaville), OL/DL Ben Fanene (Vallejo), OL/DL Patisela Ale (Galileo-S.F.), RB/LB Kalamani Fili (Monterey Trail-Elk Grove), TE/DE Daniel Sungavaka (Hogan-Vallejo), DE Lyman Faoliu (Vallejo), OL/LB Donavan Robinson (Cordelia), LB Freddie Rincon (Will C. Wood-Vacaville), OL/DT Iosua Oakley (Franklin-Elk Grove), OL/DL Sione Fanaika (Florin-Sacramento), OL/DL Ace Delos Reyes (Florin-Sacramento), OL/DL Felix Isom (Burbank-Sacramento), OL Lelefu Vui (Burbank-Sacramento), OL/LB Mick Hobart (Franklin-Elk Grove), WR/DB Mike Ha (Florin-Sacramento).

Full Article

Arizona Adds a Samoan Football Recruit, Extending a Rich Tradition

The Arizona football team, building on its tradition of recruiting American Samoa and players of Polynesian heritage, has added defensive tackle Aiulua Fanene to its recruiting class.

Fanene, the brother of defensive end Jonathan Fanene of the Cincinnati Bengals, is from Tafuna High School on the island and was part of a recent “60 Minutes” feature on football in Samoa. You can watch it here. I’d recommend watching the whole thing if you haven’t seen it, but the part with Fanene begins at about the 6:12 mark.

Fanene was recruited by UA defensive line coach Mike Tuiasosopo, who has known the family since he recruited Jonathan to Utah.

In a 2006 story in the Tucson Citizen, Tuiasosopo talked about Arizona’s connection to the island.

“Others claim they have been there, but if anybody has a history, or can make that claim it is Arizona,” said Tuiasosopo, who was born in Samoa and has a nearly endless list of relatives who have played football in the United States.

“Utah and BYU can make a claim they have been involved because of their Mormon influence, but Washington and Oregon, I get a tickle out of that. They can say that now, but trust me, Arizona has a history.”

Former Arizona coach Dick Tomey, who had previously been the head coach at Hawaii, was, “instrumental in building the Samoan pipeline,” as described in a 2003 Sports Illustrated story titled “Football in Paradise.” And not just the pipeline to Arizona — the prolific pipeline from Samoa to colleges to the NFL.

The magazine wrote than Tomey had more than 120 Samoan players on his rosters at Hawaii and Arizona, spanning 24 years.

“There are no athletes that are, in my estimation, more competitive, more athletic or more family-oriented, or who fit into a team concept as well as Samoan athletes,” Tomey told SI. “The more we could get on our team, the better I felt.”

The Wildcats have sent at least a dozen players of Polynesian ties to the NFL: DL Stan Mataele, OL Mu Tagoai, OL Pulu Poumele, OT Edwin Mulitalo, TE Brandon Manumaleuna, DE Van Tuinei, OL Makoa Freitas, OL Makai Freitas, OL Steven Grace, OL Kili Lefotu, OL Manu Savea and DT Joe Salave’a.

The long list of Polynesian players at Arizona includes quarterbacks George Malauulu and Willie Tuitama. Malauulu is the president of the AIGA Foundation, which, according to its blog, seeks to “bring exposure to Pacific Islander football players excelling at the high school, collegiate and professional level.”

Many of the current and former Arizona players with Polynesian ties come from Hawaii or the West Coast, but some have come directly from American Samoa, including Savea and the late Young Thompson.

Salave’a, who was born in Samoa, lost several family members in last September’s devastating tsunami and has been active in relief efforts through his foundation.

In another good story on the subject, this one a 2000 story from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer written by Ted Miller, now of ESPN.com, then-UA defensive coordinator Rich Ellerson was quoted about the values of the Samoan culture.

“Their physical profile is outstanding for the game,” Ellerson said, “but I think the cultural profile — the family values, the idea of sacrifice, taking pride in your performance, the importance of toughness — that’s also important. Their chances of success are impacted by how close they are to their culture.”

Family values, sacrifice, pride and toughness: In the 60 Minutes profile, Aiulua Fanene was said to “do a day’s work before school under the direction of his father, David.”

Fanene will see plenty of friendly faces when he arrives in Tucson, and he won’t be faced by the rigors of coach Mike Stoops‘ fall camp.

Full Article

Soma Vainuku Joins the USC Signing Day Foray

Soma Vainuku, the top high school fullback recruit, is the newest member of USC's stellar 2010 recruiting class.

Vainuku, cousin of former Trojan and current Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga, was recruited by many schools as a linebacker, but signed on as a fullback with USC.

A four-star recruit from Eureka, California, Vainuku joins an already loaded 2010 recruiting class for USC that now stands at nineteen strong.

“Extremely athletic for his size, [Vainuku] can really move and is similar to USC back Stanley Havili,” according to a Scout.com profile. “[Vainuku] Can play linebacker too and probably projects best there in college but showed this year he can be a playmaking fullback.”

Full Article

Meet Future Oregon State Beaver Roman Sapolu

Meet Roman Sapolu, who if he stays firm in his commitment will become an Oregon State Beaver on national signing day, which is Feb. 3:

• Position: Center
• Height: 6-foot-2
• Weight: 250
• Hometown: Huntington Beach, Calif.
• High school: Edison
• 2009 Statistics: Not available

Beaver fans should be excited because: Talk about good football genes.

If Sapolu’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’re thinking of his dad, Jesse Sapolu, who played for 15 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and won four Super Bowls. Jesse Sapolu was a legend at Hawaii, and it sounds like Roman has inherited a thing or two from dad.

“He’s got good feet and great technique,” said Edison coach Dave White of Sapolu. “His dad has done a great job coaching him.”

White has a special interest in Sapolu’s collegiate choice because White played at Oregon State — with current OSU assistant Jay Locey — from 1976-78).

“It’s fun to finally get one up there,” White said.
Sapolu earned a handful of postseason awards, including being named his conference’s offensive lineman of the year and All-Orange-County, a team comprised of players from about 80 schools.

“I really like the offensive line coach (Mike Cavanaugh) and Coach Riley, they really create a family environment,” Sapolu said.

And while some kids might crumble under the pressure that comes with being the son of a former NFL Pro-Bowler, Sapolu welcomes it.

“It helps me get through stuff a lot,” Sapolu said. “It’s motivation to keep the bar high.

“I’m excited. I’ve been committed for a long time. I’m ready to get it going.”

Full Article

Boise Beats Notre Dame for Safety Jeremy Iaone

For all of you who keep saying that Boise State needs to beat the big boys, here's a win for the Broncos. Wednesday, they beat Notre Dame for a player.

Jeremy Ioane, a safety from Punahou High in Honolulu, signed with Boise State on Wednesday. It appeared Ioane, a former high school teammate of Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, was South Bend-bound after visiting the Fighting Irish this past weekend.

Ioane, a 5-11, 195-pound cornerback, created the biggest buzz by choosing Boise State over Notre Dame and Washington.

Boise State won't get anywhere near the top of the recruiting team rankings, but here's betting the newest Broncos win a whole bunch of games during their careers.

Kona Schwenke Announced for Notre Dame

Kona Schwenke, a four-star defensive end, announced for Notre Dame.

Alongside sophomores Manti Te'o and Roby Toma, he continues the recent Hawaii-to-South Bend pipeline.

Schwenke, listed at 6"4, 235, called Irish assistant Mike Elston on Tuesday about the good news.

"Notre Dame was more than I expected it to be. It was the feeling that I got from the trip that made me make the final decision to commit to Notre Dame,” Schwenke told Irish Sports Daily.

A former BYU commit, Schwenke pulled his offer after he made the coaching staff aware of his intent to visit South Bend. After his visit, he said the pulled offer just made him even more Irish in the end.

This is a much-needed pickup for Brian Kelly to close his first class with the Irish. With the loss of Blake Leuders, Notre Dame had gained one commitment from a defensive end in the past two recruiting cycles. Now, with the addition of Schwenke, the Irish depth chart looks a little deeper and trustworthy.

Full Article

Brighton's Ricky Heimuli Picks Oregon

There was a lot of quacking going on at the Heimuli family home on Tuesday.
On the eve of National Signing Day, Brighton star Ricky Heimuli stood in the living room of his home in Glendale in front of roughly 40 family members and announced that he will be playing college football at the University of Oregon.

"I chose this school 'cause it was what I felt inside, not 'cause what anyone said," said Heimuli. "I want to thank Heavenly Father for giving me the blessings to come this far."

Heimuli made his intentions official this morning when he signed a letter of intent during a ceremony at Brighton High and faxed it to the football offices of Pac-10 champion Oregon.

Heimuli had narrowed his college choices down to Oregon, UCLA, Utah and Washington, but in the end he felt most comfortable being an Oregon Duck and playing for Oregon defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro.

"I feel comfortable with this decision, 'cause I got to know my position coach the most. He's the one who recruited me," said Heimuli.

It wasn't just a matter of Azzinaro putting on a nice recruiting show either. Heimuli's older brother Sefo played at East High back in 2002 with Will Takuafu, who just finished his senior year at Oregon. Throughout various conversations, Takuafu said playing for Azzinaro was a special experience, and that "he knows what he's talking about."

Heimuli is ranked as the 88th best recruit nationally — eighth at his position — by rivals.com, and many figured he'd follow in his cousin Latu Heimuli's footsteps and sign at the University of Utah. It seemed logical as well since he played with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham's son, Alex, at Brighton High the past few years and formed a nice bond with the Ute family.
In the end though, Heimuli believed leaving the state and his tight-knit family was best for him.

"Utah is close to home, but I honestly feel that it's too close. I want to be able to go out and explore the world," said Heimuli. "The sooner I start the sooner I can get used to it and get less home sick, 'cause I'm probably the biggest mama's boy."

At Eugene, Ore. — a campus that Heimuli says is the perfect size — he'll be forced to become more independent.

The 18-year-old will compete for playing time right away as well. Oregon graduated most of its depth on the defensive line last season, and Azzinaro has informed Heimuli that he will step right in and compete for playing time.
After his freshman season, Heimuli plans on serving an LDS Church mission like three of his older siblings, including two brothers who are currently in the mission field.

Unlike many athletes who commit much earlier in the recruiting process, Heimuli was committed to weighing his options as long as possible. Even as late as 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, despite dozens of family members arriving at his home for the announcement, Heimuli sat in his basement bedroom pondering what to do.

"It was very tough, I had a lot of coaches calling me," said Heimuli.

Eventually, a joyful Heimuli emerged from his basement bedroom content in his final decision and declared himself a Duck to his family — most of whom cheered and quacked with approval.

Full Article

Idaho All-American Guard Mike Iupati To Play in Senior Bowl

 
Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati — No. 1 guard rated by NFL Mocks — will participate in the Under Armour Senior Bowl. Iupati received All-American honors this season and with an impressive showing during the week he could hear his name called in round one.

The North squad’s offensive line in this month’s Under Armour Senior Bowl just got a whole lot bigger.  University of Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati, who stands 6-6 and weighs 325 pounds, has officially accepted an invitation to the senior showcase event, officials announced today.  The 2010 game is scheduled for January 30^th at 3 pm (CT) in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised live by the NFL Network.
Iupati (pronounced ee-YOU-PAH-tee) earned consensus All-American honors this season after being named to the first team by the Associated Press, Walter Camp, American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.  He was also named to the Sporting News’ second team All American squad.
An Outland Trophy finalist and first team All-WAC selection, Iupati helped the Vandals claim just the second bowl victory in program history—a 43-42 win over Bowling Green in the Humanitarian Bowl.  He didn’t allow a single sack all season and graded out at 90 percent or better in all 13 games.

The annual Senior Bowl is where the nations top seniors come and showcase their skills for top NFL scouts in a week long event. Participants take part in various drills and they receive coaching from NFL staffs.
More than 800 NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers make the trip to Mobile, Ala. where the Senior Bowl is held. The week of practices, and the game itself, will be aired live on the NFL Network.

Full Article

Weekend Visit Sways Fehoko

With his family connections, Texas Tech always seemed like the team to beat for Farrington (Honolulu, Hawaii) linebacker V.J Fehoko. After a great visit to Washington, it appeared the Huskies were in a good spot. However, a visit to Lubbock this past weekend has the Red Raiders back on top.

"Texas Tech is definitely the team to beat right now," Fehoko said. "I had a perfect visit, it was just an incredible time. First off, my host was my brother Sam and it was great to see him again. We're really close and growing up, he was like my idol so it was just a great experience to be around him again.

"I love the coaching staff and they were my first offer so they have always been high on my list. I visited unofficially before but this visit was way different. All the coaches were great and never pressured me the entire visit. Other schools I've talked with kind of put on a hard sell to me and tried to get me to commit but that's not really my style and the Tech coaches were just so easy to be around.

"I spent a lot of time with Coach (Mike) Leach along with Coach (Brian) Mitchell, who's my recruiting coach and Coach (Ruffin) McNeil, who's the defensive coordinator. They're all great guys and I have such a great comfort level with them. Coach Mitchell is a family friend and they told me they have big plans for me in that defense so that's exciting to hear."

Being able to see how passionate Texas football is was also eye opening for Fehoko.

"Man, you always hear about how crazy the fans are in Texas and how big football is but to actually see it first hand was incredible," Fehoko said. "The atmosphere was incredible and unlike any place I've ever been and I didn't even go on a game weekend. There were fans coming up to me who knew who I was telling me how bad they wanted me to come to Tech.

"Football is just crazy there and that's what I'm looking for. When you combine how great the coaches were with the environment and being around my brother all weekend, like I said, just a perfect visit and it's going to take a lot to beat out Tech right now."

Despite the A-plus visit, Fehoko said he still plans to take a few more visits before he pulls the trigger.

"I still have Utah State set for [Jan. 15] and Utah for [Jan. 22]," Fehoko said. "Just like I said after my Washington visit, I kind of owe it to myself to take all these visits to make sure I'm doing the right thing. When I commit, it's going to be final and I don't want to have any regrets.

"I believe a man is only as good as his word so you'll never see me commit and then back out. The Tech coaches said to take my time and they would have a spot for me so I'm not worried about waiting too long and not having a ride there. I'll still talk things over with my parents though and see what they have to say. If over the break, I feel like the time is right to commit somewhere, I'll go ahead and do it but as of right now, my plan is to still take those last two visits and maybe even a mid-week visit to Hawaii pretty soon here as well."

Full Article

2010 US Army All-American Bowl Preview

2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl set for January 9. 10th Anniversary Game Celebrates a Decade of Athletic and Soldier Excellence. 

The following are the Polynesian athletes that will be participating in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

VJ Fehoko
LineBacker

Farrington High School | Honolulu, HI

V.J. put together back-to-back All-State seasons. He played more outside linebacker but could wind up playing inside linebacker in college. He does a great job of playing off blocks and making tackles from sideline to sideline. He totaled 86 tackles, 10 sacks, and one interception in his Junior season. ”He is an instinctive, tough, and aggressive linebacker, who consistently makes plays from sideline to sideline, all game long.

Ricky Heimuli

Defensive Line

Brighton High School | Salt Lake City, UT

Heimuli has the size and strength to bull rush his way back to the quarterback, as well as impressive speed to help chase down the ball carrier. He gets a good jump on the snap and uses quick hands to help him maintain separation. In his sophomore year, he recorded 57 tackles (seven for losses), 4 ½ sacks and one interception. As a junior, he totaled 40 tackles (ten for losses) and five sacks. “Heimuli is one of the best defensive players to come out of Utah in quite some time. He’s impossible to block with his bull rush and strength that is unmatched by anybody in the nation. He’s also a very intelligent defender and knows what it takes to make the big play at key times.”

Sione Potoae

Defensive Line

Lakes High School | Lakewood, WA

Potoa’e is an active player that uses his quickness off the ball to get penetration in the gaps. He explodes off the ball low and with good pad level, and uses his pads very well to keep separation. He is always around the ball, and sheds blocks effectively before wrapping up the ball carrier. As a junior, he recorded 44 tackles and two sacks. “A physical and aggressive ball player, he shows good backside pursuit and at all times he is moving towards the ball. A relentless playmaker.”

Ross Apo

Wide Reciever

The Oakridge School | Arlington, TX

Apo displays good stance and start, exploding off the ball and getting into his route quickly. With his size, he is a massive target across the middle and down the seam. He has deceptive speed, and covers a lot of ground quickly with his long stride. He is a great red zone target because of his height and leaping ability. As a junior, he hauled in 37 passes for 764 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. “He competes for the ball in flight and is at his best in tough situations. He can hurt you in underneath zones, he’s the consummate wide receiver who does whatever it takes to improve his game.”

American Samoa Routs Australia 49-6

American Samoa routed the Australia U-19 Outback Squad 49-6, Saturday, Jan. 2 in day two of Samoa Bowl VII. Samoa News spoke to Australia’s head coach Peter Tos after the game about their tough match against American Samoa, and he commented, “American Samoa’s teams are obviously very good, and we weren’t,” he said laughing.

On Friday, American Samoa’s All Star National Team defeated Hawaii 23-20. Yesterday it was the American Samoa’s All Star International Team playing, a whole new roster.

”We played as we were ruled and allowed to play, and our boys need a lot of improvement in the sport,” Tos said. “American Samoa played really well today, and they deserve the win.”

As for Samoa Bowl VIII, asked if Tos’ team will return, he replied, “well I hope we can, it’s up to the organizers and the committee.

“I know we had a big loss today, but it’s a lesson well learned for our boys so we can go back home and try to improve our players as well as our teams to the level that we have experienced today,” said Tos. “These are memories that we will never forget, and that we will hopefully start taking things seriously. Congrats to the American Samoa team, and to all the coaching staff, I know they have worked hard for this competition, and I give my hat off to them.”

American Samoa Head Coach Pepine Lauvao says it was a great game against Australia.

“It was a great game. Australia did pretty good, they kind of surprised us with the speed they had,” Lauvao told Samoa News. “We played a nice game, it was really great.”

Many believe the sun, under which the Samoan team is well accustomed to playing  may have been a factor in the Australian loss, the Outback squad weakening as the match progressed.

Lauvao wishes teams Hawaii and Australia “a safe trip back home.”

“Thank you for the great games. During the time they were here, we learned a lot about football,” Lauvao said. “It’s because of the competition they bring that raised our level to meet their level.”

To Hawaii Head Coach Siuaki Livai, Lauvao noted: “I have a lot of respect for that man. He is a legendary coach for Kahuku High School.

Livai wore his Kahuku jacket when they played American Samoa, New Year’s Day.

“Playing and defeating Hawaii under Livai...it’s very humbling...I  have always looked up to Mr. Livai,” said Lauvao. “To Coach Tos, it was their first time here and it was great to see them here. I wish they can come back and play next year or we can visit Australia.”

He added that Australia’s squad “is very talented.”

“They are very talented kids, as for the physical part of the game, our Samoan kids are very physical...Australia also has a lot of speed...they know how to play football and I know the next time they will come prepared and we will have to work harder. I hope to see them again next year.”

As for what’s next for Lauvao, he told the News that he plans to take little break and finally celebrate his school’s championship in the local football league.

Lauvao is Head Coach for the Samoana High School Sharks and he said after they won the (American Samoa High School Athletics Association) high school football championships in late November last year, they never got the chance to celebrate.

“We didn’t have a break to celebrate our championship because the kids went back into Samoa Bowl,” he said. “So we really haven’t had the chance to enjoy our championship with the coaching staff, the kids and staff at Samoana.”

As for his All Stars, Lauvao extends a big thank you to his players.

“Thanks for the great games, both Samoa Bowl games. These were great kids, well disciplined, respectful, talented kids,” he said. “I’d like to thank their parents who supported them and allowed them to come to practice early everyday at 7 a.m. ... they were always there. I thank the parents for the trust they had in me to coach their kids. I also thank my (all star) coaching staff and their families.”

He says people really don’t know the time coaches put into their work.

“I thank my coaching staff for all the sacrifices they made, all the time spent away from their families during this two-week break,” Lauvao said. “And I also thank our principal Simon Mageo who was always there...as well as all high school coaches for their support. I would also like to wish a Happy New Year to all the parents, families and the coaching staff...and my all star kids.”

Full Article

American Samoa Beats Hawaii 23-20 in Samoa Bowl VII

 The American Samoa All Stars defeated the Hawaii All Stars 23-20 New Years day in Samoa Bowl VII and an American Samoa squad faces the Australia Outback team today, Jan. 2, 2010. Samoa News spoke to American Samoa’s All Star Head Coach Pepine Lauvao on their victory over Hawaii.

“Well first things first, I want to give all the glory and the joy to our dear and most gracious Heavenly Father for our victory today, if it wasn’t for him...” said Lauvao. “I am so blessed for having such talented kids, and also my coaching staff. I also want to thank the governor as well as the Samoa Bowl committee for putting this wonderful program together.

On the game, he said “it was a hard fought battle.”

“I want to thank coach Livai and his coaching staff, as well as the Hawaii All Star team for a hard fought game today, it could’ve been anybody’s game,” noted Lauvao. “I also want to thank all the parents for their strong support, as well as all the schools on island and the different coaching staff from different schools”.

He noted: “I know we had a few incidents on the field due to our kids getting out of hand, but I want to thank my kids for having patience in them as well as Hawaii’s team, no matter if they are representing Hawaii, they are all brothers under one blood, they are all Samoan and we don’t consider them different from us.”

Hawaii led the game, up 14-0 through half-time. In the third quarter, American Samoa scored and in the fourth quarter they were in the lead 23-20.

Hawaii drove the ball down the field and was inside the one yard line on a third down. They could have gone for a field goal but opted to go for a touchdown that if it had been successful, would have tied the game.

However, American Samoa held Hawaii back, denying them the endzone on the third and fourth downs. With about two minutes left in the game, American Samoa was in possession again. American Samoa played out a quarterback kneel to run out the time, and won the game.

Hawaii Head Coach Siuaki Livai says they could have gone for the tie, but instead were looking to win the game.

“Both sides played very hard...it was a very physical game,” Livai told Samoa News. “We could have played for a field goal, but we played to win.”

He noted that there was “a lot of heat on the sidelines” and it was hard to keep things under control. One Hawaii coach was ejected from the game after a heated exchange with several game officials.

“I want to thank all the players for their hard work...though we lost, the experience these players have had, they will never forget,” added Livai, who commended the local coaches on their work.

He says local football is improving greatly in American Samoa and he is proud of the local high school coaches.

“I’m proud of them all,” he said. “These guys, I have known then for 7 to 10 years, even before the Samoa Bowl. I’m happy for them and everything that is happening in Samoa.”

Livai points out that the all-new American Youth Football Samoa (AYFS) league which held its inaugural match to open the American Samoa/Hawaii match-up yesterday “is only going to help” improve football among the younger generations.

“In about five years, American Samoa is going to be one of the top in all the states and territories...they have the right attitude,” he said.

As far as the local high school league, he says “it’s almost a toss up,” no longer just one school ruling the local football scene, but an exciting competition due to big improvements in school football programs all around.

“We’re proud of Samoa,” Livai said. “We thank Gov. Togiola Tulafono for giving us this opportunity...I thank all the people in Samoa for the sacrifices they’ve made for us...for us to be able to come down here and enjoy ourselves. I apologize for any misbehavior...the kids are still trying to learn the culture.”

Livai and his Hawaii team are planning to sit in for the American Samoa/Australia match-up today, the game was set to start at 9 a.m.

“Australia, it was great to see them here,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome of the game, it is already a win-win for everybody.”

After the nearly four-hour match, Gov. Togiola, dressed in a blue American Samoa jersey, congratulated both teams, reminding all athletes that they are “brothers.”

Samoa Bowl awards are expected to be distributed after the American Samoa/Australia match today.

Hawaii departs Sunday; Australia leaves Jan. 5.

Full Article

Highly Regarded Running Back Prospect Joshua Quezada Commits to Cougars

After receiving official commitments earlier this month from the nation’s top prep quarterback and one of the best high school receivers in Texas, BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall today announced that one of the top running backs in California—La Habra High School standout Joshua Quezada—has also signed a scholarship agreement to enroll at BYU in January.

Quezada joins Jake Heaps out of Skyline High School in Sammamish, Wash., and wide receiver Ross Apo out of the Oakridge School in Arlington, Texas, as high school seniors coming to Provo to begin college mid-year.

“Joshua is excited to come to BYU, and we are equally excited to have him join us,” Mendenhall said. “He embraces what our program is about on and off the field. He has the ability to be a very successful member of our team and help us continue to improve our program.”

A 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back out of La Habra High School in La Habra, Calif., Quezada rushed for 2,114 yards and 26 touchdowns and added 186 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver to lead the Highlanders to their third straight CIF-Southern Section Southwest Division Championship in 2009. He was named the 2009 Freeway League MVP, Daily News 2009 Football Player of the Year, and CIF-SS Southwest Division Offensive Player of the Year while earning back-to-back first-team All-Orange County honors as a senior. He averaged 8 yards per carry and 151 yards per game overall and accounted for 11.1 points per contest while leading La Habra to a 13-1 record.

Quezada not only put up big numbers during the season but also came through with his best performances during key games. Among the season’s many highlights, Quezada galloped for 304 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-21 semifinal victory over Cypress High School to advance to the championship game. He carried the Highlanders to the 2009 title by averaging 203.8 yards per game in four playoff contests.

As a junior in 2008, he ran for 1,680 yards on 163 carries and scored 21 touchdowns while adding 21 receptions for 318 yards and three touchdowns on the way to the 2008 CIF-SS title. He was first-team All-Orange County, first-team All-League and first-team All-CIF.

In addition to Quezada, Heaps and Apo, several other BYU recruits and returned missionaries plan to enroll in January. 2009 National Letter of Intent signee Kyle Van Noy, a linebacker out of McQueen High School in Reno, Nev., and 2007 NLI signees Famika Anae (OL, Timpview High School, Provo, Utah), Devin Mahina (TE/DE Upland High School, Upland, Calif.) and Marcus Matthews (WR, Southridge High School, Beaverton, Ore.) will enroll for winter semester as well as 2006 redshirt quarterback James Lark out of Pine View High School in St. George, Utah.

ROSTER INFORMATION
Ross Apo         WR    6-3   190  Arlington, Texas / The Oakridge School
Jake Heaps       QB    6-2   205  Issaquah, Wash. / Skyline HS
Joshua Quezada   RB    5-11  210  La Habra, Calif. / La Habra High School
Kyle Van Noy     LB    6-4   209  Reno, Nev. / McQueen HS
Famika Anae      OL    6-5   260  Provo, Utah / Timpview HS
Devin Mahina    TE/DE  6-6   225  Upland, Calif. / Upland HS
Marcus Mathews   WR    6-4   200  Beaverton, Ore. / Southridge HS
James Lark       QB    6-2   219  St. George, Utah / Pine View HS

Full Article
      

Manti Te'o Not Leaving For Mission Yet

 University of Notre Dame freshman linebacker Manti Te'o has decided he will return to campus for the spring semester and delay his mission trip for at least one year and possibly until later in his life.

Te'o will continue at Notre Dame during his sophomore year and will be a member of the Irish football team in 2010.

"This was probably the biggest decision that I¹I've had to face in my entire life," Te'o said in a release issued by the University. "I knew the impact of my decision could have a positive influence on those who follow me and those who watch what I do. I always want to have a positive influence on them. I just thought that I was sent to Notre Dame for a purpose and that is a purpose I have to devote to."

Te'o is a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints and expects to take a mission at some point, but he's not sure when.

"I¹m not sure if I¹m going to take it after next year or later on in life," Te'o said.

There is no age limit as to when Te'o needs to take the mission.
Te'o ranked fourth on the team in 2009 with 63 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack and added one pass breakup. He played in all 12 games and started nine contests.

The 63 tackles recorded by Te'o were the most by a Notre Dame freshman since 1975 and the third most all time by an Irish freshman (Bob Golic, 82 tackles in 1975; Ross Browner, 68 tackles in 1973).

More importantly than the success on the field, Te'o says the it's the University life that influenced him to stay at Notre Dame.

"I think it¹s the connections I have been able to make with people and the ability I have to meet people and influence them for good," Te'o said. "I think that is a big factor in it."

"The coaching change didn't¹t have a factor. Football wasn't¹t a factor. It was strictly a spiritual thing for me."

In fact, Te'o says he has to to speak in-depth about his mission trip possibilities with new head coach Brian Kelly.

"I got to talk to him on two occasions and he¹s a really good guy," Te'o said of Kelly. "We talked about football and talked about life in general.
I respect him and have trust in him and I think he¹ll do a great job leading our team."

Te'o became a full-time starter for Notre Dame in the fifth game of the season against Washington and he ranked second on the Irish with 57 tackles over the final eight games (Safety Kyle McCarthy had 64 tackles in that stretch).

Te'o recorded 10 tackles against both Washington and Stanford and totaled nine tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup against Boston College.

A native of Laie, Hawaii, Te'o is enrolled in Notre Dame¹s First Year of Studies program.

Full Article

Paea on the NFL

 We congratulated defensive tackle Stephen Paea on his Morris Award (which goes to the Pac-10's best defensive lineman, as voted by Pac-10 offensive linemen. Paea was very happy. "A big accomplishment for me, and for my school,''  he said.

 I asked Paea if there were any NFL agents sniffing around his parents, wanting him to declare for the NFL draft (Paea has another year of eligibility left at OSU).

 "My family does all the talking to those people but my thoughts are I'm coming back,''  said Paea. "It's not something I should worry about. ... no agent has approached my dad.''

 I told Paea, who pound for pound is one of the strongest players in college football, about Nebraska behemoth and former Grant High star Ndamukong Suh's admission recently that he almost transferred to Oregon State.

  I said, Stephen, can you imagine you and Suh on the same defensive line?

  Big grin. "It would be crazy,'' said Paea. "Who do you double-team, me or him?

 Indeed.

Full Article

Unga Might Skip Senior Year, Enter NFL Draft

 Could the Dec. 22 Las Vegas Bowl be the last time junior running back Harvey Unga dons a BYU uniform?

The Cougars' all-time leading rusher acknowledged this week that he is contemplating the possibility of forgoing his senior year in favor of next April's NFL draft.

"It's up in the air," Unga said.

For now, he's more concerned with the upcoming bowl game against Oregon State in Las Vegas.

"As far as I'm concerned, I've got one more college game this season to play. I'm focused on that," Unga said. "Whatever comes after that comes after that. I'm sticking around here. I'm here now. I've got one more game to worry about, then we'll figure everything out."

After BYU's 26-23 victory over Utah, offensive coordinator Robert Anae met with Unga, according to coach Bronco Mendenhall. Anae gave Unga "a number of people to talk to, that he trusts, that we trust, to give him the right advice," Mendenhall said.

Soon, Unga is expected to fill out paperwork and submit it to the NFL to gauge where he might go in the draft.

Unga has rushed for a school-record 3,396 yards in his career and has become the first BYU player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.

"Once we get done with this bowl game, I'll see what doors are open and what opportunities are out there, then I'll take it from there," Unga said.

Asked about the factors that will play a part in his decision, Unga replied, "If I take the NFL evaluation, that will come a little into play, talking to the coaches and getting a feel for where they'll think I'll be and where I feel where I'll be in comparison to how the next season's going to come about. I don't know. I haven't really got much into it. I think talking to agents and getting a feel for what they think is a start for me and I'll take it from there and see how it all goes."

Said Mendenhall: "Harvey will take the time he needs. We have all the paperwork that needs to be submitted — that doesn't commit him to the draft, but allows it to be predicted as to where he will possibly fall in the draft, and where he might be selected. So that is in the process as well. But there isn't any decision that has been made to this point, and probably won't be until maybe after the holiday season."

OSU-BYU CONNECTIONS: The Las Vegas Bowl will be an Unga family reunion of sorts.

Harvey Unga has two cousins who play for Oregon State — twins Devin and Kevin Unga. They are freshmen linebackers.

"I talked to one of them (Sunday night)," Harvey Unga said. "The week before when we were trying to figure out who we would be playing, we were talking about it. I was giving him a hard time about maybe playing each other."

A pair of Beaver defensive tackles, junior Stephen Paea and senior Sioeli Nau, both played at Snow College with Cougar linebacker Coleby Clawson. Nau hails from Spanish Fork.

Meanwhile, BYU offensive line coach Mark Weber was the O-line coach at OSU from 1987-1990.

Maaco Bowl Las Vegas

BYU (10-2) vs.Oregon St. (8-4)
Dec. 22, 6 p.m.Sam Boyd Stadium
TV: ESPN
Radio: 102.7 FM, 1160 AM

Full Article

Two Stand Out For Quezada

 

Athlete Joshua Quezada (La Habra, Calif./La Habra) has now taken four of his official visits and with one remaining, two schools currently lead the way.
Quezada took his first visit to BYU followed by trips to Utah, Hawaii and Washington.

"We play this Saturday so it's going to be good to get a weekend off and sleep in for a change," Quezada said. "The trips get real tiring but I've loved every one of them. I'm going to take one last trip Dec. 18 to either Fresno State or Arizona and I may try and squeeze in an unofficial visit to San Diego State as well."

Quezada said he loved his recent visit to UW, but still favors the two Mountain West powers.

"Washington was awesome," Quezada said. "I had a great time with the players and really bonded well with the other recruits on the visit. We saw a great game and I like the energy and passion of the coaching staff. Coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) said he thinks I could be another Troy Polamalu for them at safety and said I remind him of Troy since he was coaching at SC when he played there.

"As much as I liked the trip, I still have BYU and Utah at the top for me. I just felt most comfortable there and I'm closest with the coaches. With BYU, I love their offense, it's a lot like our offense at La Habra and it would be an easy adjustment.

"Utah felt like home to me as well and there's a real family environment. I felt that at both schools to be honest. It's going to be a really tough decision for me and I don't have a lot of time left since I'm graduating early but I know I can't go wrong with any of my choices."

Full Article

UH Gets Prep Linebacker: T.J. Taimatuia

The Warriors defied the odds by securing a commitment from a top California high school linebacker.

"I'm excited to go play for the green and black," said T.J. Taimatuia of Artesia High.

Taimatuia is 6 feet 4 and 225 pounds. He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.7 seconds, and squat-lifting 410 pounds.

Last season, he amassed 95 tackles and five sacks in nine regular-season games. He was named the Suburban League's 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. He also was selected to the CIF Southern Section all-star team.

But this year, Artesia has struggled, and a coaching change recently was made. Still, Taimatuia received strong interest from Arizona, California, UCLA, Utah and Washington.

But Taimatuia said it was an easy decision to pick his favorite college team.

"Ever since I was 9 or 10, I've watched Hawai'i," Taimatuia said. "I've always liked the way they've played and the way their coaches coach."

Taimatuia has several relatives living in Hawai'i.

Taimatuia's cousin is David Katina, a defensive end who plays for Fa'asao Marist High in American Samoa. Last month, Katina made a verbal commitment to play for the Warriors in 2010.

"I used to sleep over at his house," Taimatuia said. "I never thought that, years down the line, it would play out like this. I thank God for everything that's happened in my life. Every day, I work hard and thank the Lord. I give him all of the glory. I'm thankful for this opportunity to play for Hawai'i."

Taimatuia's parents still live in American Samoa. He stays with an aunt, Laurie Saleaeaga, in California.

"I miss the island life and the beach," Taimatuia said.

He said White Plains is his favorite beach.

As for hobbies, he said, "I'm Samoan. I love to eat."

Ryan Zerbel, Artesia's assistant principal and assistant football coach, praised Taimatuia as a student and athlete.

"He's a natural linebacker," Zerbel said. "He has a real nose for the ball. He has a tremendous natural talent. He's a great kid. He's hardworking, respectful. He'll be a good future player for the Warriors."

Full Article