Samoan Athletes: Toilolo may provide big impact in small role for Falcons

At 6-foot-8, 265 pounds, Levine Toilolo can be a blocking force and matchup nightmare. (USATSI)

Atlanta Falcons' best fit: TE Levine Toilolo, Stanford, fourth round, No. 107 overall

With all due respect to running back Steven Jackson and defensive end Osi Umenyiora, the key free agent the Atlanta Falcons convinced to sign in 2013 was their own -- future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez.

While Gonzalez certainly isn't the deep threat down the seam he was when coming out of Cal in 1997, his savvy route-running and soft hands continue to make him one of the league's toughest matchups, especially in the red zone.

With Gonzalez almost surely retiring after the 2013 season, however, the Falcons were wise to look to this position in the draft. The player they selected -- Stanford's Levine Toilolo -- won't be confused with Gonzalez anytime soon, but that doesn't mean that general manager Thomas Dimitroff doesn't have big plans for the 6-8, 265-pound junior.

Currently the tallest tight end on an NFL roster, Toilolo's great size gives the Falcons a second matchup nightmare for defenses to contend with in the red zone. In this way, the Stanford rookie won't be asked to replace Gonzalez as much as complement the 16-year veteran.

It isn't just Toilolo's physical traits that intrigue, however. He also appears to have the mindset needed to handle what is likely to be a limited role. After playing next to Coby Fleener and Zach Ertz at Stanford, Toilolo is used to playing second fiddle. He's also used to blocking in a power-based running scheme with limited opportunities to catch the ball (50 career receptions).

Most important (considering Atlanta's "other" pass-catching stars Julio Jones and Roddy White), Toilolo's value lies in the physicality and size he offers as a blocker.

Even with Matt Ryan alternately picking apart defenses through Jones, White and Gonzalez, coach Mike Smith and offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter fancy their club as one that can run with power.

A season ago, the Falcons featured undrafted free-agent rookie Tommy Gallarda (Boise State) as their primary blocking tight end. Gallarda played well in nine games before a shoulder injury ended his season early. Gallarda is back healthy and the Falcons signed former Cincinnati Bengals' second-rounder Chase Coffman, but the primary backup job behind Gonzalez appears to be Toilolo's for the taking.

It will tough for any rookie to earn a starting role on a team as talented as the Falcons (though cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford have a shot), but if Toilolo can match Gallarda's grit and consistency, the fourth-round pick could play a critical role in Atlanta this year as a blocking specialist ... with perhaps a much larger role in 2014 and beyond.

Athleticism, attitude key with Atlanta's rookies (other thoughts on the Falcons' 2013 draft class):

While Toilolo could play an important niche for the Falcons as a rookie, the team is banking on either Trufant or Alford to emerge as a quality starter opposite big play veteran Asante Samuel.

Each boasts spectacular overall athleticism, and concerns about Alford's level of competition were largely put to rest after a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. Trufant was even better in Mobile, however, and took most of the first-team snaps at right cornerback during the team's rookie mini-camp.

Neither he nor Toilolo were able to participate in Atlanta's recent OTAs per NFL rules, however, as their classes at the University of Washington and Stanford, respectively, hadn't yet graduated.

Smith didn't sound too worried that the absence would impact his rookies, especially Trufant, who is communicating via Skype with Falcons' secondary coach Tim Lewis.

"Obviously, you'd like for them to be here, but [Trufant is] going to be graduating and walking with his class, which is an important milestone in his life," Smith said. "I think it's a good rule. He's going to miss some opportunities on the field, but we've got a plan in place that we've been executing. There are a lot of ways that you can communicate with technology now in terms of having meetings."

Trufant played well in his first action with the club, but so did Alford, who was operating as Samuel's top backup at left cornerback. Each possesses the straight-line speed, fluidity and confidence to handle playing early -- which is good, considering the Falcons elected to allow three of their top five cornerbacks from a year ago to leave.

The Falcons are confident that Umenyiora is going to give them the pass-rushing presence that John Abraham had provided since 2006, but the club drafted two very intriguing defenders to help, as well.

Malliciah Goodman, 6-3, 276, boasts many of the physical traits scouts are looking for and may finally live up to his potential now that his livelihood is depending on it. Stansly Maponga, 6-2, 256, likely would have been selected at least a round earlier had he enjoyed the same success during an injury-plagued junior season that he enjoyed earlier in his career.

-- The Falcons' 2013 draft class:

1st Round -- No. 22 overall -- CB Desmond Trufant, Washington
2nd Round -- No. 60 overall -- CB Robert Alford, Southeastern Louisiana
4th Round -- No. 127 overall -- DE Malliciah Goodman, Clemson
4th Round -- No. 133 overall -- TE Levine Toilolo, Stanford
5th Round -- No. 153 overall -- DE Stansly Maponga, TCU
7th Round -- No. 243 overall -- S Kemal Ishmael, Central Florida
7th Round -- No. 244 overall -- S Zeke Motta, Notre Dame
7th Round -- No. 249 overall -- QB Sean Renfree, Duke

-- Key Undrafted Free Agents Signed:

WR Martel Moore, Northern Illinois
OG Theo Goins, Central Florida
ILB Nick Clancy, Boston College
 

The Amateur Softball Association of America on Tuesday night announced that Ricketts won the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award.

The other finalists were Oklahoma teammate Lauren Chamberlain and Tennessee’s Raven Chavanne.

Ricketts becomes the third player to win the honor multiple times.

Texas pitcher Cat Osterman was the player of the year three times, and Washington’s Danielle Lawrie won it in 2009 and 2010.

Ricketts is 31-1 this season with a 1.22 ERA and 311 strikeouts. She’s also hitting .375 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs.

Her Sooners are the No. 1 seed in the Women’s Col- lege World Series, which starts Thursday.

Ricketts was in the territory earlier this year conducting softball clinics as well as presenting a donation of equipment to Fa’asao Marist High School. She and her sisters Samantha and Stephanie first visited the territory during Samoa Bowl IX where they conducted a girls softball clinic.

The Ricketts sisters are the granddaughters of the late Lewis and Louisa Ripley Gabbard of Tafuna and Leone. They were born and raised in San Jose California to parents Jeff and Carol Gabbard Ricketts, and say they had always expressed an interest in visiting the birth place of both their grandparents.

The Samoa Bowl IX became that opportunity, with not only visiting their grandparents’ birth place, but to learn first hand about their culture and its values — and even more, it also served as a chance give to the community that helps them to identify their heritage — being Samoan.
 

San Diego’s Fallen Son

Junior Seau’s style of play transcended and revolutionized the linebacker position to what it is today. His illustrious 20 year career has left an unforgettable mark in NFL history, as well as San Diego. Before the NFL was what it is today, there was no player that could match the intensity, enthusiasm and larger than life presence that Junior brought.

On the field Junior terrorized opposing offenses. A highly decorated sack machine in San Diego, Seau made multiple Pro-Bowls and helped the Chargers reach its very first Super Bowl appearance in 1994. His sack celebration is one of the most memorable celebrations in NFL history, and one that quarterbacks still have nightmares about. Although many players will often imitate his intensity, no one will ever duplicate the irrepressible spirit of Junior Seau.

He was, and for some still is, the face of the San Diego Chargers. But better yet, he epitomized San Diego. Although he had a larger than life persona on the football field, off the field he humanized himself to the community. Seau dedicated his time to help the youth tackle the trials and tribulations of life, as well as mentor aspiring athletes by guiding them away from trouble. He always opened himself up, and was more interested in how others were doing. Junior was selfless and that’s what was so intriguing and likeable about him.

Junior Seau will be forever remembered as a man that gave everything to his team, his city, and for his family. On May 2^nd, 2012, San Diego lost a son, leader, and legend. Selfishly we miss and want Junior back. Although now he is at peace, his smile will continue to shine bright over San Diego. Thanks for the memories, Junior.

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the re-signing of linebacker Rey Maualuga on Monday. 

A source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Maualuga agreed to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

Maualuga was a second-round pick from Southern California in 2009. He has had some rough times during his transition to starter, with coach Marvin Lewis challenging Maualuga and quarterback Andy Dalton to become more vocal leaders last season. Pleased with how they responded, Lewis gave both of them a "C" to wear on their jerseys, designating them team captains.

The Bengals went on to make the playoffs for the second straight season, losing to Houston in the opening round.

Maualuga, 26, finished second on the Bengals with 122 tackles last season, which marked a career best for the fourth-year linebacker. He has 348 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions in his career.

The Bengals have re-signed four of their defensive players who were eligible for free agency -- Maualuga and defensive ends Michael Johnson, Robert Geathers and Wallace Gilberry

Kaluka Maiava (born December 27, 1986) is an American football player who plays linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football at the University of Southern California (USC).

Maiava attended Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Hawaii on the island of Maui. His junior year, he had 157 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. Before his senior season, Maiava nearly transferred to Kahuku High School on the island of Oahu, where his uncle was an assistant coach, to get more attention at a program known for its NFL alumni; however, his strong performance in football camps on the mainland influenced him to remain at Baldwin. His senior year, he had 147 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 8 forced fumbles and 5 blocked kicks, as well as a punt return for a TD. As a student, he achieved a 3.6 grade point average and an SAT score of 1010 (old scoring system). He modeled himself after Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher.

Considered the top recruit coming out of Hawaii and one of the top prospects at the linebacker position, Maiava was heavily recruited. A number of major programs offered him scholarships, including UCLA, Washington, Oregon, Utah, BYU, Wisconsin, Colorado, Arizona and UTEP; however, he was not strongly recruited by the University of Hawaii, then under June Jones. His final three choices were USC, UCLA and Colorado. In the summer before his senior year, while attending camps on the mainland, he was invited to make an official visit to UCLA. Impressed by their facilities and coaching staff, he made a soft verbal commitment to UCLA in July 2004. However, Maiava decided to visit other programs and eventually drawn to USC, where he was attracted to the energy of the players and coaches, the program’s popularity and the Hollywood atmosphere. He committed to USC on October 11, 2004; he joined the same class as fellow Trojans linebacker Brian Cushing. He is the first player from Maui to play for USC.

In February 2005, the Council of the County of Maui honored him with a resolution congratulating him for all of his high school football achievements.

Samoan Athletes bright star with Purdue...  Samantha Marie Arasi Epenesa

High School: Named as second team AVCA/Under Armour High School All-American for 2011-12 … ranked No. 33 among prepvolleyball.com’s Top 250 Senior Aces … a Fab 50 selection by Volleyball Magazine … garnered Large School Volleyball Player of the Year honors from the Alton Telegraph each of her last three seasons … earned All-Metro Volleyball Player of the Year honors from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2011 after leading team with 346 kills and 66 aces and ranking third in digs (249) … tabbed as a PrepVolleyball All-American while also earning first team all-state, all-Southwestern Conference and first team Post-Dispatch acclaim as a junior, after tallying a school record 406 kills … a Champaign News Gazette second team all-state selection as a sophomore, while also earning first team all-conference, team MVP and PrepVolleyball Soph79 accolades … set school record for career kills (1,250) and ranks second in career aces (184) and third in career block assists (151) … led team to four Southwestern Conference, four regional and three sectional titles as well as a third-place state finish in 2010 … played volleyball and softball as a freshman … played club volleyball for the High Performance STL Gold team.

Personal: Given name is Samantha Marie Arasi Epenesa … born Nov. 11, 1993 … parents are Epenesa and Stephanie Epenesa. Father played football at Iowa and mother played volleyball at Iowa Wesleyan … has three brothers, Andrew, Eric and Iosefatu

Draft Zone Spotlight: Kurt Taufa’asau, DT, Wyoming

Big Kurt Tuafa’asau stands at 6’3 and 280 pounds and is fast for a big guy. I have been told by numerous people that they believe he can run in the late 4.8′s in the forty yard dash. He is a very big kid that has a great motor and is a gamer. He plays every down and could be an interesting player brought into a camp this year. If brought into the right situation, Kurt could shock some people. You cannot teach his motor skills. He is very impressive and seems like a very good kid. I was able to get an interview with Kurt and I thought I would show the world about Mr. Tuafa’asau, check him out.

How many teams were recruiting you coming out of high school and how did you make your decision?

Coming out of high school in Samoa, there was only one team that recruited me and that was a junior college from New Mexico (New Mexico Military Institute).

Has it always been your dream to be an NFL football player?

Growing up, I wasn’t interested in football. I wanted to be a soldier in the army just like my father but it wasn’t until me and my dad started watching NFL football on Sundays after church and throwing the football around was when I started to fall in love and have big goals and dreams of becoming an NFL player someday.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up, and did you have a player you rooted for?

My favorite team growing up was the St. Louis Rams, and I was rooting for the Rams because Kurt Warner was there. I started rooting for him because we have the same first names, and I said to myself that one day I want to be a quarterback just like Kurt Warner but I grew to become a defensive tackle.

At your position, how do you break down film, please inform our readers what you look for when breaking down film?

As a defensive lineman, I break down film by studying my opponent’s strengths and weakness. For example, I look to see if my opponent that I am going up against is slow or fast off the line, do they lean heavy on their toes or do they put less weight on their hands. What will be the best pass rush move to do on this guy, and who is the weakest link on the o-line so we/I can exploit it with stunts and games. Can we beat him off the line with speed or bull rush? After we study our opponents then we start with what is there favorite formation, favorite play, and what keys do they show that gives us a clue that this play is coming run or pass.

What is the best accolade/award you have ever received from playing football?

When I was at my junior college I was named 1^st team All- American WSFL after my sophomore year there, then I received a most improved defensive lineman award spring 2012.

Now that your college football eligibility is up what’s your next move?

My next move is train and prepare for my pro day and the NFL draft in April.

When did you really feel you had a good chance of making your dream come true?

The beginning of my senior season when my coaches were telling me to keep up the great work that I am doing on the field because I have caught some teams attention when they came on there scouting visit, and that the scouts love what I have on film
 

It was just a matter of time before the word got out. Mike Iupati is really good.

The third-year player was selected to his first Pro Bowl on Wednesday, as he was recognized for his season-long punishment of opposing defenses in the trenches.

“I’m very grateful and very blessed,” Iupati said. “Credit to my teammates and everybody, especially the front line – they sacrificed, too. Also a credit to our coaching staff, (Mike) Solari, coach (Paul) Wulff and coach (Tim) Drevno for preparing us every week, every day, to go out there and execute our plays.”

Another key element to Iupati’s rise in the NFL ranks has been tackle Joe Staley, who was named to his second straight Pro Bowl. The two big fellows have solidified the left side of the 49ers offensive line this season, helping turn the unit into one of the team’s biggest strengths.

“It’s paid off pretty good,” Iupati said of playing alongside Staley. “He’s just a great player and teammate to play next to. He helped me out a lot my rookie year, last year as well and especially this year, too. We work well together.”

The 49ers racked up a league-high nine Pro Bowlers this season, but unfortunately Iupati’s teammate and good friend Anthony Davis didn’t get the nod at right tackle. Davis, who was named an alternate for the NFL’s annual all-star game, has grown close to Iupati since both players were selected in the first round of the 2010 draft.

“He should have made it, in my eyes,” Iupati said, while later adding he has family in Hawaii and California who could make the trip to Honolulu for the game. “All of our starting five should have made it, but it’s tough.”

Iupati makes his first trip to the Pro Bowl as a starter. He is part of an offensive line that helped the team rush for 2,362 yards this season, ranking fourth in the NFL. The 2,362 rushing yards rank seventh in franchise history and are the most by San Francisco since 1998 (2,544). Iupati and the offensive line were awarded the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award in Weeks 5, 7 and 12.

At the top of the list is Griffins freshman linebacker IAN SEAU, who led the state with 19 sacks and thus was tabbed the Southern Conference Defensive of Player of the Year. Seau is a transfer from Kansas State via La Costa Canyon High School
 

Kelly: Te'o should get Heisman if Notre Dame wins

SOUTH BEND, Ind. >> Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly says linebacker Manti Te'o "should win the Heisman Trophy provided we continue to win."

The unbeaten (11-0) Fighting Irish ascended to No. 1 in the major polls today, a day after beating Wake Forest 38-0 and the Laie native and team captain has been a big part of the effort.

At his weekly press conference Sunday, Kelly said, "The only thing I talk to him about (the Heisman) is that we have the hope that we'll be in New York together in a couple of weeks."

The Heisman Trophy announcement is scheduled for Dec. 8 in New York.

Kelly said, "I'll push for him, I think he (Te'o) should win the Heisman, but he's not really focused on that."

Heisman Trophy balloting begins this week as Fighting Irish finish the regular season Saturday at Southern California.

Only one primarily defensive player, Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson in 1997, has won the Heisman in its 77 years

Even though this team may be the worst BYU has faced, the Vandals' defense performs well in areas that BYU sometimes struggles — such as interceptions, fumbles and quarterback sacks.

Senior safety Homer Mauga is a star on this defense who creates plays when they are needed. Mauga has had 56 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one quarterback sack this season.

The leading tackler for the Vandals is Gary Walker with 76 tackles. Walker has also caused one interception and one forced fumble.

As with many teams BYU has faced this year, there is always a player who excels at sacking the quarterback — it's someone Riley Nelson should be aware of at all times. That guy this week is Quinton Bradley, who has four quarterback sacks and four quarterback hurries. He is also credited with 22 tackles.

BYU running back Jamaal Williams expects the Vandals' defense to play hard and still provide a challenge for the Cougars.

“I am expecting them to come out hard and play with everything they got,” Williams said. “They play every game as physical as they can and they have a decent defense. It’s going to be a good test for us.”

While this should still be an easy win for the Cougars, it will be a good chance for them to improve and try to execute one of their best games of football this season.

Nelson acknowledged this will be an easier game but knows it will still be a fight and expects Idaho to be a tough opponent.

“I can tell they play hard,” Nelson said. “I know how hard it is to fight for four quarters but they play tough. They are not going to come in here and lay down.”

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-19-12) — There is a general sigh of relief around the state community colleges this week as Grossmont College draws a bye.

That means Griffins freshman linebacker,
6-foot-3, 240-pound IAN SEAU — the state’s sackmaster – will be inactive this week. 

For the fourth time in seven games, Seau earned National Division Southern Conference defensive player of the week after his trashing in the Griffins’ 26-23 win over Golden West. In the win over the Rustlers, Seau racked up 11 solo tackles, including 3 for losses, 3 sacks, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.

He previously earned player of week honors for his performance against College of the Desert with 8 tackles, 5 for loss, and 5 sacks. Seau’s domination continued against San Diego Mesa when he rolled up 8 tackles, 5 for loss and 4 sacks.

His rampage resumed against Orange Coast where he rolled up 12 tackles, 4 for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

With three games remaining Seau has 56 tackles (40 solo), 22 for losses, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery to go along with his state leading 16.5 sacks

The Tutogi brothers will almost certainly meet at some point  Saturday, a navy No. 31 jersey colliding with a white No. 50 jersey going full-speed.

Arizona's Taimi Tutogi will forget, for a second, about the 20 years that connect him to his younger brother Thomas, Washington's star linebacker.

"He's still wearing the 'W' on his chest, right? I've got to treat him like anybody else," Taimi Tutogi said. "At the end of the play, I'm going to help him up. … He's my little brother. I love him to death."

Both have mattered, in a big way, to their teams through the first half of the 2012 season.

Playing both fullback and defensive end, Taimi Tutogi has been perhaps the Wildcats' most versatile player. In six games, the senior from Chula Vista, Calif., has registered one tackle and recovered a fumble, and caught eight passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. His athletic spin-and-grab of a Matt Scott pass in last week's loss to Stanford was perhaps the most impressive play of the first six weeks of the Wildcats' season.

Thomas Tutogi, a junior linebacker, is Washington's most prolific tackler. Through six games, the Southwestern College transfer has 38 tackles

Read Article

Number has deep meaning for Mauga

It’s a quiet gesture of respect, and one reserved for more than just family.

For his senior year at Idaho, linebacker Homer Mauga has changed his jersey number from 19 to 55 to honor his cousin Junior Seau.  A former star NFL linebacker, Seau committed suicide on May 2.

Seau’s 55 was retired by the San Diego Chargers after his death. At Idaho, Mauga will wear the number while fellow linebacker Robert Siavii said he’ll put a small 55 sticker inside his helmet during games.

“I was heartbroken too,” Siavii said. “I’m not even his family member, but as soon as I found out, I got 55 on (the back) of my helmet. I just dedicate this season to him too because he was a big inspiration growing up.”

Seau’s death came almost a year after Mauga was at Seau’s house in Oceanside, Calif., for a Memorial Day celebration. Seau’s mother and Mauga’s mother are sisters, and the holiday was spent with lots of family.

“Coming this year, it was close to Memorial Day too,” Mauga said.

“It was just a shocking moment. I called my dad that morning and just heard him in tears. Ever since then my parents have been with his parents and they’ve just been continuing to pray for them.”  In the months since, Siavii said Mauga has rarely talked about losing his cousin. Still, Siavii can tell it’s taken a toll.

“It’s family. Once a family member is gone, you’re heart is broken,” Siavii said. “That’s exactly what he shows.”  Eleven days after Seau died, Idaho receiver Ken McRoyal was shot and killed, adding an additional layer of shock and grief for Mauga.

The Vandals’ outside linebacker said he’s devoting the season to his cousin and McRoyal, whom he referred to as his brother.

No regrets for Te'o

SOUTH BEND, Ind. » The Kahuku Stretch is a bike path about two miles long, flanked by an undulating ranch and mountains to the left and beach to the right. It's always hot and humid, even at 6 a.m., when Manti Te'o set off for a run and greeted his just-waking father upon return, shirt soaked through.

Those were mornings in paradise on summer break in Hawaii, followed by afternoon sprints up stairs or a hill. At meal time, yes, he would down fried wontons at Laie Chop Suey. Just not many. He would eat his father's delectable prime rib, but only one serving, not two. He altogether swore off his mother's desserts.

Te'o is maybe the best defensive recruit in Notre Dame history. The senior is perhaps the best linebacker in the country, and he refused NFL millions last offseason for a chance to recast his legacy. He knows that chance is his last, and he has acted like it.  Read more

Still a Team

Three former Utah players make history with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

It’s uncommon to have two starters on an NFL team who come from the same college or university. The rarity increases when an NFL team has three from the same school who all play on one side of the ball.

Yet three former Utah players—Paul Soliai ex’06, Sean Smith ex’08, and Koa Misi ex’09—all start on defense for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

The only other time that anyone can recall this situation happening in the modern era was more than a decade ago, with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, when former University of Miami Hurricanes cornerback Duane Starks, safety Ed Reed, and linebacker Ray Lewis were Ravens starters during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

“It doesn’t happen very often,” says former longtime Dallas Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel Gil Brandt, who has been a superior evaluator of NFL talent for more than 50 years and now is the primary personnel expert for NFL.com.

“It’s obviously something the University of Utah should be very proud of,” Brandt says. “They have such a good program.”

Brandt notes that Starks, Lewis, and Reed were all first-round draft picks. The three former Utes, however, didn’t have such auspicious beginnings. “The thing that makes it interesting is that these three guys weren’t first-round choices and are starting. That’s the rarity.”

Soliai was a fourth-round pick in 2007, Smith was drafted in the second round in 2009, and Misi was selected in the second round in 2010. And back when they were eyeing their college possibilities, Utah was pretty much the only option for all three, so the fact that they were even drafted at all is something of a miracle in itself.

Read more: http://continuum.utah.edu/2012/02/still-a-team/

AMERICAN SAMOA DEFEATS AUSTRALIA IN OCEANIA BOWL 2012

IFAF on 02/26/2012

American Samoa showed their dominance at Under 19 level with a comprehensive 93-7 victory over Australia to win the 2012 Oceania Bowl and qualify for the 2012 IFAF U19 World Championship.

Running back Faafouina Sitagata carried the ball 12 times for 107 yards and 3 touchdowns in the rout, while Nathaniel Tuamohelo had 99 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Wide receiver Elliot Peters had three catches, all in the end zone and Shalom Luani scored on a punt return, interception return, two-point run and an extra point kick.

The lopsided score evoked memories of 2001 when the Australian national soccer team defeated American Samoa by a world record score of 31-0 in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Australia's Gold Coast was pounded by torrential rain that also dominated the clash down under at the Runaway Bay Sports Center.

The Samoans held a slim eight-point lead at the end of the first quarter after a 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gabriel Collins passes to Peters and a C.J. Afalava run for two points.

The ground game proved to be the visitors' path to complete dominance as they overpowered their hosts with 30 unanswered second quarter points to take a 38-0 lead into the halftime break.

Sitagata breached the end zone from 13 yards out and Luani's carry added two points as kicking extra points was abandoned due to the torrid weather conditions.

The Collins to Peters connection, this time over seven yards and an Abraham Fata two-point rush opened the lead to 24 points before Fata raced to pay dirt for six from six yards out. Sitagata's second carry for a score from 11 yards out and an Aloese Sua two-point run completed the first half scoring.

American Samoa again scored four touchdowns in a quarter as they regained control after the break.

Tuamohelo opened the half with a spectacular 44-yard race to the end zone and Shalom Luani tagged on the extra point, before Peters made his third scoring grab from 15 yards out from Lolani Faaloua, but the kick failed.

Zach Langkilde recovered a Fata fumble in the end zone for another touchdown and Sitagata's run added on two more points. Faaloua scored a quarterback keeper from 13 yards out and Tuamohelo added the two-point conversion so American Samoa led 67-0 heading into the fourth quarter.

The American Samoa got in on the act as Luani returned Joshua Bell's punt 90 yards to score before Sitagata burst 37 yards to score.

Australia got on the board when quarterback Kieren Lansdell hit Darcy Dignam from eight yards out and Joshua Bell connected with the extra point.

But the Samoans had the final say as Fata scored his second touchdown of the contest from seven yards out and a Faaloua pass to Ryan Petala raised the score to 87-7.

Australia pressed to have the final say, but Lansdell was intercepted by Luani who raced 70 yards for a touchdown.

Whenever the Arizona Wildcats defensive tackle wants to call home, he first phones his brother, Jonathan, in Ohio.

Jonathan Fanene, a defensive end with the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, punches a few buttons and then connects his younger brother to Nu'uuli, American Samoa, so he can connect with their parents.

It's a complex, time-consuming process with one obvious reward.  "I don't waste my money," he said.

Fanene is taking advantage of every opportunity this spring, whether it's playing time on the Wildcats' rebuilt defensive line or - thanks to his brother - an inexpensive way to call home.

Read more:  http://azstarnet.com/

Iosefa is no Average Joey

Getting up to speed with his duties in the backfield has accelerated Joey Iosefa’s rise up the depth chart.

As much as any group, spring represents a season of opportunity for Hawaii’s running backs. Iosefa, a redshirt freshman who began learning the position last spring, is positioning himself for playing time in the fall with eye-catching performances in the Warriors’ workouts.

“Joey Iosefa’s been a great surprise,” UH running backs coach Brian Smith said. “He looks a lot quicker, he’s understanding the offense a lot better, getting a lot more comfortable, so he’s had a really good spring so far.”

Read more: http://www.staradvertiser.com

LJCD and Togiaso’s coach became his family

In the attempt to give their Division I football program extra appeal to Fiaalii “Junior” Togiaso, a senior lineman at La Jolla Country Day School, recruiters looked at the obvious and began rattling off numbers. Specifically, they noted how many Samoans they already had on their college teams, including a plethora of Polynesians at the University of Utah.

Read more: http://www.signonsandiego.com/

“She’s an angel off the court,” explains Katie Baker, carefully weaving through a description of her roommate/teammate. “She’s someone to be reckoned with on the court.”

An intense competitor with an overt dislike for losing, Ena has been a force for the Montana women’s basketball team for four straight years. She’s on pace to finish with 1,100+ points and 600+ rebounds, which would make her one of only 14 in Lady Griz history to accomplish the feat.

Read more:  http://www.montanagrizzlies.com/news

BOLIVAR, Mo. -- SBU football coach Keith Allen got a tip about a Samoan linebacker at a San Jose community college. That tip turned into a monster tight end named Jameson Manuma. When Manamu reached the Bolivar, Missouri campus he suggested his 6-5, 320 pound cousin Ino Vitale. By Christmas a third cousin, Ben Tautolo showed up.

Now the big haired Samoan trio is not only making a huge impact on the field, they are a fan favorite off with their popular war dance called the "Haka" dance.

It’s quite a sight watching the 6-foot-4, 265-pound Helix High senior pluck a 21-inch ukulele in the family band while his father Sam Sr. plays lead guitar and sisters Christine (22), Sarah (15), Erika (10) and Lauren (7) sing on Sundays at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in La Jolla.  Read Article
 

Come Thursday night, Idaho football fans will have a better sense of how the Vandals’ starting linebacker crew has coalesced. Already, though, this much is certain: They fit together splendidly at their off-campus home.

JoJo Dickson and Robert Siavii are from Hawaii, Homer Mauga’s family used to live in Honolulu, and all three have carried the laid-back islands’ vibe to their house.

Football, movies, food – there’s little disagreement among them on these and other topics.  Read article

More than $450,000 in medical supplies and services plus $50,000 in athletic equipment will be donated during the Third Annual American Samoa Goodwill Mission, according to a statement issued yesterday by the Hawaii-based June Jones Foundation. June Jones and his delegation of football, golf stars and medical staff are scheduled to arrive in American Samoa tonight to begin a whirlwind four days of giving...  Read article

For years, the NFL has had a strong yet silent Samoan force in its ranks, and after 65 years it's finally getting some decent exposure.

Al Lolotai was the first Samoan drafted into the NFL by the Redskins in 1945, and they have made a positive influence ever since.

The general conception about Samoan players were they were huge in stature and usually ended up on the defensive or offensive line, and pretty much out of the spotlight.

Jesse Sapolu won four Super Bowls, and pretty much met the fate of being unfamous for that very reason.

However, there are now Samoan players shattering that image lining up as safeties, linebackers, and even tight ends. Heres a look at the current most popular Samoans in the NFL  See list

Peter Tago gingerly flipped the baseball from the pocket of his glove to the palm of his right hand. Much was at stake at the moment, but Tago carried himself like an old pro, not a nervous high school pitcher. He had runners on first and second with two out and the score tied in the seventh inning of his last regular-season home game. Pitching in front of about 20 scouts with their radar guns trained on him and in a must-win game for his team to advance to the playoffs, Tago was as smooth as his delivery. He stood in the sunshine and flashed a playful grin. He wanted to give his team, Dana Point (Calif.) Hills, the best chance to win. And he wanted to give the scouts what they were looking for one more time.  Read article

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

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

 

For the first time in NFL Draft history, two were from football programs in Idaho.

Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati was selected 17th overall by the San Francisco 49ers.

Read article from Idaho Press-Tribune

Watch video clip

Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and
Then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them later?'
Or has anyone ever called you and said,
'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'

Read the following story that was sent to me and
May it change the way that you may think about prayer
and also the way you pray. You will be blessed by this....

A missionary on furlough told this true story while
Visiting his home church in Michigan...

'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa,
Every two weeks I traveled by bicycle
Through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies.
This was a journey of two days and
Required camping overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city
Where I planned to collect money from a bank,
Purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin
My two-day journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting,
One of whom had been seriously injured.
I treated him for his injuries and at the same time
Talked to him about the Lord.

I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and
Arrived home without incident...

Two weeks later I repeated my journey...
Upon arriving in the city,
I was approached by the young man I had treated.
He told me that he had known I carried
Money and medicines.
He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle,
Knowing you would camp overnight.
We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
But just as we were about to move into your camp,
We saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.

At this, I laughed and said that I was
Certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.
The young man pressed the point, however, and said,
'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards,
My friends also saw them, and we all counted them.
It was because of those guards that
We were afraid and left you alone.'

At this point in the sermon,
One of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and
interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the
exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation
the date, and The man who interrupted told him this story:

'On the night of your incident in Africa,
It was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf.
I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you.
In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong,
I called men in this church to meet with me here
In the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?'
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were,
He was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26.

This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord
moves on behalf of those who love Him.
If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it,
you don't know what it can mean to that person...

Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell.
I encourage you to share this with as many people as you know.
If we all take it to heart,
We can turn this world toward God once again.
As the above true story clearly illustrates,
'With God all things are possible.'

More importantly, how God hears and
Answers the prayers of the faithful.

After you read this, please pray for someone in needs
Give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith,
For the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles
He works in your own daily life... And then pass it on
Who says God does not move on the earth today?

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today.
To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.
His love is always with you, His promises are true,
and when we give Him our cares you know
He will see us through.
So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, Just
remember I'm here praying, and
God will do the rest.

Pass this on to those whom you want God to bless
I Can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Stephen Paea won't get any Youtube bucks from "South Park" as an Internet sensation, but he may cash in next April after the NFL draft.

The defensive tackle for the Oregon State football team looked into turning pro this year, but decided to come back for his senior season.

Paea considered the financial ramifications, but it came down to being the first in his family to earn a degree and the joy he has playing for the Beavers.

"I felt good about him coming back because Stephen went into it wanting to come back," coach Mike Riley said. "His family wanted to go through the process."

Read Article from Gazettetimes.com

There are currently more than 30 Samoans in the NFL and another 200-plus playing Division 1 college football. There are just 65,000 people living on the islands. “What if there were 120 million Samoans,” wonders Polamalu. “How many Samoans would there then be in the NFL?”
 

Sack Master Mauga Commits to Vandals