Hawai’i Football Fanatics
Don Aweau’s Hawai’i Islanders & Polynesian Football Blog
Don Aweau’s Hawai’i Islanders & Polynesian Football Blog
Nov 27th
Interesting finds while browsing the worldwide internet. I had more time this holiday as I'm off till Monday. Here's a couple of updates for Hawai'i Football Fanatics readers. A little bit of Polynesia for Polynesian players on Thanksgiving in Cincy, recent player signings and a link to mix up things in Honolulu to cheer on your favorite team with other like-minded individuals,
Thanksgiving Dinner Ethnic-Style
Thanksgiving is a special holiday for everyone and its uniqueness is in displayed in their food fare. Bengals, Domata Peko, and teammates shared their ideas of how to partake and celebrate their Thanksgiving meals.
Recent Signings
Good news for ex-Warrior fan favorite, Ikaika Alama-Francis, who signed with the Miami Dolphins. See an in-depth look from fellow blogger, Tombo Ahi on Ikaika's move to join ex-Warrior teammate, Davone Bess. Paul Fanaika also joins ex-Warrior, Colt Brennan, and fellow Polynesian, Mike Sellers, who is having some great games lately.
Ikaika Alama- Francis
I'll be the first ot admit that I was upset when Ikaika was waived from Detroit this season. He's a great player and just hadn't had an opportunity to showcase his talent. Maybe now in Miami he'll be able to do so. I'm just hoping Dom (Dominic Raiola) will be able to be traded too as he's taken his share of licks from Detroit fans.
Palm Beach Sports in Florida reported the following on the signing:
Former Lions DE signed: The Dolphins signed former Detroit defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis, but hope he doesn't bring with him any of the Lions' mojo.
Alama-Francis started two games and played in 13 for last year's 0-16 Lions, the first team in NFL history to lose 16 games. The Lions cut him before the regular season started, but Alama-Francis said he has kept in shape and is ready to contribute.
"It was a lot of losing and it didn't feel good," he said of his time in Detroit.
The Dolphins needed him mostly as insurance after they lost starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season with a quadriceps injury. Alama-Francis played defensive end and nose tackle for the Lions, and played significantly at nose tackle in college at Hawaii, where he was a teammate of Dolphins receiver Davone Bess.
Paul Fanaika
Polynesian and ASU fans will also rejoice that Paul Fanaika may finally get to start soon. Unfortunately, he is playing against his former (practice squad) and my favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, this weekend. Hmmm, makes you think about the timing of this trade. They probably wanted the inside "scoops" to the Philadelphia gameplan. Congratulations! Paul!
Redskins Sign Guard Paul Fanaika from Eagles' Practice Squad
Football Hangouts
This might be a slightly dated article (Sep. 2008) by Tracy Chan but it sums up most of the sports bars in Honolulu that you can venture to in case you have "cabin fever" and need to get away. Sometimes it's good to get away. Oops! Sounds like an airline commercial. Anyway, I digress.
I love these Metromix Honolulu articles. Especially, those by fellow blogger and friend, Melissa Chang (she's the one that makes us drool all the time with her local food specials). Check her it out at her Urban Mix Plate Blog!
Remember also, please don't drink, if you drive or call someone for a pickup. Be safe this weekend and look out for each other.
Sep 21st
Reminder tonight on Monday Night Football (ESPN). At Miami, former Hawaii Warrior, Davone Bess, is slowly blazing his own trail. Polynesian defensive product, Paul Soliai, will continues to impress for a backup nose tackle position behind Jason Ferguson. Bess looked great so far as he gains Chad Pennington’s trust.
Bess may have to face the Colts Polynesian trio of MLB Freddie Keiaho, FS Aaron Francisco (BYU & Kahuku High Alumnus) and DT Fili Moala. They are all contending for starter spots so this game will be important in their quest to move up the depth chart. Francisco who was recently released from the NFC Champions Arizona Cardinals, will hopefully get some playing time.
Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins - Offense
#15 WR Davone Bess (University of Hawai’i)

Miami Dolphins - Defense
#96 DT Paul Soliai (University of Utah)

Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts - Defense
#54 MLB Freddie Keiaho (San Diego State).

#43 FS Aaron Francisco (Brigham Young University).

#95 FS Fili Moala (University of Southern California).

The game will be televised at 2:30pm on ESPN.
Aug 26th
Well here we go with another rivalry between two Florida cities. Must be nice! Former Hawaii Warrior, Davone Bess, may get a hit or two from big Samoan/Texas Longhorn, Roy Miller. Also our other Polynesian connection in Miami, Paul Soliai, will continue to contend for a backup nose tackle position behind Jason Ferguson. Bess looked great in his last performance as Chad Pennington continues to gain his confidence.
Game Watch Links:
Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins - Offense
#15 WR Davone Bess (University of Hawai’i)

Miami Dolphins - Defense
#96 DT Paul Soliai (University of Utah)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Defense
#93 DT Roy Miller (University of Texas).

The game will be televised at 2pm on FOX (KHON2).
Aug 17th
Starting off our first game of Monday Night Football will be notable Hawaii Warriors, Vince Manuwai and Davone Bess. Also our other Polynesian connection in Miami is Utah alumnus, Paul Soliai, who will be contending for a backup nose tackle position behind Jason Ferguson. Manuwai is pretty much established at this point and is the only remaining Polynesian left in Jacksonville. Bess had a stellar performance last year, but still needs to fight for a starting position in the pre-season.
It’s Monday Night!
Game Watch Links:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars - Offense
#67 G Vince Manuwai (University of Hawai’i).

Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins - Offense
#15 WR Davone Bess (University of Hawai’i)

Miami Dolphins - Defense
#96 DT Paul Soliai (University of Utah)

The game will be televised later tonight on the NFL Network.