Starting center (and captain) John Estes will miss a few days of practice

HA Note: There was somewhat of a scare when center John Estes was carted off the field after suffering a tweaked ankle. While coaches expect Estes to be fine, the incident did trigger an emergency plan. Matagisila Lefiti, a sophomore from Mater Dei High in California, and Bronson Tiwanak, a junior from Damien Memorial School, are Estes' immediate replacements."

About the battle between Lefiti and Tiwanak for the backup center spot, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"They're battling to be the backup center. They're fighting to be on the plane for that Washington State-UNLV trip in two weeks." (HA)

About Lefiti (who has more experience in the offense than Tiwanak), Shaw said:
"Sila is an outstanding, strong, agile athlete who loves to play football." (HA)

HA Note: "Lefiti has practiced as the No. 2 right guard. Tiwanak played two seasons at Fresno City College, then attended a Hawai'i community college last fall to earn enough credits to enroll at UH-Manoa."

About transferring to UH, Tiwanak said:
"I kind of missed my family. I wanted to be home. I wanted to play in front of my family." (HA)

About how Estes has helped him with his footwork and hand placement on blocks, Tiwanak said:
"He's one of the best in the nation. He has a lot of things to teach the younger guys — a lot of tips and techniques. I think it's a good thing to learn from him." (HA)

HSB Note: "Center John Estes is expected to miss the next couple of days of practice with a bruised lower left leg. The senior captain was hurt during a goal-line period late in yesterday's practice. He was carted from the field with ice on his leg and had X-rays taken, which didn't show a break."

About Estes' injury, Mac said:
"He's got a contusion, but he's fine and we're going to hold him out for a couple of days. We're at a point where we just have to get him ready for the game." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Sophomore Matagisila Lefiti is Estes' backup at center, followed by junior transfer Bronson Tiwanak. UH offensive line coach Gordy Shaw said he also plans to give starting right guard Raphael Ieru a look at center, with Lefiti getting work at guard."

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