During an offensive drill Wednesday, a Hawaii offensive lineman moved a nanosecond too early.
For the remaining 15 minutes of football practice, the offensive players had to run sprints.
The punishment was a reminder that “we have to minimize our mistakes,” quarterback Bryant Moniz said. “Penalties are unusual for us. We’re trying to clean that up.”
In the first seven games, the Warriors were the Western Athletic Conference’s least-penalized team, averaging 38.4 yards per game. In last week’s 16-14 victory over Idaho, the Warriors committed nine penalties for 81 yards.
In that game, Moniz was sacked six times.
After Wednesday’s practice, the offensive linemen gathered, with line coach Gordy Shaw delivering a 10-minute speech. Then senior guard Matagisila Lefiti and center London Sapolu addressed the linemen.
“We needed to start the conversation,” Lefiti said. “People are kind of worried about (the offensive line). The seniors have to get that leadership and pick everybody up.”
The breakdowns in pass protection can be traced to lineup changes resulting from injuries, missed assignments and mismatches. Half of Idaho’s sacks occurred when the Warriors did not have a backfield blocker.
“Last week was a tough game,” said Sapolu, who exited for a series because of back tightness. “I think a lot of guys are trying to get over the hump — not exhaustion, but feeling a little fatigued.”
Lefiti said Wednesday’s sprints were a “reminder it won’t be easy this week (against Utah State). It could come down to the last play of the last quarter.”
Lefiti is Mr. Utility
Left guard Brett Leonard, who left the Idaho game after experiencing dizziness, did not practice Wednesday. He said he is not allowed to discuss his situation, but expects to resume practicing today.
Lefiti, who has been the backup at right guard the past two games, practiced at left guard.
“I’m Mr. Utility,” Lefiti said. “Wherever they need me, I’ll play.”
Lefiti opened the season as the No. 1 center. Because of a sprained knee, he moved to guard. When Sapolu experienced discomfort against Idaho, Lefiti moved to center.
“I’ve been in the system for five years,” Lefiti said. “Every day there’s something new. I have to attack it at full speed.”
Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, who has been rotating at right tackle, did not practice the past two days because of a sore left leg. He underwent an MRI on Monday, and hopes to play this weekend.
Jordan Loeffler, the backup left tackle, practiced at right tackle Wednesday.
“I have to fill in where the coach needs me,” said Loeffler, who practiced at right tackle for four weeks earlier this season.
Shigematsu update
Right tackle Sean Shigematsu, who suffered a season-ending injury against Washington in the second game, said he is on track to resume working out in March.
Shigematsu suffered tears to his MCL and ACL when a Washington defender inadvertently fell against his left knee. The MCL healed on its own; surgery was needed to repair the torn ACL.
“I’m getting better,” Shigematsu said. “I’m sticking to the rehab.”
Correa’s return nears
Defensive tackle Haku Correa said he hopes to be healthy enough to play in the Nov. 19 game against Fresno State.
Correa has been sidelined with what was initially misdiagnosed as torn ligaments in his right ankle. An ensuing MRI correctly showed a fracture.
Two pins were inserted into the right ankle for stabilization.
He said he can resume running next week.
