Hawaii football player Craig Cofer will be able to have his steak and eat it, too.
Cofer is in a win-win situation for the Warriors’ spring game today at the Ching Athletic Complex. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. There is no admission fee.
Cofer will be playing for both the Black and White teams. He also will be allowed to play tight end and defensive end, depending on each team’s needs.
“I get to play both ways on both teams,” Cofer said. “That’s like four positions. That’s cool.”
The winning team has been promised steak.
Actually, the winners get to stand in line first for the postgame meal. And the steak?
“That’s only hamburger steak,” Cofer said, smiling.
UH head coach Norm Chow, who will serve as the game’s commissioner, said: “The school can’t afford real steak.”
The game will serve as the metaphorical dessert marking the conclusion of this spring training.
“It’s a good way to end the spring,” quarterback Ikaika Woolsey said.
The Warriors were divided into two teams — the Black team, led by defensive line coach Lewis Powell, and the White team, directed by offensive line coach Chris Naeole.
Each position was further split into two groups. The jan-ken-po winner between Powell and Naeole had the first selection of a position group, with the other coach automatically assigned the second group.
The draft was conducted Tuesday night in a football conference room. The start was delayed an hour because of excessive catering.
The game will feature these rules:
>> Each quarter will be 15 minutes running time.
>> Borrowing the Hula Bowl mercy rule, the team trailing by at least 21 points keeps possession, even after scoring.
>> No rushing on field-goal or point-after attempts.
>> Each team is allowed two off-the-playbook special plays.
“We have some things up our sleeves,” said Woolsey, who will start at quarterback for the Black team. “The White squad better be ready. We’re going to come out firing.”
Running back Joey Iosefa, defensive end Tavita Woodard and slotback Scott Harding will be held out of the game.
“I’m a free agent,” Iosefa said.
“I’m an undrafted free agent,” Woodard added.
Woodard, who was the Warriors’ top pass rusher this spring, had hoped to play and did not want to give the appearance of receiving special treatment.
“I understand where (the coaches) are coming from,” Woodard said.
Chow said: “They’ve had great springs. There’s nothing left for them to prove.”
The Warriors will have to be creative in replacing Harding, who also is the Warriors’ top holder and punt returner.
The game will provide a final audition for several walk-on players. The Warriors kept the newcomer list short this spring. No player on the spring roster will be cut.
Woolsey, who is competing for the No. 2 quarterback’s job, said he looks forward to this outing.
Woolsey’s father, who lives in California, traveled to Hawaii for this game.
“Every time I step on the field, it’s an opportunity to show my skills,” Woolsey said.
BLACK
Head coach: Lewis Powell.
Assistants: Aaron Price, Daronte’ Jones, Chris Weisehan, Lance Samuseva, Ed Taamu.
Quarterbacks: Ikaika Woolsey, Jeremy Higgins.
Running backs: Marcus Langkilde, Jason Muraoka.
Receivers: Duke Bukoski, Chris Gant, Sam Lee, Bubba Poueu-Luna.
Tight ends/H-backs: Clark Evans, Harold Moleni, Craig Cofer.
Offensive line: Ben Clarke, Mike Milovale, Kiha Sai, Kody Afusia, Frank Loyd, Tyler Brown.
Defensive line: Penitito Faalologo, Calen Friel, Marcus Malepeai, Niko Uti.
Linebackers: Brenden Daley, TJ Taimatuia, Lance Williams, Kawehi Sablan.
Defensive backs: Anthony Pierce, Dee Maggit, John Hardy-Tuliau, Kawika Borden, Mike Martin, Josh Gist, Dante Johnson, Keahi Hogan.
Kicker: Ceejay Santos.
WHITE
Head coach: Chris Naeole
Assistants: Thom Kaumeyer, Tony Tuioti, Jordan Wynn, Phil Rauscher, Jared Vanderbeek.
Quarterbacks: Taylor Graham, Justin Alo.
Running backs: Justin Lopez, Steven Lakalaka.
Receivers: Billy Ray Stutzmann, Trevor Davis, Donnie King, Cecil Doe, Elijah Langley.
Tight ends/H-backs: Josh Long, Justin Velen, Craig Cofer.
Offensive line: Brenden Urban, Dave Lefotu, Sean Shigematsu, Ben Dew, David Griffin, Tyler Brown.
Defensive line: Hiram Thomson, Mike Andrade, Ikaika Cavaco-Amoy, George Daily-Lyles.
Linebackers: Kamalani Alo, Jerrol Garcia-Williams, Julian Gener, Benny Fonua, Jonathan Makaiau.
Defensive backs: Tony Grimes, Ne’Quan Phillips, Charles Clay, Marrell Jackson, Ryan Pasoquen, Brian Clay, Chaz Bajet, Josh Donovan, Damien Packer.
Kicker: Tyler Yamanouchi
