Stare at the University of Hawai'i football team's dizzying scoring stats long enough and, like a stereograph, something well defined and unexpected emerges: the team's oft-maligned but newly redeemed defense.

Since giving up 44 points to Louisiana Tech on Sept. 8, the Warriors defense has exerted its will, not just in the sacks, tackles and break-ups columns, but on the scoring ledger as well.

The Warriors (5-0) have recorded defensive touchdowns in the last three games.

"It's something we've been working on in practice every day," said cornerback Myron Newberry, who yesterday was named Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. "Every week, we go out there just trying to make plays. If I get an interception, I'm looking to score if I can."

Against Idaho on Saturday, the defensive team's offensive inclinations proved pivotal.

With less than five minutes to go in the first quarter, senior linebacker Adam Leonard intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown — his second in consecutive games.

Newberry helped break open the game in the second quarter with back-to-back interceptions, the second of which he returned 76 yards for another touchdown.

"(Newberry) has really gotten better every week," said head coach June Jones. "He's bought into the scheme. All the corners have."

Newberry, in turn, praised a defensive scheme that "helps you make plays."

The senior from Denton, Texas, said he finds motivation in the lavish attention paid to the team's prolific offense.

"Not in a negative way, but we know our offense is great and we try to be just as tight," he said. "They helped us out down at Louisiana Tech, and we helped them out against Charleston (Southern) and Idaho. Every week, we go out and do the best we can do."

Newberry said he is also keenly aware how quickly things can turn, despite the program's best start in 26 years and unprecedented rankings in the USA Today Coaches Poll (No. 15) and Associated Press Top 25 (No. 16).

"We saw what happened this weekend with everybody getting upset," he said. "We're just entering our sixth week and we can't afford to take anybody lightly."

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