The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (9-4) took on the California Golden Bears (7-6) on Wednesday night in the Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl from Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Hawaii struggled in the first half, trailing 21-10 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Hawaii’s defense shut out California’s offense and scored a field goal to trail 21-13 heading into the fourth quarter. From there, Hawaii mounted a comeback by tying the game early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Micah Alejado threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Pofele Ashlock, plus successfully getting a two-point conversion that tied the game 21-21.
The Rainbow Warriors and the Golden Bears went back-and-forth before Hawaii put the game away when Luke Weaver threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle for a 35-31 win. It was Hawaii’s third straight bowl victory.
Hawaii’s offense had 395 yards (302 yards passing, 93 yards rushing), 24 first downs, and the team was penalized eight times for 55 yards. Quarterback Micah Alejado completed 32 of 46 passes (69.6%) for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and five carries for 33 yards. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver completed 2 of 3 passes (60%) for 28 yards and one touchdown.
Running back Landon Sims had nine carries for 36 yards and three catches for 17 yards. Wide receiver Pofele Ashlock made 14 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, while Nick Cenacle made eight catches for 59 yards and one touchdown, and Brandon White made one catch for 17 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Kansei Matsuzawa 2 of 3 field goals (66.7%) with a long of 39 yards, and made three extra points. The defense made 63 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and four pass breakups.
California’s offense had 488 yards (343 yards passing, 145 yards rushing), 29 first downs, and the team was penalized eight times for 85 yards. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele completed 28 of 39 passes (71.8%) for 323 yards, one touchdown, four carries for 15 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back Kendrick Raphael had 18 carries for 91 yards, one rushing touchdown, and three catches for 14 yards, and Anthony League had four carries for 25 yards and one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Jacob De Jesus made nine catches for 137 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Chase Meyer made one field goal for 22 yards and made four extra points. The defense made 66 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one pass breakup.
