Warriors Triumph Over California 35-31 in Thrilling Hawaii Bowl Victory
The Hawaii Warriors achieved a stunning 35-31 victory over the California Golden Bears in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. The match took place recently in front of a packed stadium, where the Warriors displayed remarkable resilience to secure their ninth win of the season.
Key Moments and Players
The game saw dramatic twists, particularly when backup quarterback Luke Weaver stepped in for an injured Micah Alejado. Weaver’s decisive throw to Nick Cenacle with just ten seconds left clinched the win for Hawaii. Cenacle, who hails from Montreal, made a spectacular catch in the end zone, showcasing his growth in American football since he began playing in 2022.
Game Dynamics
- First Quarter: California took an early lead, scoring first through a pass from quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.
- Second Quarter: The Golden Bears extended their lead with two more touchdowns, pushing their advantage to 21-0.
- Hawaii’s Response: Hawaii’s first touchdown came from Pofele Ashlock, who later played a vital role throughout the game with 14 receptions for 123 yards.
- Fourth Quarter Turnaround: Hawaii fought back, tying the game at 21-21 after scoring three consecutive touchdowns in the second half.
- Final Drive and Victory: With seconds remaining, Weaver connected with Cenacle for the game-winning touchdown.
Statistics Overview
| Team | First Downs | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 29 | 488 | 343 | 145 | 0 |
| Hawaii | 24 | 395 | 302 | 93 | 0 |
Coaches and Player Reflections
Hawaii’s coach, Timmy Chang, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, attributing their victory to the athletes’ hard work and determination. Meanwhile, Cenacle reflected on his journey, stating that he was grateful to have stayed at Hawaii after considering transferring.
In what was an emotional game, the matchup also featured ties to the past, with former teammates Chang and California’s interim coach Nick Rolovich leading their respective teams. Both were pivotal figures in the sport during the early 2000s.
This thrilling game will be remembered not just for its excitement but also for the strong sense of community it fostered among fans and players alike. The Warriors have now set a positive tone for future seasons, as they look to build on this momentum.
