HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior football team defeated Sam Houston State University BearKats on Saturday.
The ‘Bows defense showed up early and held the BearKats out of the endzone, avenging last season’s loss to SHU in Huntsville, Texas.
UH, now 2-1 on the season, also avenged last week’s loss against the University of Arizona Wildcats.
Luke Weaver started the game for the ‘Bows in place of starting quarterback Micah Alejado, who reinjured his ankle last week and was seen in a walking boot earlier in the week.
Alejado was not suited up during warm-ups.
Weaver threw for 294 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Quarter 1
Hawaii won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Sam Houston received the ball to start the game.
‘Bows punter Sean Olvera-Harle kicked the ball out of bounds, and the BearKats began their drive at the 35-yard line.
UH stopped the SHU’s drive and punted. Hawaii started its first drive of the game at the 20-yard line after a fair catch was waved.
QB Luke Weaver took to the field and drove the team to the 1-yard line and scored.
Manoa’s defense held the BearKats to a field goal.
Hawaii leads Sam Houston 7-3.
Quarter 2
Weaver and the ‘Bows were stopped after a sack by the BearKats and were forced to punt.
Manoa’s defence returned the favor and sacked BearKats QB Mabrey Mettauer, and were forced to punt.
Manoa punted again, but during the BearKats’ drive, Bow’s linebacker, Giovanni Iovino, intercepted Mettauer and scored off a 41-yard run to the endzone.
‘Bows linebacker Jamih Otis was ejected from the game for a targeting penalty, resulting in a BearKats field goal.
‘Bows kicker Kansei Matsuzawa ended the half with a 38-yard field goal.
Hawaii leads Sam Houston 17-6.
Quarter 3
Weaver led the ‘Bows downfield after receiving the kick to start the half, but was stopped short and settled for a field goal from the 43-yard line.
However, on the next drive, Weaver was intercepted by BearKats defensive back Emon Allen, who ran it in for a 66-yard touchdown.
Hawaii leads Sam Houston 20-13.
Quarter 4
Weaver completed a six-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Pofele Ashlock to open the quarter.
‘Bows received a penalty that brought the BearKats closer to the endzone and scored, bringing the game within a touchdown.
Landyn Locke replaced Mabrey Mettauer as the BearKats’ quarterback.
The ‘Bow’s drive was halted by the BearKats’ defence, and settled for a 19-yard field goal.
However, with just over two minutes left in regulation, the ‘Bow’s drove down field and Weaver completed a 15-yard pass to Ashlock for another Hawaii touchdown.
The Manoa defence kept Sam Houston from any forward progress as the game ended.
Hawaii wins against Sam Houston 37-20.
UH takes on Portland State next weekend.
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