JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Hawaii quarterback Luke Weaver (2) throws the football against the Sam Houston Bearkats during the second half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Ching Field in Honolulu.
Reserve power fueled the Hawaii football team’s 37-20 victory over Sam Houston at Ching Complex tonight.
A crowd of 10,373 saw quarterback Luke Weaver throw three touchdown passes and direct three other scoring drives, and walk-on linebacker Giovanni Iovino parlayed a deflected throw into a 41-interception return for a touchdown as the Rainbow Warriors improved to 2-1 with their third consecutive home victory dating back to last season.
Kansei Matsuzawa, UH’s Japan-reared and YouTube-taught kicker, converted three field goals to extend his streak to eight consecutive treys to open the season. His 19-yarder with 3:01 to play provided a decisive cushion.
After another defensive stand, the Warriors had one last possession. This one ended with Weaver’s 15-yard scoring pass to Pofele Ashlock on fourth down. Ashlock finished with seven catches for 125 yards.
Weaver, who was a junior college All-American for Modesto College last season, made his first UH start in place of Micah Alejdo. Alejado did not practice this week after aggravating an injury to his right foot during last week’s game against Arizona. Alejado was not in uniform.
Weaver was 27-for-43 for 294 yards.
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Hawaii will host FCS member Portland State next Saturday as part of a three-game homestand.