HONOLULU (AP) — In a dramatic finish, backup quarterback Luke Weaver connected with Nick Cenacle for a 22-yard touchdown pass with just 10 seconds left, leading Hawaii to a 35-31 comeback win over California in the Hawaii Bowl.
Weaver stepped in after starter Micah Alejado took a hard hit. With the Rainbow Warriors (9-4) in striking distance for a potential tying field goal, head coach Timmy Chang made a bold decision. Instead of settling for the field goal, he aimed for the end zone. Cenacle made a remarkable catch between two defenders to score.
“How amazing is that?” Chang said. “This program is built on faith, and these guys deserve it.”
This victory marks Hawaii’s first nine-win season since 2019, a year when they achieved a 10-5 record under former coach Nick Rolovich, who is currently serving as Cal’s interim coach.
Alejado had a standout performance, completing 32 of 46 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, helping his team recover from an early 21-0 deficit. Pofele Ashlock was a key target, recorded 14 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, and the team scored a total of 22 points in a thrilling fourth quarter.
California (7-6) briefly took the lead at 31-28 with a touchdown run by freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who had an impressive night himself, throwing for 343 yards and one touchdown.
Alejado’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Brandon White shifted the momentum in Hawaii’s favor, granting them a 28-24 lead. The Rainbow Warriors tied the game early in the fourth when Alejado found Ashlock for their second touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion.
Chang praised his team’s resilience, saying, “These boys continue to fight through adversity. They learn the hard way, but that’s what matters.”
Historically, Hawaii improved its bowl game record to 9-6, while California’s dropped to 12-14-1. Coach Justin Wilcox of Cal was recently fired, and Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi will take over next season. Despite changes, Sagapolutele has committed to staying with the program through 2026.
As Hawaii looks to build on this success, they will need to adjust after leading receiver Jackson Harris announced his intention to transfer. However, both Alejado and Ashlock plan to return, promising continuity for the team’s growth.
Sagapolutele notably has thrown 178 consecutive passes without an interception, just shy of the school record set by Jared Goff in 2015.
Next season, Cal will kick off their schedule hosting UCLA on September 5, 2026. Hawaii will open their season against Stanford on August 29 in the Bay Area.
For more updates and statistics, check out the AP college football coverage here.
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