Saturday, October 15, 2022
By Tanner Haworth
In their first game played in the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in a month, the Rainbow Warriors came home with a win over the Nevada Wolf Pack 31-16. Offense headlined the game, as the Hawaii offense gained 396 yards after averaging 318 yards per game prior to tonight.
Since head coach Timmy Chang started to implement more Run-n-Shoot concepts into Ian Shoemaker’s offense, the Hawaii offense has blossomed into a high-powered offense.
Brayden Schager finished going 13-25 for 173 yards and atouchdown, most importantly another long bomb to Zion Bowens in his second game back from injury. Bowens led all receivers with 79 yards and a touchdown.
The thunder and lightning duo of Dedrick Parson and Tylan Hines made sure the Wolf Pack didn’t get too comfortable dropping back in coverage, as they combined for 206 yards. Parson finished the night as the leading rusher with 136 yards and three touchdowns from the redzone.
Hawaii finished the night with their best offensive performance this season, but it takes more than an explosive offense to win games.
The Hawaii defense saw an amazing performance cut short against San Diego State with a last second field goal, and Jacob Yoro brought the same mentality to the Wolf Pack Saturday night. Nevada only gained 277 yards, including 89 yards on the ground marking the second week in a row where Hawaii contained opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.
Penei Pavihi led the defense with eight tackles and Logan Taylor filled in for injured starter Isaiah Tufaga with five of his own as well as a quarterback pressure. The secondary held strong with starters Hugh Nelson and Virdell Edwards combining for three pass breakups.
The defensive line headlined the brick wall run defense, as super senior John Tuitupou finished with four tackles, a TFL, and a strip sack for the lone turnover for the ‘Bows. Jonah Kahahawai-Welch and Andrew Choi combined for three TFL’s of their own as well.
Timmy Chang finished the night with a win over his former team, his first victory against an FBS opponent and most importantly gave Hawaii a 1-1 record in the Mountain West. The ‘Bows travel to Fort Collins next week to take on another bottom team in the Mountain West in the Colorado State Rams. Another important game for Coach Chang as he takes on his former head coach in Jay Norvell, a man he followed from Nevada to CSU before taking the Hawaii job earlier this year.
Photos by Grant Shishido
Photos by David Croxford
