The University of Hawaiʻi football team took over in the second half of its season opener, scoring 21 unanswered points to secure a 35-14 win over Delaware State at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, August 24.
Quarterback Brayden Schager got it done with both his arm and his legs, kicking off his senior campaign with two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns to lead the Rainbow Warriors to the Week 0 victory in front of a crowd of 12,206.
After Delaware State scored on its final possession of the first half and its first drive of the second, Schager gave the Warriors the lead back with a 15-yard touchdown run. The Warriors pulled away in the fourth quarter with Dekel Crowdus’ 29-yard touchdown reception and Schager’s 1-yard sneak.
Schager completed 17 of 34 attempts for 203 yards and rushed for 38 yards. He completed passes to eight receivers with Pofele Ashlock leading the way with five receptions for 81 yards. Tylan Hines sparked the Warriors with a 44-yard punt return for a touchdown late in the first quarter and led UH with 99 all-purpose yards.
Linebacker Jamih Otis led the defense with a career-high 11 tackles, 8 solo, including 2.5 tackles for loss. The Warriors forced Delaware State punts on the Hornets’ first seven possessions and their last five of the game.
The Rainbow Warriors will stay on Oʻahu and host the UCLA Bruins on August 31. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex and the game will be nationally televised.
For more, visit the UH Mānoa Athletics website.
