Hawaii completed an incredible comeback to defeat California 35-31 in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Wednesday night. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with just 10 seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Rainbow Warriors.
Weaver stepped into the game after starter Micah Alejado suffered a significant hit on the previous play. With the team in position for a possible tying field goal, head coach Timmy Chang opted to aim for the end zone. Cenacle found a way to get between two defensive backs, making a contested catch that clinched the game.
Alejado had an impressive 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 standout receiver, making 14 catches for 123 yards and scoring two touchdowns as Hawaii surged in the fourth quarter, scoring 22 points.
California initially took control of the game, leading 31-28 with 1:57 left when freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who was born in Hawaii, scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. Sagapolutele finished with 343 passing yards and one touchdown. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Alejado connected with Brandon White for a 17-yard touchdown pass that gave Hawaii a 28-24 lead. The score was tied shortly after when Alejado found Ashlock again, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to Cam Barfield.
Chang praised his players for their resilience, stating, “These boys just keep continuing to fight through adversity and I love them for that. They learn the hard way, but they learn how to do it and that”s what”s important.” California had surged to a 21-0 advantage early in the second quarter thanks to Anthony League”s 8-yard touchdown run.
After the game, Rolovich acknowledged Hawaii”s effort, stating, “They fought to the end and they deserve a lot of credit for that. Timmy deserves a lot of credit for that.” With this victory, Hawaii improved its all-time bowl game record to 9-6, while California”s record dropped to 12-14-1.
Looking ahead, California had been projected to finish near the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference but managed to tie for seventh place. Coach Justin Wilcox was dismissed last month, with Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi set to take over next season. Sagapolutele has committed to remain with the program into 2026.
As Hawaii prepares for Chang”s fifth season, the team has a strong foundation to build on. Although leading receiver Jackson Harris announced his transfer and did not participate in the game, both Alejado and Ashlock have expressed their intention to return.
Notably, Sagapolutele has thrown 178 consecutive passes without an interception, just seven shy of the school record held by Jared Goff from the 2015 season.
