Hawai'i Takes Control in 2nd Half to Down Delaware State

© Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Hawai'i took on Delaware State on Aug. 24 at the Clarence TC Ching Complex in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and defeated the Hornets 35-14. It was a slow start for the Rainbow Warriors on offense, but Hawai'i scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to secure the victory.

Warriors Dominate 2nd Half

Senior quarterback Brayden Schager led the way for the Warriors passing for 203 yards and 2 passing touchdowns, and he added two scores with his legs. Schager opened up the scoring with an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Tomatoa Mokiao-Atimalala. Eight different receivers caught passes for the Warriors, with Pofele Ashlock leading the team with 5 receptions for 81 yards.

After an impeccable punt pinned the Hornets at their own 1-yard line, the Warrior defense forced a punt and Hawai'i return man Tylen Hines took the kick back 44 yards for the 'Bows' second score of the quarter.

Both defenses were stifling in the first half. The Warriors forced six consecutive three-and-outs before Hornets quarterback Marqui Adams scored on a 10-yard run just before halftime. The Hornets would score on their opening possession of the second half, before Schager and company got rolling to close out the game.

A Change in Momentum

After a short touchdown run by Hornets' running back Jaden Sutton tied the game early in the third quarter, Schager led the Warriors on an 8-play, 67-yard drive that would open up the scoring for the 'Bows. With a little less than eight minutes to go in the third quarter, head coach Timmy Chang called a quarterback draw, and Schager sprinted 15 yards, stiff arming defenders along the way, and dove into the end zone. It was a statement play for an offense that would add two more scores to seal the victory.

© Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Looking Ahead

Hawai'i didn't get the offensive production that it had hoped for against the Hornets with only 28 offensive points, but the second half surge leaves room for optimism heading into Week 1. There is plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the ball, but the 'Bows hope the win sets a foundation for the coming season. The Warriors have a tough matchup ahead as the UCLA Bruins come to town. Hawai'i can fix any issues from the first two weeks as they have a bye after UCLA before a visit from the Sam Houston Bearkats.

Delaware State had hopes for significant improvement coming into 2024 after an abysmal 2023, and the development was apparent against the more-talented Rainbow Warriors. The final score was lopsided, but the Hornets showed the ability to move the ball on the ground, and the defense was able to frustrate what should be a really good passing offense. Head coach Lee Hall hopes to build on the positives from the game as the Hornets head into FCS play against Sacred Heart.