Wearing No. 2 on the roster, Luke Weaver rose to No. 1 on the depth chart this week and helped lead the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa football team to its second win of the season in a 37-20 victory over Sam Houston on September 6 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
“Those guys had a great week of practice. I think that’s what it starts with us, understanding what type of mindset we have to have going into these weeks,” Head Coach Timmy Chang said. “Proud of those guys. I’m proud of how they played in all three phases. There’s stuff to clean up of course and we’ll get to watching the film and then it’s back to Monday work.”
With Micah Alejado sidelined due to injury, Weaver made his first start for the Rainbow Warriors (2-1) and completed 27-of-43 attempts for 294 yards and three touchdowns in the opener of a three-game homestand.
Weaver connected with Pofele Ashlock for seven completions, starting with a 47-yard reception on his first throw of the evening. Ashlock finished with 125 receiving yards and two touchdowns, with both scores coming in the second half as the Warriors avenged a loss to the Bearkats (0-3) last season in Texas.
Kansei Matsuzawa connected on three field goals to tie his season high and improve to 8-for-8 on the season.
The UH defense helped extend a first-half lead with linebacker Giovanni Iovino scoring on a 41-yard interception return. Safety Peter Manuma finished with a team-high six tackles and Lesterlaisene Lagafuaina registered 2.5 tackles for loss.
The Warriors continue the homestand with their homecoming game against Portland State on September 13 at the Ching Complex.
