Hawaii Stuns Cal in Hawaii Bowl With Backup QB’s Last-Minute TD Pass
HONOLULU — The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors delivered one of the most thrilling finishes of the college football postseason, rallying from a huge early deficit to defeat the California Golden Bears 35-31 in the Hawaii Bowl.
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After trailing 21-0, Hawaii slowly chipped away before finally taking the lead for good with only 10 seconds remaining. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver came off the bench and fired a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Weaver entered the game after starter Micah Alejado was shaken up on the previous play. Rather than settling for a potential game-tying field goal, head coach Timmy Chang trusted his offense — and the aggressive call paid off in dramatic fashion as Cenacle hauled in the pass between two Cal defenders.
Alejado later returned and still played a major role in the comeback, finishing with 274 passing yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Pofele Ashlock was a go-to target all night, recording 14 catches for 123 yards and two scores as Hawaii erupted for 22 fourth-quarter points.
Cal had appeared to seize control again late in the game, retaking the lead 31-28 on a strong final drive. But Hawaii’s response — a composed 68-yard march capped by Weaver’s strike — showcased the resilience and belief Chang has been building within the program.
With the victory, Hawaii finishes the season at 9-4, while California falls to 7-6. The game will be remembered as one of the most dramatic moments in Hawaii Bowl history — a Christmas-week classic defined by momentum swings, bold decisions, and a backup quarterback ready for the moment.
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