Hawaii Stuns California with Last-Minute Touchdown in Bowl Game

In a thrilling finish, the University of Hawaii secured a dramatic 35-31 victory over the University of California in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on December 27, 2023. Backup quarterback Drew Weaver delivered a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with just 10 seconds remaining, capping a remarkable comeback for the Rainbow Warriors.

Weaver stepped in after starting quarterback Micah Alejado sustained a hard hit on the previous play. With the team positioned to potentially tie the game, head coach Timmy Chang opted for a bold strategy, targeting the end zone rather than settling for a field goal. Cenacle managed to maneuver between two defenders, securing the contested catch that ultimately clinched victory for Hawaii.

This win marks a historic achievement for Chang, who is in his fourth year as head coach and led the program to its first nine-win season since 2019. That year, Hawaii, under former coach Nick Rolovich, finished with a 10-5 record.

Alejado had a strong performance, completing 32 of 46 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns. His leadership on the field was crucial as Hawaii rallied from an early 21-0 deficit. Pofele Ashlock was a standout receiver, recording 14 catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team’s fourth-quarter surge.

California initially took control of the game, establishing a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter with a touchdown run by Anthony League. However, the Rainbow Warriors responded with resilience. Alejado’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Brandon White in the final quarter shifted momentum, giving Hawaii a brief 28-24 lead. They tied the game once more after connecting on a two-point conversion to Cam Barfield.

The Golden Bears, who finished the season with a 7-6 record, regained the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run from freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who ended the night with 343 passing yards and one touchdown. Despite their efforts, California was unable to secure a win as Hawaii capitalized on the late-game opportunity.

Looking ahead, Hawaii has several key players committed to returning, including Alejado and Ashlock, despite the loss of leading receiver Jackson Harris, who has announced his intention to transfer. The Rainbow Warriors are poised for continued improvement as they enter Chang’s fifth season.

California, on the other hand, will be under new leadership next season as they prepare to welcome Tosh Lupoi, the current defensive coordinator at Oregon, to replace Justin Wilcox, who was dismissed last month. The Golden Bears are scheduled to host UCLA on September 5, 2026, while Hawaii will kick off their next season against Stanford on August 29, 2024.

This thrilling bowl game served as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hawaii team, celebrating a season of noteworthy achievements and setting the stage for future successes.