HONOLULU — In his first career start, quarterback Luke Weaver threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns to lead Hawaiʻi to a 37–20 win over Sam Houston on Saturday night at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Weaver, a junior college transfer, saved his best for the fourth quarter, guiding the Rainbow Warriors (2–1) to three scoring drives that sealed the game. He connected with Pofele Ashlock on two touchdown passes — a 6-yarder early in the quarter and a 15-yarder with under two minutes remaining — and helped set up a 19-yard field goal by kicker Kansei Matsuzawa in between.
Ashlock Leads Receiving Corps
Ashlock had a standout night with seven catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. The junior wideout has now caught at least one pass in 27 consecutive games and already has 22 receptions through three contests this season.
Defense Delivers
On the defensive side, Giovanni Iovino made a momentum-swinging play with a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first half. The pick-6 gave the Rainbow Warriors a spark and put pressure on the Bearkats, who struggled to find rhythm offensively.
Bearkats Struggle, Lose Starting QB
Sam Houston (0–3) started backup quarterback Mabrey Mettauer in place of the injured Hunter Watson. Mettauer went 12-of-18 for 91 yards with an interception and added 45 rushing yards before exiting in the fourth quarter after a hard hit by Iovino.
Freshman quarterback Landyn Locke took over and made his collegiate debut, completing 6 of 10 passes for 68 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown strike to Elijah Greene that narrowed the score to 27–20 with 8:15 left.
Sam Houston’s defense also contributed with a highlight of its own — a 66-yard interception return for a touchdown by Emon Allen in the third quarter.
Special Teams Step Up
Matsuzawa was perfect on the night, hitting field goals of 38, 43, and 19 yards. His 38-yarder closed the first half and gave Hawaiʻi a 17–7 lead at the break.
Injury Notes:
Hawaiʻi quarterback Micah Alejado (leg) did not play.
Up Next:
Hawaiʻi will aim to build on its momentum as it returns home next Saturday to face New Mexico State.
Sam Houston will continue to search for its first win of the season with a home matchup against North Texas.
