The University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors earned a victory over UMass in their season debut to start the year off strong. Under the watchful eye of second-year head coach Nick Rolovich, the Warriors look to bounce off their bowl-eligible first season. QB Dru Brown has been a solid addition to UH’s roster as he has quick feet and a strong arm, allowing him to connect with crucial receivers such as John Ursua and Metuisela ʻUnga. Against UMass, Brown completed 25 of 38 attempts for 391 yards, three TDs and one INT. Not too shabby for a second year starter in a rebuilding offense. He also recorded eight carries for 19 yards and one 29-yard TD. The Warriors finished the first quarter tied up at 7 but recorded handfuls of penalties, stalling what could have been momentum in their favor. The second quarter ended again tied up with 14 scores a piece. The UMass Minutemen grabbed the ball to start the second half and used their offense to add another score before adding a second TD with 4 minutes left in the quarter. A good PAT by UH’s Alex Trifonovitch evened the scores out a bit, but the Warriors still trailed 28-21 at the end of the third. Brown started the fourth quarter out with a bang as he nailed a pass to WR Marcus Armstrong-Brown, tying up the game at 28-28. UMass added another TD to their collection, but another made attempt by Trifonovitch left the score at 35-31 with five minutes left in the game. With only 48 seconds left, Brown connected with ʻUnga on third and goal at the seven-yard-line to secure the 38-35 comeback victory.
