Christmas surprises

How many college teams had a UFC champion as an honorary captain?
max
Max Holloway’s appearance was one of the Warriors’ surprises in the Hawaii Bowl.

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The most creative surprise was the fake punt and Makoa Camanse-Stevens’ believable acting. Camanse-Stevens feigned confusion, then took a 20-yard snap from Noah Borden. Camanse-Stevens, who was a Kamehameha quarterback, then made the 21-yard throw to Ammon Barker. Camanse-Stevens said he took an introductory acing class at Kamehameha. “Good education up on that mountain,” Rolovich said.

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It turned out to be a special season for special teams coordinator Mayur Chaudhari. The Warriors improved their field position when they switched their kickoff strategy at mid-season. They also had key blocks, and were successful on two fake punts. Rigo Sanchez was perfect on all 13 field-goal attempts, cementing his place as the most accurate kicker in the program’s history. Chaudhari also was able to craft roles for Ammon Barker and Dejaun Butler on special teams.


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Defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa and assistant coach Sean Duggan have found ways to developed young linebackers. First, it was Jeremiah Pritchard. Then Solomon Mautatia had key starts. And last night, Ikem Okeke made the momentum-turning sack/fumble. After the game, Rolovich lifted the media restrictions on interviewing true freshmen. “He’s not a freshman anymore,” Rolovich said of Okeke.

COMMENTS

  1. al December 25, 2016 9:48 am

    Great season


  2. Graham December 25, 2016 9:54 am

    Great game last night, just awesome to watch. Rolo was the perfect hire for this program. I have a good feeling about next season and about recruiting. Praying that Rolo stays for awhile.


  3. NorthShoreFan December 25, 2016 10:01 am

    Again….Guud Morning Tsaikos…Bootiful Day!

    Great Christmas present from the Warriors!
    this is what a healthy Warrior team can do. something to build on for next year
    Clyde…Thanks for the post game presser video link…was Hilarious!


  4. NorthShoreFan December 25, 2016 10:07 am

    thinking Max wen go talk to da team and wen tell dem about no give ups. look like wen help cause dey wen play like Warriors! punch fo punch den wen knock um out.


  5. pakipark December 25, 2016 10:10 am

    Seems appropriate that a Coach named Nick would win on Christmas Eve. Congratulations to Coach Nick and his team. Good game, good season.


  6. Da Punchbowl Kid December 25, 2016 10:19 am

    Awesome job, Warriors!

    PRIDE has returned to the ROCK!
    GO WARRIORS!!!


  7. Honu888 December 25, 2016 10:47 am

    That fake punt trick was pretty awesome to see but what was more impressive was Borden’s snap. 2o yards deep and also Makoa wasn’t directly behind Rigo, he was off to the right side. Other than the snap being just a tad bit high that was darn impressive!

    Also want to mention that the one ref almost blew it for us. Almost interrupted that play.


  8. Honu888 December 25, 2016 10:52 am

    Congrats again to the Rainbow Warrior football team. It was an awesome feeling to be at that game and to see the seniors finish their collegiate careers with a Bowl Victory!! Well deserved!

    Merry Christmas everyone!!


  9. Ipu Man December 25, 2016 10:56 am

    Is it August yet?


  10. leron December 25, 2016 11:17 am

    Bring on Western Carolina!!!


  11. D-Bone December 25, 2016 12:28 pm

    My family and I had the distinct pleasure of being in the stands for the Senior Night Game and the Bowl Game last night. We were also in attendance at every mainland game. All these games were exciting to watch and displayed the “Never Give Up” attitude the Rainbow Warriors demonstrated this season. People, this team is on the rise and “Pride Rock” is back!!! Rolo has done a tremendous job with the talent inherited. No disrespect to Woolsey, however, I believe had Dru Brown been inserted as the starting QB sooner, the season may have been even more successful. We’re gonna enjoy this season and look forward to next. “Live Aloha, Play Warrior”…..GO BOWS 2017!!!


  12. islandman December 25, 2016 1:04 pm

    Makoa threw the ball about 41 yards, if he was 20 yards in back of the scrimmage line. It was on 4th and three at the MTSU 47.


  13. H-Man December 25, 2016 1:36 pm

    The fans in Section DD, South End Zone were raucous and fun. They cheered loudly and made the game that much more fun. Congratulations to Coach Rolo, staff and team. Thank you for the win. It’s a game I won’t forget.. .a bowl victory to celebrate.


  14. Ipu Man December 25, 2016 1:44 pm

    Let’s go and get those recruits, Rolo!


  15. Inyoface December 25, 2016 2:34 pm

    Why wasn’t Eli playing center? Maybe prepping Ulu Perry for next year.


  16. clyde December 25, 2016 2:54 pm

    #14: I believe Eli only played on placekicking team. Perhaps the injury set him back, but RS frosh Hensley started at RG and played every snap after hardly playing at all this season. Bodes well for the future as Naeole builds OL depth.


  17. Mad Dog December 25, 2016 2:59 pm

    Thanks to the coaching staff and the players for the most entertaining game in years! Truthfully, I told my game partner last month I hope the team would not be selected for the Hawai`i Bowl because I anticipated an embarrassing loss like the preceding three bowl games. I am so glad we decided to attend the game as the coaches and players made me eat humble pie. There were times when I thought “oh my goodness, we are executing critical plays as if we were Boise State.” As the excited fans departed Aloha Stadium, I reminisced past victories, like Rolo’s romp over BYU, with complete strangers who shared the exhilaration of the game. Well done players and coaches. Well done.


  18. NotNasti December 25, 2016 4:08 pm

    Signature win baby! With all the young studs getting playing time this year, and with the addition of the redshirts and new players, the future’s looking bright. Can’t wait till next year. Merry Christmas Tsaikos , far and near.


  19. Manoa Mist December 25, 2016 4:40 pm

    Even my girlfriend knew the key play in the game was the fumble caused by Okeke. My mom is 82. She was a faithful season ticket holder for 35 years until she got too old to go to games. We watch PPV at her house now. The last few years been hard to watch UH. Rolo: last night you guys made my Mom happy. She loves the Rainbows man. And not just that we won, but how we came back, how it was a great college football game and how our defense kicked some butt. We support Rolo, win or lose. But if he wins, we all want to give him a big fat kiss. Thanks for a great year Rolo. Thanks for coming home and putting things straight again. Merry Chirstmas!


  20. Tarheel warrior December 25, 2016 5:06 pm

    Great game, not to mentioned a great season after what the team had to endure the past couple of years. It’s easier to stay up on the east coast to watch or listen to the games when the team is winning. Looking forward to next season. Great job again to the coaching staff and outgoing seniors.


  21. Jack Flash December 25, 2016 5:13 pm

    Great way to end the season Warriors! Games are exciting again, and we’ll see you next season!


  22. Boya_jr December 25, 2016 5:21 pm

    Enjoying the replay on ESPN 3 online. Didn’t get to hear the commentary bc I was at a dinner party so nice to watch this afternoon. Go Warriors!


  23. kalua pig December 25, 2016 5:42 pm

    pride rock cuz.


  24. oneseason December 25, 2016 5:59 pm

    The fake was pretty unique. It called attention to the player that was about to get the ball. I thought having the coach was yell at Camanse-Stevens (CS) was a nice added touch to sell the fake. Watching, I was frustrated that Rolo wasn’t calling time out instead of yelling at CS. I can’t wait for next season.


  25. hilosupaman December 25, 2016 7:18 pm

    I stayed up/got up early watching/listening to every game this season while serving in South West Asia. It was well worth the long days after game days. Something about this team, I just knew they were special. Happy for the boyz and our staff. Great win for the program!

    Looking forward to being at home for the next season

    #LiveAlohaPlayWarrior #ExpectToWin


  26. A-House December 25, 2016 7:38 pm

    while many teams will win bowl games this year and if they and UH are head-to-head for players

    hope players and parents give serious consideration to how well UH played last night and how wonderful, for mainland or international parents, to have an option of enjoying Christmas’ future in the balmy skies of Hawaii on Christmas eves to come

    UH may not win all, but heck of a way to soak up the sunshine on the beach at Waikiki!!!

    now, if the Hawaii Tourism Authority will only consider making an annual $3 million donation to UH besides the Legislature, it would bode well for the future of UH athletics in 2017 and beyond

    HTA chair was on TV last evening from Aloha Stadium and readily admitted how sports, in general, bring millions of $$$ into the State — wonder if anyone did a study to determine how much $$$ UH opponents bring into Hawaii?

    maybe an econ or TIM class at UH can conduct the study as a class assignment


  27. kapakahi December 25, 2016 8:02 pm

    Will be interesting for Rolo (along with Smitty, Abe, and Stutz) to recruit against and coach against their former UH teammates in the MWC……
    https://twitter.com/CoachJayNorvell/status/811664520955371520
    https://twitter.com/FresnoStateFB/status/812073330882715648


  28. boya_jr December 25, 2016 8:27 pm

    #27 A-House, I believe a study was conducted by UH business school students in 2015.

    Mānoa Athletics Department plays huge role in Hawaiʻi economy

    The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics Department is a significant part of Hawaii’s economy according to a report produced by the Shidler College of Business. In fiscal year 2013–14, the UH Athletics Department generated $66 million in Hawaiʻi spending on labor, goods and services.

    If the UH Mānoa Athletics Department was measured by its total budget, it would be the 155th largest enterprise in the state.


  29. kev-1 December 25, 2016 10:29 pm

    So who was that kid with Rolo during the press conference? I didn’t really get it, other than the fact it was for pidgin translation. Was there more to it? I thought maybe that was a recruit or something.


  30. clyde December 25, 2016 11:00 pm

    kev-1: Rolo was just having fun with the media, which, I’m assuming were the same assembled local reporters he sees after every game. He probably should have stopped after a couple of “translations” while it was still fresh and funny. But Rolo did summarize his feelings toward the end.
    I, too, wondered who his “interpreter” was, but Rasmussen made a remark like “oh, they’re bringing in the real young ones now.” Judging from the roster photos, I think it was redshirt frosh Kumoku Noa. Could be wrong, though.


  31. warriorwahine December 25, 2016 11:21 pm

    2. yes

    5. yes

    6. YES

    24. CHEEHOO!!!

    rolos sure has some charismatic in him. good that he was hired. his strategic insight and tactical brilliance have proved superior once again.

    Mele Kalikimaka!


  32. Stephen Tsai December 26, 2016 12:55 am

    New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=40802


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