By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor | SJSU senior quarterback Luke Weaver and senior running back Jabari Bates line up in the backfield against the University of Hawaii on Oct.3 . (Photo by Omar Alcaraz – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State football (3-2, 1-0 MW) defeated the University of Hawaii at Manoa 20-16 in the Dick Tomey Legacy Game, extending its winning streak against the Rainbow Warriors to six games.
With just over a minute remaining and needing a touchdown, the Rainbow Warriors advanced to the Spartans’ 37-yard line before attempting a Hail Mary pass that fell incomplete, sealing SJSU’s victory.
SJSU’s defense showed resilience after Hawaii’s offense scored on every second-half drive up to that point. With 6:48 on the clock, senior cornerback Caleb Womack ended the streak by forcing an interception.
“Our players are doing a really good job. We had some big picks; for the most part, we tried to cage Micah as best we could,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “Bojay [SJSU defensive coordinator] has been doing a great job with our defense and did some really good things tonight.”
The Spartans’ offense controlled the clock with a strong running game and a clutch, one-handed catch on fourth-and-1 from junior wide receiver Cooper Hoch.
“I saw him make the catch, and I’m like, he’s a dog, and that’s what dogs do whenever the game is on the line; we make plays,” freshman wide receiver Carson Clark said. “The trust within our receiving group is that when the game is on the line, you can throw to any of us.”
The drive ended with a 30-yard field goal from junior kicker Trajan Sinatra to take a 20-16 lead with 1:15 left. SJSU went on a 12-play, 5:31 drive. Sinatra finished the game 2-for-3 on field goals.
Senior running back Jabari Bates led SJSU with 74 rushing yards. Senior quarterback Luke Weaver bounced back from his four-interception performance with 246 passing yards, throwing 2 touchdowns and completing 68% of his attempts.
The Spartans’ offense stagnated throughout the third quarter as the Rainbow Warriors mounted a comeback. Hawaii scored a 24-yard field goal followed by a 58-yard receiving touchdown by senior wide receiver Devin Alves, cutting SJSU’s lead to 14-13.
The Rainbow Warriors scored three field goals and one touchdown on their first four drives to open the second half.
The officiating crew had a busy evening. Hawaii ended with 12 penalties for 85 yards, while SJSU continued to struggle with its discipline, with six penalties for 65 yards.
SJSU’s pass rush set the tone, ending with 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss while consistently forcing Hawaii sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado off his spot.
Alejado finished with 338 passing yards and 1 touchdown while leading the Rainbow Warriors with 36 rushing yards.
The Spartans capitalized on an interception by junior cornerback Jayden Robertson, who returned the ball to the Hawaii 20-yard line.
SJSU junior tight end and Hawaiian native Kamaehu Kopa-Kaawalauole scored the game’s first touchdown on a 10-yard reception.
“He’s one of my favorite players of all time. He’s just such a good person, has great heart, and an unbelievable work ethic,” Niumatalolo said. “Kamaehu is the type of kid that represents the type of football player that I won’t have here at San Jose State.”
SJSU capitalized on the turnover battle, scoring 10 points off two interceptions and protecting the ball, finishing with zero turnovers.
The Spartans’ offense found momentum on the ensuing drive after their defense forced a punt. SJSU went on a seven-play, 73-yard drive, capped off by a 12-yard receiving touchdown from Clark.
Clark led the team with 74 receiving yards, with five timely catches.
SJSU’s first-half offensive rhythm came from its running game, ending the half with 60 rushing yards.
The Rainbow Warriors were 4-for-13 on third downs, while the Spartans finished 4-for-15.
SJSU will return to CEFCU Stadium for its homecoming against the University of Wyoming (2-3, 1-1 MW) at 6 p.m. Friday.
