In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night, Brayden Schager delivered a stellar performance as he led Hawaii to a 27-13 victory over Air Force, dealing the Falcons their first Mountain West Conference loss of the season.
The Rainbow Warriors (4-7, 2-4) wasted no time in setting the tone of the game, embarking on an impressive 12-play, 75-yard opening drive that took over seven minutes off the clock. Schager showcased his skills by connecting with Pofele Ashlock for a 5-yard touchdown pass, giving Hawaii an early lead that they maintained throughout the game.
On the other hand, the Falcons (8-2, 5-1) stumbled after a tough loss against Army in the previous week. This defeat pushed them into a tie with UNLV (8-2, 5-1) for the top spot in the conference standings. With a crucial matchup against the Runnin' Rebels looming next week, Air Force was determined to regain sole possession of first place.
Schager continued to shine, scoring a rushing touchdown from 1-yard out just before halftime, extending Hawaii's lead to 13-3. Although the PAT attempt was unsuccessful, the Rainbow Warriors remained in control of the game.
The third quarter saw a momentary comeback from Air Force when Dylan Carson broke free for a remarkable 35-yard touchdown run, narrowing the deficit to just three points. However, Hawaii quickly responded as Schager connected with Ashlock once again, this time for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 7:20 left in the game.
The victory not only showcased Schager's exceptional skills as a quarterback but also solidified Hawaii's resilience as they handed Air Force a significant loss. With this win, Hawaii boosts their confidence and leaves fans eagerly anticipating their next game.
