In what seemed like a game that could go back and forth for the rest of the night, ended in a Vandal victory over the Hawai’i Warriors, 35-23. Now, the Vandals are 6-1 and are eligible for a bowl game, but for the team, tonight’s game was just another obstacle.
“6-1 means these guys have come a long way,” Idaho coach Robb Akey said. “It means that they’ve done a lot of things that the people on the outside world told them they couldn’t do.” Along with Akey, the team is determined to take this win and prepare to get another.
“I think 6-1 means a lot but at the same time it really doesn’t mean anything yet,” Aaron Lavarias said. “We aren’t guaranteed a bowl game. It just means we have six games and can say good job, now we need to go get No. 7.”
Scoring in the first few minutes of the first quarter with a 28-yard run from senior DeMaundray Woolridge, fans felt a slight sense of ease come over them. But, with almost nine minutes left to go in the first quarter, the Warriors responded with a touchdown to tie the score at 7-7.
Excitement would rise though, when Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle would throw a 60-yard pass to Maurice Shaw for a touchdown.
The Vandals would hold the Warriors to the 22 yard line for the next six minutes of the first quarter and force them to kick a field goal, bringing the score to 14-10, Idaho. Both teams would go scoreless for the rest of the first half as the Warriors would hold possession for ten whole minutes only to be held to the fourth down at Idaho’s own 2-yard line. Both team’s defense would push till fourth down and the rest of the half.
At the beginning of the third quarter, 10 minutes would be shaved off the clock until Woolridge would complete a 4-yard run into the end zone, putting the Vandals further ahead 21-10. The Warriors would use up the last five minutes of the quarter and stay in possession come fourth quarter. With 15 minutes on the clock at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Warriors would be placed on Idaho’s 28-yard line on third down. Third-string quarterback Bryan Moniz would throw for 13 yards to Jon Medeiros for a first down and finally he would rush in himself for another 15 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 21-17.
Idaho would run ten plays, throwing large passes to tight end Daniel Hardy. On third and eight, Enderle threw a rocket to Hardy. Hardy fumbled the ball and Idaho’s Max Komar recovered it. At first the play was ruled incomplete, but after review the officials ruled Hardy down and Idaho in recover of the fumble. A few more passes and carries and the Vandals would waltz right into the end zone with Woolridge’s third touchdown of the day. Idaho kept the lead 28-17.
The Vandals scored again later with seven minutes to go in the game. With large carries and long passes, Idaho would again march down the field. Three penalties against Idaho, including two holding calls, would not stop the Vandals from reaching the end zone. The touchdown would be Woolridge’s fourth and Idaho’s final touchdown of the game.
“Our O-line played incredible,” Woolridge said. “It was a team effort.
In less than 40 seconds, the Warriors would run down the field and score their own touchdown, bringing the score to 35-23, but with less than 30 seconds in the game, it wouldn’t be enough for Hawai’i to steal the lead. Enderle would finish the game at a career-high 82 percent at 14-for-17 passing for 226 yards. Now, the Vandals are bowl-eligible and at the top of the WAC only to prepare for Nevada (3-3) next Saturday.
Idaho takes down Hawai’i 35-23
by Jennifer Schlake for the Argonaut [link]: