Hawaii vs. Fresno State Short Report | Nov 2, 2024
Valley Children's Stadium
Fresno, CA
Nov 2, 2024
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Game Recap
At Valley Children's Stadium, Hawaii engineered a remarkable 21-20 victory against Fresno State, fueled by a combined effort from offense and defense. Brayden Schager, who completed 29 of 53 passes for 244 yards, ignited Hawaii's fourth-quarter rally with two touchdown throws to Nick Cenacle. Cenacle recorded 12 receptions totaling 113 yards, playing a pivotal role as the Rainbow Warriors faced a 20-7 deficit after a defensive touchdown by Fresno's Phoenix Jackson, an 89-yard interception return. However, holding Fresno State to only 191 yards of total offense, Hawaii's defense stepped up, especially with crucial stops late in the game.
Fresno State started strong, capitalizing on Hawaii's early miscues and building a 20-7 lead. Yet, Hawaii's unwavering persistence saw them drive 87 yards, converting twice on fourth downs, to secure their place in the annals of valiant comebacks, culminating in Schager's game-winning touchdown to Cenacle with a mere 15 seconds remaining. The triumph narrows Fresno State's historical series lead and showcases Hawaii's knack for late-game heroics at this venue.
Key Plays:
Brayden Schager (Hawai'i)
Schager connected with Ashlock for a 5-yard touchdown pass, capping a methodical 12-play drive to open the scoring.
Elijah Gilliam (Fresno State)
Gilliam powered through the defense for a 10-yard touchdown, finishing an 83-yard drive and tying the game.
Raylen Sharpe (Fresno State)
Sharpe's 5-yard touchdown reception from Mikey Keene gave Fresno State a 13-7 lead after a blocked PAT.
Phoenix Jackson (Fresno State)
Jackson returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown, extending Fresno State's lead to 20-7.
Nick Cenacle (Hawai'i)
Cenacle secured a 9-yard touchdown pass, revitalizing Hawaii's comeback pursuits with a critical score.
Nick Cenacle (Hawai'i)
Cenacle's decisive 3-yard touchdown catch sealed Hawaii's comeback and victory in dramatic fashion.
Standout Players:
Brayden Schager (Hawai'i, QB)
Orchestrated a stunning victory with over 244 yards passing, crucially leading two fourth-quarter touchdown drives including the game-winning toss in the final seconds.
Nick Cenacle (Hawai'i, WR)
A monster fourth quarter saw him haul in nine receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns, securing Hawaii's comeback.
Phoenix Jackson (Fresno State, DB)
Stood out defensively with an 89-yard interception return for a touchdown, keeping Fresno State ahead into the fourth quarter.
Elijah Robinson (Hawai'i, DL)
With two sacks and three tackles for loss, he was integral in throttling Fresno's offense, especially in holding them to only 67 second-half yards.
Tylan Hines (Hawai'i, RB)
Contributed 66 rushing yards on 12 carries, helping Hawaii keep drives alive and maintain offensive balance despite trailing.
References:
Team
1
2
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4
T
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
7
0
0
14
21
Fresno State Bulldogs
7
6
7
0
20
