Second Half Surge Pushes Hawaii Past The Pokes, 38-28

Back-up quarterback Ikaika Woolsey came off the bench and rallied the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to a 38-28 victory over the Wyoming Cowboys Saturday in Honolulu.

Wyoming (3-3, 1-1) led 28-17 late in third quarter, but behind Woolsey, Hawaii rattled off 21 unanswered points for the win.

The Pokes posted a season high in points and forced three turnovers. That led to 14 points, but the UW defense surrendered 513 yards and four second-half touchdowns.

Hawaii (2-4, 1-0) stormed back with a 53-yard scoring pass at the end of the third quarter to make it 28-24. With 13:27 left in the game, Colby Kirkegaard was picked off at midfield by the Rainbow Warriors. That was followed by a go-ahead 40-yard TD pass with 11:36 left in the game for a 31-28 lead. UH scored once more to seal it.

Senior Jalen Claiborne had a career-best 121 receiving yards and a touchdown in defeat.

Kirkegaard threw for two scores and 221 yards, but also tossed a pair of second-half interceptions. Junior Shaun Wick rushed for 121 yards and a score. On defense, Wyoming was led by senior Mark Nzeocha, who had 12 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The Cowboys return to action Saturday with their homecoming game against San Jose State. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.