Navy Midshipmen vs Hawaii Warriors

November 28th, 2009 kNuke Posted in NCAA Football | No Comments »

The Hawaii Warriors survived another week, defeating the Navy Midshipmen 24-17, keeping their Hawaii Bowl dream alive. Warrior nation held their breath after Hawaii failed to convert on 4th down with a little less than 6 minutes remaining. Luckily, poor play calling and terrible clock management helped seal the Hawaii victory. Bryant Moniz’s TD pass to Alex Green in the 3rd Quarter proved to be the difference.

Offense: Moniz was 32-44 for 366 yards and 3 TDs. Moniz was on point for most of the night minus a rough start. He had a few questionable throws, but luckily Navy was unable to capitalize. Most often the Hawaii QBs get into trouble when they lock in on Salas and forget about their progressions.

Kealoha Pilares was the star of the night, catching 8 passes for 108 yards and 2 TDs. Greg Salas added 10 grabs for 147 yards. Pilares plays well against less talented teams so his numbers should not surprise. The offensive line played pretty well, yielding only 2 sacks and giving Moniz ample time to throw. The touchdown at the end of the 1st half was absolutely huge.

Defense: Simply put, the defense won the game, holding Navy to well below its season rushing average. Hawaii did an especially good job at stopping the dive and pitch. Tackling was so-so again, but it was good enough.

Special Teams: Scott Enos made his kicks and Alex Dunnachie did a pretty good job pinning Navy back. Jovonte Taylor was huge again returning kicks; I’m just waiting for him to take one to the house. Can Warrior nation get a Xmas gift early from Jovonte next week?

Coaching: The defensive gameplan was excellent, but the offensive playcalling still needs some work. I thought I saw something that resembled a stop-fade route to Royce Pollard so I’m hopeful.

Now we get to Coach Mack… Coach Mack, what are you thinking? Most of the time, I love the idea of going for it on 4th and less than 2 yards, but not in that situation. Kick the friggin field goal! Make it a two score game and let a defense that’s playing solid win the game. Holy cow…

Final Word: Who would have thought that Hawaii would make it this far in their own little NCAA March Madness pool? One more win equals a Hawaii Bowl berth. Warrior nation has a few more peeps on the wagon after this win.

Helmet Stickers:
Bryant Moniz – 32/44, 366 yards and 3 TDs
Kealoha Pilares – 8 catches, 108 yards and 2 TDs
Greg Salas – 10 catches, 147 yards
Blaze Soares – 12 tackles, 1 sack
R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, 10 tackles, 1 sack
Hawaii team defense – Held Navy to 248 yards rushing