In the second game of a three-game homestand, the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors gear up to take on the Portland State Vikings at 6 p.m. this Saturday in the annual homecoming game at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Following a triumphant victory against Sam Houston State, Head Coach Timmy opened Tuesday’s practice with a fiery message: do not look over Portland State.
Chang knows the danger firsthand. A true freshman in 2000 when the Vikings came to Aloha Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd and pummeled the Rainbow Warriors 45-20, a loss that led to a 3-9 season.
“The focus has got to be us,” Chang said. “We don’t take anything for granted.”
Junior wide receiver Pofele Ashlock echoed Chang’s sentiment.
“When Coach Chang gets us going, we take that to heart,” Ashlock said. “We can’t get too complacent about what happened to Sam Houston. We knew we were supposed to do that.”
The Rainbow Warriors (2-1) will be going against a familiar face under center for Portland State: sophomore quarterback John-Keawe Sagapolutele. The former Punahou prep star played for two years under Chang and is starting his second straight game for the Vikings.
Last week, in his starting debut, Sagapolutele went 11-for-17 with 146 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions in a 50-20 loss to No.20 North Dakota.
“He’s an island boy, he’s coming home,” said Chang. “I know he’s looking forward to the opportunity to compete and go at him. I expect him to play really well.”
Led by 11-year head coach Bruce Barnum, Portland State (0-3) is looking to bounce back from a rough start. Barnum won FCS Coach of the year in 2015 where he led Portland State to a 9-3 record and a FCS Playoff berth but have not returned to the postseason since then.
Mānoa is the final stop on the Vikings’ three game road trip, where Portland State has been outscored 119-20 at the hands of BYU and North Dakota.
Barnum praised Hawaiʻi’s defense after its matchup against Sam Houston State.
“They’re tough up front, their defensive line is impressive,” Barnum said. “It’s hard to find a weak spot on their defense.”
For the Rainbow Warriors, redshirt freshman quarterback Micah Alejado is back at practice this week wearing a spat on his right foot, and only participated in non-contact drills. He is still a game-time decision.
Junior quarterback Luke Weaver is expected to make his second straight start for the Rainbow Warriors after his three-touchdown debut in last week’s win. Chang praised his demeanor and consistency.
“He’s very even-keel, doesn’t get too low or too high, I love that about him,” Chang said. “His temperament gives him a chance to have some success out there.”
Kickoff time is set for 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.