Rainbow Warriors Hit the Road to Face Air Force in Mountain West Matchup

By Kennedy Choo

After a narrow 23-21 loss to Fresno State, the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warrior football team is looking to regroup and reset as they head out on their first road trip of the season: a challenging matchup against the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

The Falcons, like other service academies, are known for their disciplined and difficult-to-defend triple-option offense, a run-heavy scheme that requires focus and preparation.

“Assignment-wise, it’s a different opponent,” said head coach Timmy Chang. “Seeing everything mentally, walking through it, slowing it down for the guys because they’re so different.”

Air Force’s unique offense isn’t the only challenge. Colorado Springs sits at 7,258 feet above sea level, a significant contrast to Hawai‘i’s elevation of just 300 feet. Teams unaccustomed to the altitude often struggle with fatigue or shortness of breath.

To prepare, Chang is focusing on mental toughness and high-intensity practices.

“We’ll have a pretty tough practice and make it harder on the guys until they are accustomed to thinking and responding and performing in tougher situations,” Chang said. “For us, it is just about being mentally focused, mentally tough, and going out there to do what we need to do.”

On defense, standout lineman De’Jon Benton continues to make an impact. Benton, who forced a fumble last week and was Pro Football Focus' top-graded interior defensive lineman, is ready for the triple-option test.

“It’s big,” Benton said. “It tests your discipline to do your job day in and day out.”

Offensively, the Rainbow Warriors are aiming to clean up mistakes after four turnovers cost them in the Fresno State game. Junior receiver Pofele Ashlock believes the key is getting back to what the team does best.

“Staying to what we know,” Ashlock said. “We felt like we went out of our plays, out of our identity.”

Ashlock is emphasizing team cohesion ahead of Saturday’s game.

“The biggest thing is to stay together, keeping the guys together,” he said. “Just making sure the leadership is still intact.”

Air Force is also coming off a 47-39 shootout against Boise State  but nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback. Sophomore quarterback Liam Szarka had a breakout performance, totaling 357 yards: 246 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, plus 111 yards on the ground.

The Falcons currently hold the longest active streak in the nation for 100-yard rushing games in an incredible 88 straight contests. They also set a Mountain West record with seven consecutive games of 250 or more rushing yards and at least three rushing touchdowns.

Hawai‘i’s defense, however, has been stout. The Rainbow Warriors are allowing just 110 rushing yards per game on 3.4 yards per carry and have given up only six rushing touchdowns all season. Against the pass, they’ve held opponents to 169.6 yards per game, just 5.85 yards per attempt, and three passing touchdowns total.

Kickoff is set for 10:00 a.m. HST this Saturday, live on FS1. Fans can also listen to the call on ESPN Honolulu 1420 AM.