Warrior Beat: Cole McDonald named Hawaii football captain; Farris invited to Hula Bowl

Quarterback Cole McDonald poses with fans following the past Saturday's road game against Washington. McDonald has been named a UH co-captain. / Photo by Stephen Tsai

Quarterback Cole McDonald has been added as a team captain, head coach Nick Rolovich confirmed today.

McDonald joins running back Dayton Furuta, slotback Jason-Matthew Sharsh, defensive lineman Azia Se‘ei and rush end Kaimana Padello.

Last week, Furuta underwent ankle surgery and will miss an extended amount of playing time. During a team meeting the night before the Sept. 14 Washington game, Furuta called and requested that McDonald serve as his replacement as captain. McDonald joined the other captains during the coin toss preceding the start of the Washington game.

Now McDonald is officially a captain.

“I think he’s grown into a more effective leader,” Rolovich said of McDonald, a fourth-year junior from La Mirada, Calif. “He’s not the man he’s going to end up being in this life, but he’s grown that way and knows (being a leader) is important.”

McDonald needs 86 passing yards to reach 5,000 in his 15-start career. Seven other UH quarterbacks have reached that milestone.


——————

Breaking update: Senior cornerback Rojesterman Farris II has been invited to the rebooted Hula Bowl all-star game.

COMMENTS

  1. Captain Ron September 19, 2019 12:54 pm

    I just found out I’m off Saturday and can go to the game. Does anyone have a ticket they’d like to sell? If not, I can go to the walk up window and add to the count.

    And hoping to make it to the grill-gate. It will be my second one.


  2. H-Man September 19, 2019 1:37 pm

    I’ll stick by our starting quarterback. Just hoping he keeps delivering like he did against Oregon St. and hoping the D delivers against the Bears. Should be a good game.


  3. mattyboy September 19, 2019 2:00 pm

    Glad to hear that we (UH) did extend a scholarship offer to current UFC QB Dillon Gabriel!
    What a breakout year he’s enjoying so far!
    Early yet, but wow!
    Cementing Hawaii’s reputation as a QB hotbed of talent.
    Here’s my prediction for Saturday:
    UH 48 CA 21


  4. SteveM September 19, 2019 2:23 pm

    UH – UCA blog score predictions

    42 – 21 … NorthShoreFan
    52 – 21 … wafan
    52 – 31 … bg
    56 – 13 … Kekoa
    56 – 14 … Akamai Okole/d1shima
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Here are the ground rules for determining the prestigious prognosticator:

    1) Duplicate predictions allowed (since there is NO prize)
    2) OK to favor the opponent… but we hope you wrong 🙁
    2) Predictions posted by 10:00 am on game day.
    3) Closest score to the actual wins (absolute value total of over and under difference from both actual scores). Tie-breaker: closest guess to the winning team score.


  5. Aaron September 19, 2019 2:54 pm

    Captain Ron,
    I have 2 extra tickets but do not want to post my contact information here. How can I get the tickets to you?


  6. Da Punchbowl Kid September 19, 2019 3:24 pm

    Capt. Ron and Aaron –

    SteveM or Stephen the blog boss himself may be able to help you with that connection.


  7. Da Punchbowl Kid September 19, 2019 3:26 pm

    Happy to see Cole as a captain, and happy that Dayton made that call.

    Warriors all, all Warriors, GO WARRIORS!!!


  8. Aaron September 19, 2019 3:56 pm

    DPK and Capt Ron,
    I am going to email the tickets to the blog email address and hopefully they can get them to you.


  9. NYUH September 19, 2019 4:17 pm

    UH 43 CA 35


  10. H-Man September 19, 2019 5:06 pm

    Warriors 38 Bears 31


  11. Ipu Man September 19, 2019 5:25 pm

    UH 45 CA 24


  12. Andrew September 19, 2019 6:34 pm

    UH 48. CA 28


  13. Andrew September 19, 2019 6:35 pm

    What’s everyone’s guess for attendance? Turnstile not tickets issued


  14. SteveM September 19, 2019 7:15 pm

    Andrew: 21,875
    …the fans will come out and it’s Homecoming.


  15. Captain Ron September 19, 2019 7:30 pm

    Aaron, you can call or text me at 808 383-3715. Thank you very much. If you’ve already emailed them, then perhaps STEVEN will see this and contact me. I will give you my email address if you call/text me.


  16. H-Man September 19, 2019 8:36 pm

    Turnstile: 20,250


  17. Raider Dogs September 20, 2019 12:13 am

    Hawaii 52 CA 17


  18. ai-eee-soos September 20, 2019 12:40 am

    from ST’s column …

    University of Hawaii cornerback Rojesterman Farris II is the first football player invited to compete in the new version of the Hula Bowl in January.
    “We’re very impressed by Roe Farris’ potential ability to play at the next level,” said Rich Miano, executive director of the reboot all-star game. “We want to make sure he has the opportunity and exposure by getting in front of NFL scouts one last time before the NFL Draft. He’s worthy. He’s a good player.”


  19. Boolakanaka September 20, 2019 4:58 am

    Bows 42 CA 24


  20. Buck Foise September 20, 2019 5:29 am

    63-35 Hawai’i
    McDonald will throw for 6 TDs 450 yards


  21. tom-warriornation September 20, 2019 6:26 am

    UH opponents on TV this weekend (all time PST):
    Friday (today) 6pm: Air Force at Boise St; ESPN2
    Saturday:
    9am: Morgan St at Army; CBSSN
    12:30pm: Washington at BYU; ABC
    4:30pm: San Jose St at Arkansas; SEC Net (cable)
    7:30pm: Utah St at San Diego St; CBSSN


  22. cappie the dog September 20, 2019 7:41 am

    burro sabio: thanks.

    Hawaii 31
    Scottie Pippen U. 6


  23. Andrew September 20, 2019 8:23 am

    14

    Isn’t it sad that we consider 21,000 as the fans showing up? I recall even years ago in the McMackin era and part of Jones era when low 30,000s would be considered kinda low in that standard


  24. Andrew September 20, 2019 8:27 am

    I think it was Rolos first year, played a difficult non conference start with Cal in Australia and then all the way to Michigan with also a trip to Arizona. UH started 2-0 in conference though and had homecoming vs UNLV and that was probably the first time in years that attendance was over 30K but then they lost and that killed attendance


  25. Andrew September 20, 2019 8:30 am

    The only other time since then that 30K was reached was the bowl game last season and of course we got blown out and that killed attendance again.


  26. sackkabooya September 20, 2019 12:29 pm

    Watching the highlights of the Central Arkansas-WKU game its hard to imagine how they will contain Hawaii’s offense. They do have some semi-quick pass rushers (more from the interior) that UH may have to adjust on. WKU threw two unpressured interceptions so McDonald will have to avoid doing that. Defense was not that physical but was athletic. Not real fast (just like UH’s defense) but athletic.

    The CAU offense reminded me of watching UNLV of couple years ago. Multiple formations (lots) and personnel packages running RPO with a quarterback that spreads the ball around pretty good, especially to backs flaring out into the flats. The only real threat in that game was #5 (pretty good speed) but they will sling the ball around to anybody. Pass blocking was so-so but the play calling kept WKU off balance (they even had a long HB pass for a TD) which may happen on Saturday. Our defense is much more physical and athletic than WKU but it seems not to difficult to keep UH off balance.

    Got to come in with focus. Take care of business. Cannot be like Duquesne. Got to prove some things (like smooth synchronization and efficiency on defense and physicality on offensive runs/RPO/short passing plays and that we can kick FG’s at any time, anywhere) to the fans, media and themselves. Can do for sure. I expect we will see “full throttle” efficiency. Hawaii 51 Central Arkansas 24.


  27. sackkabooya September 20, 2019 12:38 pm

    If it rains like this will it favor Central Arkansas or UH? Get the Power Running game ready to go.


  28. sackkabooya September 20, 2019 1:02 pm

    Lets see if we got a Kaimana 2.0 somewhere on the roster. A disruptor from the edge. Gotta have one ready to go right now. Its time to find out. Kahahawai-Welch, Ritner, Blocker, Kapoi (eligible?), the Kamakawiwioles (disrupting is in the DNA) or maybe even Wilson. Somebody can. Then Batoon can use Padello in pass coverage whenever he wants. But until then Padello has to disrupt more or DB’s will struggle.


  29. Andrew September 20, 2019 1:13 pm

    27.

    Definitely UH. According to their stats, Central Arkansas’s offense is even more lop sided than UH. UH has much more of an established run game.


  30. Captain Ron September 20, 2019 2:25 pm

    #7

    Aaron, I have heard nothing further since this post. Please see my phone number above and contact me. I live in the Kapahulu/Moiliili area, but if we need to get together I can travel. I’m guessing the tickets are digital.


  31. Da Punchbowl Kid September 20, 2019 3:36 pm

    Good stuff sackkabooya! Mahalo!

    You not a bot, and I am not.

    GO WARRIORS!!!


  32. Boolakanaka September 20, 2019 4:08 pm

    Attendance is not surprising, this is not the SEC and folks have tons of other entertainment options. The actual UCLA head count from their last game , the LA side was close to 25,000, not much better than ours. It’s a different era and generation….


  33. izzy September 20, 2019 5:24 pm

    [Pomai]: Warriors Cage the Bears
    • Us: 72, Dem: 38
    • Cordeiro and Uahinui combine for 20 points in 4th quarter cleanup duty
    • Homecoming turnstile count is dismal 19,600


  34. Andrew September 20, 2019 6:28 pm

    32

    I don’t think UCLA would be a good example for the current trend. They’ve been really bad. If they were winning, they would be much higher in attendance. Hawaii can get back to the 30k attendance level again and possibly even more. They just have to win more consistently and challenge for the division regularly


  35. SteveM September 20, 2019 7:21 pm

    UH – UCA blog score predictions

    31 – 06 … cappie the dog
    38 – 31 … H-Man
    42 – 21 … NorthShoreFan
    42 – 24 … Boolakanaka
    45 – 24 … Ipu Man
    43 – 35 … NYUH
    48 – 21 … mattyboy
    48 – 28 … Andrew
    52 – 17 … Raider Dogs
    52 – 21 … wafan
    52 – 31 … bg
    56 – 13 … Kekoa
    56 – 14 … Akamai Okole/d1shima
    63 – 35 … Buck Foise
    72 – 38 … Izzy
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Here are the ground rules for determining the prestigious prognosticator:

    1) Duplicate predictions allowed (since there is NO prize)
    2) OK to favor the opponent… but we hope you wrong 🙁
    2) Predictions posted by 10:00 am on game day.
    3) Closest score to the actual wins (absolute value total of over and under difference from both actual scores). Tie-breaker: closest guess to the winning team score.


  36. sackkabooya September 21, 2019 2:16 am

    I still have faith that Fred Holly can become a productive back in this system. It seems that Miles Reed has become the feature back right now. Reed is fabulous. Unreal. He has the ability to change how a defense schemes RPO. But he is small. Holly is bigger but plays small. I think Holly’s problem is that he is not physical enough. He needs to complement Reed’s “jump cutting” style in some way. I think physicality is the answer.

    Holly is very subtle (not soft per se but “fake” strong) in his playing style. Kind of aloof looking too since his fumble like he lost some confidence. Gotta shake that off. He needs to play harder. Hit holes harder. Block (even if he whiffs, miss angrily; his protection struggles is blocking the outside “quick” rusher) harder. Run harder (just be secure with the ball) like he got nothing to lose. I think he can do this. Elijah Dale could do it. I’m sure Holly can too. He has natural running instincts. We seen it last year. Get out of that “funk” by playing hard and hitting people. Can, CAN do.


  37. sackkabooya September 21, 2019 3:06 am

    Batoon rotates guys in and out in what seems like random patterns all game long. But I would really hope to see more Padello on the line vs LT (where Thomas often lines up) to disrupt blind side. I would also hope to see Paul Scott used aggressively in the same way he was used vs Arizona causing havoc like he did that game (not as the Mike LB so much). Should cause problems vs CAU. I also would like to see more Jonah Laulu as LE with Mautautia in the position that Padello’s been used in lately (that contain or drop into coverage 2 point stance OLB). Laulu is ready to break out soon I think. More visible on video than Vega thus far. But Vega will adapt and become productive later on I think. Just my wish list for Defense. Batoon has some Aranda like qualities in his processes so I will trust it. But Padello needs to rush. Can do.


  38. azwarrior22 September 21, 2019 4:10 am

    Hawaii 63 UCA 10


  39. A View From Afar September 21, 2019 4:40 am

    UH 56 – UCA 25


  40. WarriorNY September 21, 2019 6:30 am

    62-10
    The good guys…


  41. WarriorNY September 21, 2019 6:31 am

    Oh wait, I didn’t see azwarrior’s guess.

    I’ll change it to

    65-17


  42. DaMenehene September 21, 2019 10:31 am

    Us 38 them 24 Thanks


  43. SteveM September 21, 2019 11:19 am

    UH – UCA blog score predictions

    31 – 06 … cappie the dog
    38 – 31 … H-Man
    42 – 21 … NorthShoreFan
    42 – 24 … Boolakanaka
    45 – 24 … Ipu Man
    43 – 35 … NYUH
    48 – 21 … mattyboy
    48 – 28 … Andrew
    52 – 17 … Raider Dogs
    52 – 21 … wafan
    52 – 31 … bg
    56 – 13 … Kekoa
    56 – 14 … Akamai Okole/d1shima
    56 – 25 … A View From Afar
    63 – 10 … azwarrior22
    65 – 17 … WarriorNY
    63 – 35 … Buck Foise
    72 – 38 … Izzy
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Here are the ground rules for determining the prestigious prognosticator:

    1) Duplicate predictions allowed (since there is NO prize)
    2) OK to favor the opponent… but we hope you wrong 🙁
    2) Predictions posted by 10:00 am on game day.
    3) Closest score to the actual wins (absolute value total of over and under difference from both actual scores). Tie-breaker: closest guess to the winning team score.


  44. Andrew September 21, 2019 11:46 am

    Well at least BYU is getting dominated by Washington too and it’s @ Provo. That makes me feel better


  45. Andrew September 21, 2019 12:25 pm

    Sorry to Gabriel, Milton, and UCF but I hope Pitt wins. If UH loses to Boise State, I want Boise to run the table and get into the New Years 6 bowl.


  46. Boolakanaka September 21, 2019 12:30 pm

    What’s the option for mainland folks to watch the game tonight, if any?


  47. Kev-1 September 21, 2019 2:38 pm

    ST is either super busy or dealing with something lately. Its game day and no new post??? Whatever the case, I hope all is well.

    Let’s go Warriors! Can we see a dominating performance?


  48. WarriorNY September 21, 2019 2:42 pm

    Viola, Facebook.


  49. WarriorNY September 21, 2019 2:43 pm

    Boola, sorry auto correct


  50. sackkabooya September 21, 2019 2:52 pm

    As the season rolls toward Conference play I hope the staff takes some opportunity to develop the confidence of some of the reserves and see what kind of depth there actually is. Work them in one at a time if possible but I think us the fans need to see “what get” in foreseeable future. More Keliiliki (need to see him in protection) and maybe power O-line ball control unit if can. Panoke paired with Phillips opposite Ward and Byrd one series. And maybe see Mardner on “jump ball” timing route in red zone.

    On defense unleash Bethley and Scott via blitz packages (two most athletic guys on D). We need to see what they can bring later in the season. Maybe see if there is an interior DL that can penetrate and disrupt from the middle (not really Batoon’s style) but that would be a weapon for sure, if get. And see if Kahahawai-Welch and Ritner has the ability to do things similar to Padello.

    Suianoa played a very small freshman Padello in what looked like “desperation” and we all seen what he showed with that opportunity. Pavihi got his opportunity via injury to Tavai and by seasons end was terrific. Same thing with Corderio. Let’s see what get.


  51. clyde September 21, 2019 3:18 pm

    Interesting …. San Jose State leading 24-7 at the half at Arkansas. Spartans look much improved.


  52. Andrew September 21, 2019 3:43 pm

    51.

    Say goodbye to their coach. Losing @ home to San Jose State when you’re in the SEC is beyond embarrassing


  53. cappie the dog September 21, 2019 4:31 pm

    45.

    When Central Florida was down three possessions, the ESPN2 announcer showed his anti-Group of 5 bias. “This is the argument against Central Florida…blah, blah, blah…” I wanted the Golden Knights to make him eat his words so badly. They had to lose on a gadget play.


  54. cappie the dog September 21, 2019 4:38 pm

    Kudos to the SJSU/Arkansas officiating crew. They actually called pass interference on the Razorbacks. Sometimes I wonder. The non-Power 5 team always gets the fuzzy end of the lollipop.


  55. Whitey September 21, 2019 4:52 pm

    Warrior 51, Central Arkansas 32


  56. Stephen Tsai September 21, 2019 4:57 pm

    New post: https://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=51176


Comments are closed.