### Hawaii's Historic Comeback: A Thrilling Finish in the Hawaii Bowl The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl witnessed an unforgettable clash between the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and the California Golden Bears on December 25, 2025. Hawaii, trailing by 21 points at one stage, executed a remarkable comeback to secure a 35-31 victory, marking their first bowl win since 2020. The game concluded dramatically with backup quarterback Luke Weaver throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with just 10 seconds remaining, sealing the Bears' season at 7-6 and elevating Hawaii's record to 9-4 [https://inews.zoombangla.com/hawaii-stuns-cal-with-last-second-touchdown-in-thrilling-hawaii-bowl-finish]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Hawaii faced a daunting 21-0 deficit early in the game. - The Rainbow Warriors mounted a comeback, scoring on their final six possessions. - The game culminated in a last-minute touchdown pass from backup QB Luke Weaver. 2. **Key Players** - **Luke Weaver**: Stepped in as the backup quarterback and delivered the game-winning touchdown. - **Nick Cenacle**: Caught the decisive touchdown pass. - **Micah Alejado**: The starting QB who was injured late in the game, leading to Weaver's pivotal moment. 3. **Game Dynamics** - Hawaii's comeback is noted as the largest in Hawaii Bowl history. - The game featured a brawl among players after the final whistle, overshadowing the victory [https://inews.zoombangla.com/hawaii-bowl-brawl-erupts-after-rainbow-warriors-epic-comeback-win]. 4. **Season Implications** - The victory ended California's season on a disappointing note, while Hawaii celebrated a significant achievement in their football program's history. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Score Progression**: - **1st Quarter**: Cal leads 21-0. - **Final Score**: Hawaii 35, California 31. - **Key Plays**: - Hawaii scored a touchdown with 10 seconds left, showcasing their resilience. - The game-winning drive covered 68 yards in 10 plays, demonstrating strategic execution under pressure [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/article-hawaii-stuns-cal-to-claim-hawaii-bowl-on-backup-qb-luke-weavers-last]. ### Conclusion: A Memorable Hawaii Bowl In summary, the Hawaii Bowl delivered a thrilling narrative of resilience and unexpected heroism. The key takeaways from this game include: 1. **Historic Comeback**: Hawaii's ability to overcome a 21-point deficit is a testament to their determination and skill. 2. **Heroic Performance**: Backup QB Luke Weaver's last-minute touchdown pass will be remembered as a defining moment in Hawaii football history. 3. **Impact on Seasons**: This game not only marked a significant victory for Hawaii but also ended California's season on a sour note, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football. The Rainbow Warriors' victory in the Hawaii Bowl will be celebrated for years to come, encapsulating the spirit of college football and the thrill of a last-minute win [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hawaii-wins-sheraton-hawai-bowl-045655116.html].