### Hawaii's Historic Comeback: A Last-Minute Victory in the Hawaii Bowl The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors achieved a remarkable feat in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, overcoming a 21-point deficit to secure a thrilling 35-31 victory over the California Golden Bears. Backup quarterback Luke Weaver, stepping in for the injured starter Micah Alejado, delivered a game-winning 22-yard touchdown pass to Nick Cenacle with just 10 seconds remaining. This victory marks the largest comeback in Hawaii's football history, showcasing resilience and determination in a high-stakes environment [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/hawaii_completes_largest_comeback_in_school_history_to_win_hawaii_bowl/s1_13132_43247425]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Moments 1. **Early Struggles**: Hawaii fell behind 21-0 in the second quarter, facing a daunting challenge to turn the game around [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/dec/26/backup-qbs-pass-gives-hawaii-a-win]. 2. **Rallying Back**: The Rainbow Warriors mounted a comeback, taking a 28-24 lead in the fourth quarter, demonstrating their fighting spirit [https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/hawaii-bowl-ends-in-last-minute-score-fight-as-hawaii-pulls-off-comeback-over-cal-171032005.html]. 3. **Final Minutes**: After California regained the lead with a touchdown run by Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Hawaii faced a critical decision with limited time left [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/hawaii-stuns-cal-in-3531-in-hawaii-bowl-on-backup-qb-drew-weavers-lastminute-td-pass]. 4. **Clutch Performance**: With Alejado injured, Weaver's first play was a decisive touchdown pass, sealing the victory for Hawaii [https://usa-times.news/hawaii-completes-shocking-hawaii-bowl-comeback-over-cal-with-last-second-td-by-backup-qb-on-his-first-play-of-the-game]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Comeback - **Score Progression**: - **First Half**: California led 21-0. - **Fourth Quarter**: Hawaii led 28-24 before California scored again. - **Final Score**: Hawaii 35, California 31. - **Key Players**: - **Luke Weaver**: Backup QB who threw the game-winning touchdown. - **Nick Cenacle**: Receiver who caught the decisive pass. This game not only highlights the skill and determination of the Hawaii team but also sets a new benchmark for future performances [https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/12/24/sports/sports-breaking/hawaii-delivers-last-second-win-over-cal-in-hawaii-bowl]. ### Conclusion: A Memorable Victory for Hawaii In summary, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors' victory in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl is a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The game unfolded as follows: 1. **Initial Deficit**: Hawaii trailed 21-0 early in the game. 2. **Comeback Efforts**: The team rallied to take a lead, showcasing their tenacity. 3. **Clutch Finish**: A last-minute touchdown pass from backup QB Luke Weaver secured the win. This historic comeback not only cements Hawaii's place in bowl game history but also provides a thrilling narrative for fans and players alike [https://abc7news.com/post/hawaii-stuns-cal-35-31-bowl-backup-qb-drew-weavers-last-minute-td-pass/18314221].