MĀNOA — Following victories, the University of Hawai‘i football team likes to celebrate with Waka Flocka Flame's "Grove St. Party" blaring in the background. The song, selected by head coach Timmy Chang, was part of Wacka Flocka Flame's 2010 mixtape "Flockaveli."
The celebratory anthem made its welcomed return to the team's locker room following a 44-26 over Utah State at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on Saturday night, Hawai‘i's first win over the Aggies since 2010.
Hawai‘i, which hadn't defeated Utah State in eight tries over the last 14 years heading into Saturday's matchup, triumphed behind quarterback Micah Alejado, who completed 34 of his 54 passes for 413 yards and three touchdowns, all of whom were caught by Pofele Ashlock. Alejado, who turned 21 on Saturday, overcame an interception and five sacks to deliver another signature performance.
The Rainbow Warriors, who improved to 5-2, can party like it's 2010. Regardless of which era it chooses to commemorate, the 2025 'Bows have yet to run out of reasons to celebrate.
"It didn't feel like my birthday, really. I focused on the game all day," Alejado said after the game. "But now that we won, I'll probably celebrate 21 how everyone should celebrate 21."
As for the Waka Flocka Flame song?
"Coach Chang, that's his song," Alejado said. "And he brought it up before during the fall camp, and we played it every Thursday practice to get the mood going. That's all coach Chang."
Chang coached with an ultra-aggressive approach on Saturday, dialing up a fake punt in the second quarter and surprise onside kick in the third quarter, both of which were unsuccessful and ultimately led to a pair of Aggie touchdowns.
"I think we just look for opportunities, and if opportunities present themselves, we make the most of it," Chang said.
UH's high-powered offense on Saturday was complemented by a stingy defense, particularly in a fourth quarter in which the Rainbow Warriors outscored the Aggies 17-0.
"Our defense is tough. We talk about tough guys, and there's a bunch of them on defense," Chang said. "The biggest thing is making smart football players, disciplined football players, detailed guys, and you want them to carry those (attributes) on and off the field. There's a locker room full of them and so we're very proud of them and how they play."
The Rainbow Warriors and Aggies were tied at 3 in the first quarter after exchanging field goals, which included Kansei Matsuzawa's 17th field goal of the season in as many tries. Hawai‘i then got in the end zone on a 18-yard touchdown pass from Alejado to Ashlock.
Utah State briefly held momentum in the first half after a failed fake punt by Hawai‘i set up a 30-yard Utah State touchdown on a double pass from Anthony Garcia to Javen Jacobs with 8:11 left in the second quarter, but consecutive touchdowns from Alejado to Ashlock gave the Rainbow Warriors a 24-20 lead at halftime as the duo connected for three scores in the first half alone.
The Aggies began the second half at the Hawai‘i 44 after a failed onside kick attempt and promptly took advantage with a 32-yard Broc Lane touchdown reception with 14:01 left in the third quarter. The ensuing extra point was blocked by Lester Lagafuaina, and the Aggies did not score again due to an opportunistic Hawai‘i defense.
Hawai‘i then took a 27-26 lead on Kansei Matsuzwa's 46-yard field goal with 3:20 left in the third quarter, his 18th consecutive made field goal to begin the 2025 season. He also tacked on a 36-yard field goal in the third quarter, upping his 2025 mark to 19-for-19 on field goal attempts.
Jamih Otis was Hawai‘i's standout defensively, forcing two Utah State turnovers in the fourth quarter. The first was a forced fumble recovered by Jalen Smith, while the second was an interception at the UH 17 on the next possession. Otis also added five tackles. In between his two turnovers, Hawai‘i took a three-possession lead on a 4-yard Landon Sims rushing touchdown with 3:48 remaining, a score that was preceded by a 22-yard reception by Ashlock on fourth-and-3 despite being in field goal range at the Utah State 29.
"I feel like for us as receivers, we want each other to ball, and we want each other to eat as well," said Ashlock, who finished with 113 yards on eight receptions.
Next for Hawai‘i is a road game at Colorado State on Oct. 18. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. HST.
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
