The University of Hawaii football team’s spring training could be capsulized on the final play of the final practice.

Dru Brown lofted a 35-yard pass to slotback John Ursua sprinting into the end zone. Ursua and cornerback Zach Wilson appeared to grab the ball simultaneously, then continued the pull-away battle as they rolled on the Clarence T.C. Ching Field’s artificial surface. The referee signaled for a touchdown — signaling the end of the Rainbow Warriors’ 31-day, 15-practice spring training.

“It’s always nice competing like that with the 1s on defense,” Brown said. “Iron sharpens iron.”

Coach Nick Rolovich said: “They sharpened each other all spring, with pretty consistent emotions pulling in the same direction.”

The Warriors moved up spring training to February — it started in late March last year, Rolovich’s first as UH head coach — for a variety of reasons, including the final practice leading to the start of this weekend’s opening to spring break and helping the transition of mid-year additions.

Rolovich said the Warriors built depth on the offensive line and secondary, areas that were hit with injuries and departures. Legi Suiaunoa, who was promoted from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator following Kevin Lempa’s departure, implemented his concepts and unabashed enthusiasm.

“I think Legi really took charge of the defense and laid out the expectations,” Rolovich said, adding Suiaunoa has the rest of the spring and most of the summer to evaluate the defense and, if needed, make adjustments.

Wilson said the departure of Lempa, who accepted a defensive analyst’s job at Michigan, was hurtful but “one person doesn’t stop the show. We’re going to keep going. We’re going to keep getting better, and when it comes to this season, we’re coming for everybody.”

Brown cemented his role as the No. 1 quarterback, and backups Cole Brownholtz and Cole McDonald had their moments during several situational scrimmage-like sessions on Thursday night. Brown completed a 54-yard pass to slotback Dylan Collie. Brownholtz fired a 5-yard scoring pass to Isaiah Bernard, and McDonald and Ammon Barker teamed on a 10-yard touchdown. Ryan Tuiasoa, who is the No. 2 back behind Diocemy Saint Juste, rushed for two touchdowns during the red-zone drill.

Defensive end Meffy Koloamatangi made two big plays in a row, sacking McDonald and chasing down running back Freddie Holly. Safety Austin Gerard also raced 40 yards after intercepting a deflected pass. And, on the final play, Wilson nearly stole the ball from Ursua.

“He tried to pull it out, but I already came down with it,” Ursua said. “I enjoyed he has that spirit to want to fight and get it out. I hope he does that in game situations.”

Wilson said: “I’m grabbing for it, and my arm slips, and he gets a grip on it, and I lose the ball. It’s my fault. I’m going to make that play when it comes down to it. I simply lost that one. I’m going to get better and go for the ball even harder (the next time).”

After the final practice ended, Rolovich, still holding his whistle, lamented the end of spring training.

“I like practicing with these guys,” Rolovich said. “I’d rather stay. They were a fun group to be around. This is just one step.”

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