In the celebration following Saturday’s 38-28 football victory over Wyoming, reality bit for Hawaii coach Norm Chow.
"We have to reassess what the heck is going on and find enough bodies to go to San Diego," Chow said of this week’s road game against San Diego State.
Quarterback Taylor Graham, who started against Wyoming, suffered a fracture in his right foot on the final play of the first half. Additional tests are scheduled, but the Rainbow Warriors are bracing for the likelihood Graham will miss the remaining seven Mountain West games. As a fifth-year senior, Graham probably has played his final NCAA game.
Earlier in the season, backup quarterback Jeremy Higgins suffered a fracture in his left (throwing) hand, an injury that was feared to end his senior season and UH career. But there are reports Higgins might have a possibility of returning before the end of the regular season.
For now, Ikaika Woolsey is the only available UH quarterback with college-game experience. Woolsey, who started the first five games, came off the sideline to throw two scoring passes and lead another touchdown drive against Wyoming.
For now, the No. 2 quarterback is Beau Reilly, who signed with the Warriors this spring after serving a two-year church mission in Brazil. Reilly was promoted from the scout team after Higgins was injured. With a lack of quarterback depth, the Warriors might have to reconsider initial plans to redshirt Reilly.
After Woolsey and Reilly, the Warriors are scrambling for solutions. Eric Prater, who joined the Warriors this year after serving in the Army’s Special Forces, is the only available quarterback on the roster. Former USC quarterback Max Wittek, who is the scout offense’s quarterback, is redshirting this season in compliance with NCAA transfer rules.
There is a possibility slotback Keelan Ewaliko could be used as an emergency quarterback. Ewaliko, a slotback and kickoff returner, played quarterback for Baldwin High.
The Warriors also have a dilemma at running back. Steven Lakalaka suffered concussion-like symptoms against Wyoming. The Warriors are working against the clock because they depart Honolulu on Thursday afternoon in advance of Saturday’s game against San Diego State. That might not be enough time for Lakalaka to gain medical clearance.
Diocemy Saint Juste filled in for Lakalaka, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown. Fullback/tight end Justin Vele also was used as a running back. Walk-on running backs Jason Muraoka and Pereese Joas also are available.
Running back Joey Iosefa, who missed the past four games because of an ankle injury, is iffy for the San Diego State game. Although a walking boot is no longer necessary, Iosefa has not competed in practice since suffering the injury.
Daronte’ Jones, who is handling Chow’s administrative duties today, said he is confident reserves will emerge.
"Earlier in the year, guys probably weren’t prepared to step in," Jones said. "They didn’t really believe that, hey, the next play you can go in. Now as they start to see more injuries, everyone is kind of locked in. ‘My chance is coming soon. I have to be ready for my teammates.’ You can see it paying off for those guys."
On Sunday morning, Chow departed for Los Angeles to be with his wife, who is recovering from a brain aneurysm. He is scheduled to return to Hawaii on Monday night.