Another Tuesday, another University of Hawaii football practice without quarterback Max Wittek.

Although Wittek was held out of contact drills to rest a sore leg for the third consecutive Tuesday, he is expected to start in Saturday’s homecoming game against San Diego State, according to coach Norm Chow. Wittek has started all five games this season.

As an emergency plan, the Rainbow Warriors turned the 85-minute practice into an understudy hall.

Ikaika Woolsey, who started 12 of 13 games last year but none this season, took reps as the No. 1 quarterback.

Beau Reilly, a second-year freshman who is third on the depth chart, handled all the second-team reps. Aaron Zwahlen, a 20-year-old freshman who is on track to redshirt, practiced as the scout quarterback.

“I think they’re all very involved in the offense, so they know what we’re trying to get done,” offensive coordinator Don Bailey said. “Whoever is getting that spot will be ready.”

Woolsey said he treats every practice as if he were No. 1.

“I prepare like that,” Woolsey said. “Coach (Chow) always says being a backup quarterback is one of the hardest things in the business because you have to prepare every week like you’re the starter even though you’re probably not going to play. But the moment you don’t prepare is probably when you’re going to go in.”

Woolsey was summoned to replace a hobbling Wittek on the final play before the intermission in the Warriors’ 55-0 loss at Boise State last Saturday. Woolsey was 4-for-14 for 22 yards and an interception.

“It was good to be out there, but I hoped for a better result,” Woolsey said. “I have to make plays and execute better.”

Woolsey has adjusted to his reserve role without a hint of disappointment.

“I’ve never been one to complain or pout,” Woolsey said. “That’s not how I was raised. I try to stay positive, keep my head down and keep working.”

Woolsey kept mum last season, despite a painful back injury. “You’ve got to tough it out,” Woolsey said. “Everyone else is hurting. You can’t sit there and feel sorry for yourself. You have to get through it.”

Reilly served as Woolsey’s primary backup last year after Taylor Graham and Jeremy Higgins suffered season-ending injuries. Reilly made the final three road trips, never playing in a game, which allowed him to redshirt.

Reilly said his hometown team — San Diego State — backed off on recruiting him because of his intent to go on a two-year church mission. He signed with Colorado State, served a mission in Brazil, then requested — and received — a release from CSU to join the Warriors.

Reilly said he needed to regain his form and rhythm after throwing a football “three or four times” during his mission. “I’m back in (football) shape,” Reilly said.

He also embraced his new role. His wife gave birth to the couple’s son, Jax, three weeks ago. The name was mutually selected from a list, said Reilly, who conceded Jax also is the lead character from one of his favorite TV shows, “Sons of Anarchy.”