UH set a program record by blocking three field-goal attempts in Saturday’s win over Western Carolina.
Senior defensive lineman Meffy Koloamatangi knocked down two kicks to tie a school record accomplished on five previous occasions, the last time in 2001, when Robert Grant blocked two punts.
“That’s crazy,” Koloamatangi said. “That was great penetration by (Eperone Moananu) and Viane (Moala), so I got skinny and blocked the ball.”
The 6-foot-5 Koloamatangi blocked Joel Poinsette’s 45-yard attempt on WCU’s first drive. Moala, a 6-7 sophomore who had two of UH’s four blocks last season, tipped a 25-yard attempt later in the quarter.
UH had blocked two kicks in a game on six occasions, the last coming in a 13-0 win at San Jose State in 2014.
Koloamatangi’s second block on WCU’s opening drive of the third quarter was returned 89 yards by Trayvon Henderson for a touchdown.
WCU got in on the act on the extra point and Keion Crossen returned it for a 2-point conversion.
Saint Juste’s busy
Diocemy Saint Juste equaled a career high with 25 carries and became the first UH player to post two 200-yard rushing performances in a career.
Saint Juste threatened Anthony Edgar’s record of 190 yards in a half, set against Air Force in 1982, with 181 on 20 attempts before the break. Saint Juste, who ran for 205 in a win over Nevada last season, finished with 202 yards to record the 11th 200-yard rushing performance in program history. His total tied Travis Sims (1992) and Gary Allen (1979) for UH’s ninth-highest single-game performance.
UH extends streaks
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You’ve got UH football questions? We’ll try to find the answers. Submit your questions to beat writer Stephen Tsai either on his popular blog — at HawaiiWarriorWorld.com — or via email at stsai@staradvertiser.com. Every Wednesday during football season, Tsai will answer a few of the questions in the print edition of the Star-Advertiser.
UH won its fifth straight game dating back to last season, the program’s longest streak since a six-game run in 2010. The Rainbow Warriors also won their 15th straight against FCS competition. UH last lost to an FCS (formerly Division I-AA) school in the 2000 opener against Portland State in UH head coach Nick Rolovich’s debut as the Warriors’ quarterback.
WCU’s proposal
Long before Hawaii ended the game by taking a knee, WCU backup quarterback Wes Holcombe struck a similar pose in the stands.
Shortly after the Catamounts arrived at Aloha Stadium, Holcombe found Anna Shaw in the north end zone stands, climbed up for a quick picture, then proposed.
For the record, Shaw said “yes.”
More photos of the game between Hawaii and Western Carolina.
