CARSON, CALIF. >> In Hawaii’s first three football games, it seemed, Calvin Turner had the magic touch.
In 38 touches — 32 rushes, six receptions — Turner averaged 10.0 yards.
“That was a directive this week,” head coach Todd Graham said utilizing Turner. “We’ll work more to get that done.”
In UH’s 34-10 loss to San Diego State, Turner had six rushes for 39 yards can and caught four passes for a team-high 116 yards, upgrading a 5-yard screen from Chevan Cordeiro into a 75-yard touchdown.
“Chev made a good read on the play call,” Turner said of his fourth touchdown of the season. “He got the ball off fast. I got around the corner. … and when I cut upfield, Zion — I think it was Zion, (No. 6 Bowens) — he gave me a good block to lead me into the touchdown. All around team effort.”
Cordeiro said: “I try to get it out of my hand quickly. Calvin made some moves. It’s hard to tackle him in space.”
>> PHOTOS: San Diego State beats Hawaii
Turner has made a fast adjustment since transferring in January after Jacksonville dropped its football program. Turner, who was Jacksonville’s starting QB, has played slot, wideout, running back and wildcat quarterback for UH.
Washington gets pick
In the first half, the Warriors had only two cornerbacks in the rotation available. Three corners on the two-deep list — Cortez Davis, Cameron Lockridge and Michael Washington — were on the travel roster. But Lockridge was unavailable for the first half after being ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter of the previous week’s game against New Mexico.
Washington, a second-year freshman, made his first start since the 2019 Hawaii Bowl. In the second quarter, he made his first NCAA interception.
Starters back in lineup
Offensive lineman Kohl Levao and linebacker Penei Pavihi were back in the opening lineup.
Levao started at left guard — the fourth position he has played for the Warriors. He also has played tackle, right guard and center. Michael Eletise was UH’s starting left guard in the first three games.
Pavihi, who missed the 2019 season while recovering from a leg injury, moved from linebacker to defensive end in the offseason, But on Saturday, he was back at middle linebacker. Pavihi made nine tackles.
Brotherly love for Aztecs
Two San Diego State players with brotherly ties to UH made an impact. Middle linebacker Seyddrick Lakalaka came up with seven tackles. Lakalaka’s older brother Steven Lakalaka is a former UH running back. Both are Punahou School graduates.
Defensive lineman Jonah Tavai had five tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble. Tavai’s brothers are Justus Tavai, UH’s starting defensive end, and Jahlani Tavai, a former Warrior now with the Detroit Lions.
