The University of Hawaii football team is gearing up for an important clash against rival UNLV this week in Las Vegas, a matchup that has significant implications for the Mountain West Championship. This game serves as a notable return for several players, including quarterback Micah Alejado, who hails from Ewa Beach and played at the prestigious Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where he attained a national championship.
“It’s exciting just to go back and play there again, and play in Allegiant Stadium again,” said Alejado. However, he maintains a focused mindset, noting, “At the end of the day, it’s just another game and that’s how we got to attack it.”
Fans of the Rainbow Warriors are determined to create a home-like atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium, with a significant turnout expected to support the team. Fuchsia Yamashiro, a dedicated UH supporter, shared that her mother purchased 60 tickets for family and friends to attend the game. “Vegas takes the cake. In Vegas, we know it as the Ninth Island, and people that maybe haven’t even watched the team all year say, ‘I’m from Hawaii. Hawaii is in town,’” she expressed enthusiastically, highlighting the unique connection Hawaii fans feel in Vegas.
Yamashiro and her family are accustomed to attending games and are excited to witness the Rainbow Warriors attempt to secure a victory against the Rebels, aiming for their first win over UNLV since 2022 and hoping to share the top spot in the conference standings. “It’s really exciting. We know the team has exceeded expectations,” she said, reflecting on the unexpected successes of the current season.
The Rainbow Warriors have had a strong start this season, their best since 2019, and are now chasing their first-ever Mountain West title. Alejado recognized the external pressures but emphasized the importance of staying oriented toward their goals. “A lot of outside noise, especially, you know, when we’re in the hunt, but for us the biggest thing is stay focused on the game,” he stated.
Head coach Timmy Chang expressed pride in representing Hawaii and anticipation for the game’s atmosphere, emphasizing the team’s commitment to their supporters. “We look forward to seeing them out there,” he added.
Kickoff is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m. Hawaii time and will be broadcast on FS1, as the Rainbow Warriors aim to continue their promising journey this season.