On a clear day, the University of Hawaii football team could see 2016.

The Rainbow Warriors gave a sneak peek to the future with Tuesday’s abbreviated Scout Bowl involving redshirts and developing players.

"It was fun," head coach Norm Chow said of the post-practice, full-contact scrimmage.

Aaron Zwahlen, a freshman who returned from a two-year church mission in May, was 4-for-5 for 107 yards and two touchdowns. He was not intercepted, sacked once, and scrambled away from a manhunt for a 9-yard gain.

"He’s a gun-slinging guy," Chow said of Zwahlen. "He stood in the pocket and threw it around. You don’t expect the pass protection (in this type of scrimmage), but it was pretty good pass protection."

Zwahlen served his mission in the Baltimore area. He managed to work out early in the morning before studying, sharing his faith, and leading counseling sessions.

"There was a lot of rejection," Zwahlen conceded, "but one of the biggest things I learned was how to deal with rejection and how to get back up after that."

Zwahlen overcame a fierce pass rush to throw scoring passes of 28 yards to Andrew Ho and 26 yards to slotback/running back John Ursua.

Ho’s touchdown catch was the counter-punch to multiple blitzes.

"They brought a lot of linebackers, and the post was open," Zwahlen said.

Ho, a sophomore from the Bay Area, also made a one-handed grab for 29-yard gain.

"I pride myself on having good hands," said Ho, who does extra-curricular receiver drills. "We use tennis balls and medicine balls. We throw them against the wall and catch them. It’s like a basketball pass. We’re always doing that."

Ursua, who aligned in the slot and backfield, zipped past the secondary to catch the wide-open pass in the end zone.

"It’s been a long time," said Ursua, who was born on Hawaii island and led Kealakehe to the BIIF title as a freshman before moving to Utah. He committed to UH in 2012 with the intent of joining the Warriors after completing a two-year church mission.

Because of a procedural glitch, Ursua delayed the start of his mission until 2013. He served in Paris, and returned this past May. Ursua received conditional admission to UH in which he was permitted to practice but not play in any games this season.

"Being ineligible to suit up this year was pretty tough to hear," Ursua said. "But it’s nice to practice with this team after three years."

Ursua ran the triple-option in high school — an offense used by Saturday’s opponent, Air Force. Ursua has portrayed Air Force quarterback Karson Roberts in drills against UH’s first-team defense this week.

"John is good," said safety Damien Packer, who faced Ursua in high school. "In a couple of years — no, next year — there are going to be good things coming from John. I promise you that."

Offensive coordinator Don Bailey marveled that Ursua "is a very good athlete who runs really well and can cut and do all that stuff."

Ursua said, "I’m glad I can help."

Defensive coordinator Tom Mason said he faces Ursua and Zwahlen every day in practice.

"When you’re redshirting or you’re not on the travel squad, you miss playing the game," Mason said. "To give those kids some reps, they get all jacked up about it. It was fun to watch."