While pleased about being named the Western Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week, Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz was not about to celebrate.

UH defensive end Paipai Falemalu was selected as the WAC’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Moniz earned his honor after rushing for 121 yards and three touchdowns, and collaborating with running back Joey Iosefa on a 22-yard, catch-and-dash scoring play.

But after his third rushing touchdown, Moniz flipped the ball to the referee, went behind the sideline advertising signs, and slapped hands with fans. Moniz drew a 15-yard penalty for excessive celebration.

"I didn’t know it was a penalty," Moniz said.

"I thought it was OK because I was behind my bench, but they said it carries over. I apologized to the ref."

Then again, Moniz probably didn’t expect to run so much. The Warriors added sprintouts, bootlegs and read-options to Moniz’s menu of plays.

"We tried something different," Moniz said.

Moniz said the award was "an honor. It’s good to see all of our hard work this summer pay off."

Falemalu was in disbelief when told of his selection.

"I thought (teammates) were joking," Falemalu said.

Of his six tackles, three were in the Colorado backfield, including two solo sacks.

"We always expect big things out of Paipai because he’s a high-motor guy," defensive line coach Tony Tuioti said. "He creates a lot of mismatches because he’s athletic and fast. He’s one of the better athletes on our team, and he’s strong."

Strong safety Richard Torres and Falemalu were Kahuku High football teammates.

"When he’s off the field, he’s the most humble guy," Torres said. "On the field, he’s a different person. He’s angry. He’s ferocious. He’s a beast."

Falemalu acknowledged his dual demeanor.

"Like my grandpa told me, once you strap up the shoes and go on the field, no one is your friend," Falemalu said. "No matter who is across from you, you have to play like he’s your enemy."

Falemalu said this is the first season he feels healthy. He said he is eating nutritious meals, resting more and notifying the athletic trainers of any injuries.

"Any little thing, I won’t ignore it anymore," he said. "A lot of times, people get hurt, and they’re like, ‘I’m fine. I’ll tough it out.’ I try to take care of things right away, and help it heal faster."

Winchester-Makainai says he’ll make trip

Right guard Chauncy Winchester-Makainai was on crutches Monday because of a sore right knee.

He underwent an MRI, but remains confident he will make the two-game road trip. The Warriors depart Wednesday afternoon.

Andrew Faaumu started against Colorado. Winchester-Makainai played in UH’s third offensive series.

@Scoreline1:Homecoming to Seattle for Brown and Maggitt

Linebacker Aaron Brown, who was raised in Washington, said about 50 friends and relatives will attend Saturday’s game.

Backup cornerback Dee Maggitt has secured 15 tickets for relatives.

Washington showed interest before Maggitt made an oral commitment to UH in January 2009.

"Hawaii showed me the most love," Maggitt said.