On election night, University of Hawaii quarterbacks Ikaika Woolsey, Aaron Zwahlen and Dru Brown made strong pitches for the No. 1 job in a full-contact scrimmage at Aloha Stadium.
“They have grown and performed well late in camp,” UH coach Nick Rolovich said. “We have a big decision to make.”
Woolsey, who appears to be the leading candidate, was selected by teammates as one of nine members of the leadership council. In Saturday’s event, which served as a dress rehearsal, Woolsey served as one of the captains who participated in a simulation of the coin toss.
Woolsey, who played in the first “half” of the 100-minute scrimmage, completed 12 of 19 passes for 100 yards, including a 20-yard scoring pass to slotback John Ursua.
Of his placement on the depth chart, Woolsey said: “I’m not too sure. Rolo still has to make that decision. I can’t worry about things I can’t control. I’m going to come out there and work (on Monday) and have a good day with the ones and twos and try to make everyone better.”
Woolsey and Ursua clicked on a crossing pattern in the second possession of the scrimmage. Soon after, they ran the same play, with Ursua this time finding the end zone.
“I was glad Ikaika was able to find some time and find me again,” Ursua said. “He gave me an opportunity to get the ball and score. It was the first time playing on this field ever. It was a great feeling.”
Ursua was raised on Hawaii island before moving to Utah as a high school sophomore. After graduating, he worked for a year, then went on a two-year church mission. He redshirted last year, his first at UH, but never took any reps at Aloha Stadium.
Woolsey credited the offensive line for giving him time. Although quarterbacks are not allowed to be hit hard, Woolsey was never touched during his three drives.
“The O-line is probably the most consistent group in camp,” Woolsey said.
Zwahlen, who redshirted last year after returning from a church mission, was 9-for-14 for 128 yards. He threw a 23-yard, cross-field pass to slotback Dylan Collie for a 22-yard touchdown.
“It was a great time,” Collie said. “Now we have to get ready for the big thing, and that’s Cal in Australia (in the season opener).”
Brown, a transfer from College of San Mateo, was 12-for-17 for 130 yards.
“I think the offense came out and made some plays early and missed some plays early, too,” Rolovich said. “I wasn’t sure if either side was going to respond (from a slow start), but the defense responded. After the first quarter and a half, not only did the defense respond, they really stood together and played aggressive. Credit to (defensive coordinator Kevin) Lempa. They really believe in him, and that’s why he’s here.”
The defense did not allow an offensive touchdown in the final 12 series. In that time, middle linebacker Jahlani Tavai scooped a fumble and raced 64 yards for a touchdown.
“It was a great moment to seize a great opportunity,” Tavai said. “I had my defense blocking for me. If it wasn’t for them filling the gaps, I wouldn’t have made it.”