LAS VEGAS (HawaiiNewsNow) – A notable contingent of University of Hawaii football fans is descending upon Las Vegas this week, transforming Allegiant Stadium into a “ninth Island” as the Rainbow Warriors face UNLV in a pivotal Mountain West Conference showdown on Friday.
the game carries championship implications for both teams, and holds added importance for several UH players with Las Vegas ties, including quarterback Micah Alejado, a bishop Gorman High School graduate and former Ewa beach resident.
“It’s exciting just to go back and play ther again, and play in Allegiant (Stadium) again,” Alejado said. “Ultimately, it’s just another game and that’s how we got to attack it.”
Fans like Fuchsia Yamashiro are demonstrating strong support, with Yamashiro herself purchasing 60 tickets for family and friends. “Vegas takes the cake,” Yamashiro stated.”People that maybe haven’t even watched the team all year, they’re like, ‘I’m from Hawaii. Hawaii is in town,’ and it’s Hawaii against the world.”
UH is seeking its first victory over UNLV as 2022 and a share of first place in the Mountain West standings. The team’s performance this season has already surpassed initial expectations, contributing to the enthusiastic fan base.
The Rainbow Warriors are off to their best start since 2019 and are aiming for their first-ever Mountain West title, and also potential postseason success.
Head coach Timmy Chang emphasized the importance of focusing on the game amidst the excitement. “We’re just really proud to represent them and and we look forward to seeing them out there,” Chang said. “It should be a great environment.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Hawaii time on FS1.
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