Sunday, November 18, 2001
[ UH WARRIOR FOOTBALL ]
Justin Ayat isn't one to let a second chance pass him by. Ayat only needed another chance
UH wins run-and-shootout
GAME SUMMARY
By Paul Arnett
parnett@starbulletin.comAfter missing a 29-yard field-goal attempt wide left, the freshman wasn't sure life was going to give him another shot at being a hero. Fortunately for the Hawaii placekicker, Miami (Ohio) defensive back Michael Adams jumped offside on the missed attempt.
Later, after the crowd thinned down, Ayat would say he caught Adams jumping the gun out of the corner of his eye, which may have led to his woeful attempt. It was clear to everyone at Aloha Stadium that the senior defensive back for Miami had come off the edge too soon.
The flag flew, the 5-yard penalty was assessed and Ayat settled down long enough to send the football through the uprights from 24 yards out with no time left to seal the 52-51 victory for the Warriors.
"When I saw him jump off the edge, it kind of made me jump," the former Kamehameha Schools standout said. "I rushed it a little because I was afraid of the block and I kind of pulled it.
"I looked to the left, thankfully saw the flag and knew I would get a second chance. After missing the first one, I kind of stopped myself and reminded myself that it was like an extra point. It was close. My teammates were counting on me. I was just glad I could come through. It was a great feeling."
Ayat knew after Sean Butts blocked an extra point with 1:08 left in the game to make the score 51-49 in favor of Miami, that it would come down to him. As he had done all night, UH quarterback Nick Rolovich led the Warriors down the field to set up the 29-yard attempt.
UH kickoff specialist Chad Owens did his part with a 34-yard kickoff return that allowed Rolovich to set up shop at the Warrior 42. A 17-yard run by Thero Mitchell, a 13-yard completion to Justin Colbert and a 17-yard snag by Ashley Lelie got the Warriors within shouting distance of the end zone.
After 14 touchdowns scored between the two teams, it was fitting it came down to a kick.
"When Sean blocked that kick, I knew it would come down to me," Ayat said. "We were down by 2, we needed a field goal to win. I just hoped I could come through in the clutch."
With five seconds left, Ayat lined up from 29 yards out to try to seal the deal. Miami called a timeout to freeze him, then committed one of the dumbest penalties of the night by jumping offside.
"I saw the guy coming out of the corner of my eye," UH offensive lineman Manly Kanoa said. "I told (UH center) Brian (Smith) to snap the ball."
He did, in effect giving Ayat two shots to make one.
"I've always dreamed about winning the game with no time left," Ayat said. "I can't really describe the feeling. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii