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Gilbride enters
game unexpectedly

NOBODY was more surprised to hear his name called than sophomore quarterback Kevin Gilbride.

After freshman Timmy Chang went down with a concussion in the fourth quarter, head coach June Jones called on Gilbride because he wasn't sure of the severity of Chang's injury. True, Nick Rolovich already has played this year.

But it was recently discovered that Rolovich may have a pelvic injury that could have led to a petition for a medical hardship had he not played again this season. Gilbride came in and helped lead the Warriors on a scoring drive by completing his first Division I attempt for 19 yards to Channon Harris.

"That felt good," Gilbride said. "It was very exciting to hear my name called. That's why you go to practice every day for the chance to play."

Gilbride remained in until Jones heard that Chang had a concussion and couldn't return. At that moment with the game on the line, Jones turned to No. 2 quarterback Rolovich and told him to go in. He threw the first of his two touchdown passes to Craig Stutzmann to cut San Jose State's lead to 10.

Rolovich's second touchdown toss was even more dramatic. Underthrown a bit, Ashley Lelie was about to turn defender when the ball went right through the hands of Spartan cornerback Alex Wallace and into the unsuspecting arms of Lelie, who waltzed in for the 51-yard touchdown.

"I love these guys and I would gladly give up my year to play in this game," Rolovich said. "We had a chance to win. I wish I could have helped lead a comeback. And if coach Jones calls on me next week, I'll be ready."

Injury update

Chang's injury was just one of many for the Warriors on Saturday. The freshman quarterback suffered a concussion after being hit by middle linebacker Josh Parry an instant after Chang let a pass fly.

"It was a clean hit," Chang said. "I wanted to come back in, but I couldn't remember my coverages."

Team physician Andrew Nichols said Chang's head cleared quickly enough to make him think he will be able to play this Saturday at Fresno State. Other players suffering injuries Saturday night might not be as fortunate.

Chief among them is offensive lineman Vince Manuwai, who pulled his hamstring chasing after San Jose State weakside linebacker Ron Ockimey. His 94-yard touchdown return of an errant Chang pass gave the Spartans a comfortable 28-6 halftime margin.

"I felt something give in there," said Manuwai, who was replaced by sophomore Shane Kajioka. With Manuwai ailing, Chang took a beating as the Spartans knocked down the freshman a dozen times without recording a sack.

Outside linebacker Robert Kemfort suffered bruised ribs and was replaced by Anthony Smith. Afatia Thompson reinjured his sprained ankle and was replaced by junior Robert Grant and sophomore Thero Mitchell. Hawaii finished with 74 yards rushing on 20 carries.

Parry thankful

Linebacker Josh Parry thanked Jones for Hawaii's players wearing the decal No. 32 on their helmets in honor of his brother, Neil, who had part of his leg amputated a week ago.

"It was hard to concentrate on what you have to do because people don't realize how close me and my brother are," Parry said after San Jose State secured the 57-48 win. "We're probably as close as two brothers can be.

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By Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin