GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hawaii's West Keliikipi ran through Fresno State's Manuel Sanchez as Raymond Washington closed in during last night's win at Aloha Stadium.
Warriors turned
to the runWarrior Report: Back on track
Statistics, Turning Point & Coming Up
Bulldogs' futility against UH continues
Notebook: LaBoy helps hammer Fresno
At his weekly press conference last Monday, Hawaii football coach June Jones asserted that his pass-happy Warriors needed to throw the ball even more in order to get back on track this season.
However, Jones' assessment didn't result in a diminished role for the Warriors' running backs in Hawaii's 55-28 Western Athletic Conference victory over rival Fresno State last night at Aloha Stadium.
"The coaches said they were going to throw the ball more this time," UH back West Keliikipi said. "But I guess the running game worked for us and it worked out for our team."
The running game in the run-and-shoot offense is all about picking your spots and the Warriors' running backs proved an effective change-up to the passing game as UH rushed for 145 yards, outgaining the more balanced Bulldogs on the ground (140).
"I would have never guessed that we would have rushed for more yards than they did," Jones said.
Keliikipi ran over and around Fresno State defenders for a career-high 67 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for 34 yards before leaving the game in the second half with cramps and a strained left knee.
He said the injuries were minor and he'll be fine.
RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hawaii's John West stiff-armed Dee Meza during last night's game at Aloha Stadium.
Keliikipi, a 6-foot-1, 266-pounder, started the year at defensive tackle but was moved to running back early in camp.
"I said to Mouse (Davis), that's the guys we always wanted," Jones said. "He will play at the next level. He can catch the ball, he's smart and he'll blow them up on the lead draw."
Keliikipi's physical running style gave the Warriors a lift in the second quarter as he ripped off a 28-yard run, combining nimble footwork with straight power to run by and through Bulldog defenders.
"It's a great boost," slotback Gerald Welch said. "Big West running over people is great to see. He's a real football player, we expect that from him and he delivers most of the time."
Keliikipi completed the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run, part of a string of four unanswered touchdowns that turned a 14-10 deficit into a 38-14 halftime lead.
"Our offensive line did real good blocking," Keliikipi said. "I give all the credit to them, that's why we score the touchdowns. Even though they're freshmen, they brought it all."
Keliikipi wasn't the only back to enjoy success last night.
John West opened the game by returning the opening kickoff 48 yards to set up the Warriors' first score of the game. He also had a 21-yard run in the second quarter that set up the go-ahead touchdown, a 9-yard pass from Chang to Chad Owens and finished with 62 yards on five carries.
Michael Brewster scored on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Chang in the second quarter, catching the ball short of the goal line and stretching into the end zone.
"We're not individuals, it's team thing -- we work as a team, we practice as a team," Keliikipi said. "Tonight we played as a team, and that's what really counts."
