MOSCOW, Idaho » Greg McMackin took a moment to compose himself before beginning his remarks to the media.

The sting of a 35-23 defeat to Idaho yesterday was still fresh. But another loss was foremost on the Hawaii head coach's mind after the game.

“;No. 1, I feel terrible about losing Rodney Bradley,”; McMackin said. “;He'll be gone for the season, he's a big-time player and I just really feel bad about that.”;

Bradley, the Warriors' second-leading receiver in terms of yardage, broke his left leg during the second quarter yesterday and was driven from the field in an ambulance. He stayed in Moscow as the Warriors headed back to Honolulu last night, and was scheduled to have surgery.

“;I love the kid. ... He's one of our best players and he's a great kid,”; McMackin said. “;Shoot, it's terrible. It's devastating.”;

It was the latest in a series of injuries that have ravaged the Warriors through the first half of the season. Linebacker Brashton Satele had season-ending shoulder surgery during fall camp. The last time the Warriors played on the mainland, quarterback Greg Alexander tore two ligaments in his left knee in a loss at Louisiana Tech.

Receiver Royce Pollard, who started the previous two games, didn't make the trip due to a stress fracture in his leg.

Bradley entered yesterday's game with 517 yards and a team-high five touchdowns. On UH's second drive, he caught a slant from Bryant Moniz and took it 42 yards to convert on third and 13.

With the Warriors again facing third and 13 on their next possession, they ran the same play and Bradley turned up field for another first down.

This time, though, he was hit low by Idaho safety Shiloh Keo as he planted his foot. He went to the turf and immediately clutched his leg.

Trainers and medical staff rushed onto the field and immobilized his leg. He was placed in the ambulance while the Warriors huddled for a prayer in front of their sideline. Bradley was given a standing ovation by the fans at the Kibbie Dome as he was taken from the field.

“;I was pretty upset,”; said receiver Greg Salas, Bradley's roommate during road trips. “;I felt bad for him. He was doing so well.

“;A guy was diving at his legs, his foot was planted, and I saw it on his face. It was bad.”;

With Bradley out, sophomore Joe Avery stepped in at X receiver and caught three passes for 41 yards.

“;It gave me an opportunity to play, but I never want to see anybody go down injured,”; Avery said. “;I was just like, 'I have to step up because I'm not playing for myself, I'm playing for the team.' “;