Wright-Jackson scores twice

Senior running back Leon Wright-Jackson couldn't match his career day of 167 yards and three scores against Utah State last week, but still managed to be effective vs. this week's Aggies.

He rushed for 43 yards on just six carries (a 7.2-yard average), including touchdown runs of 3 and 11 yards in the first quarter.

“;Just trying to do what I can,”; Wright-Jackson said. “;My touchdown runs came off the team. Everybody did a great job.”;

Wright-Jackson said he had a “;minor strain”; as to why he didn't appear in the second half. Alex Green finished with 33 yards on 11 carries in his absence.

Woman official makes history

Sarah Thomas made Hawaii football history last night. The line judge became the first woman to serve as an on-field official at a college football game at Aloha Stadium, according to WAC officials observer Joe Ornellas and veteran WAC referee Frank White.

Thomas is the only woman officiating FBS games.

“;She's worked quite a few games in Conference USA and other college games,”; White said.

Women have previously worked on officiating crews for high school games at Aloha Stadium.

UH head coach Greg McMackin had nothing but kind things to say about Thomas.

“;I think that's outstanding. I think it's first class and there's no reason why there shouldn't be more,”; McMackin said. “;She made a tough call. She overruled another official and it gave us a first down. So I really like her.”;

Soares snags first interception

As the ball approached his waiting hands, one thought flashed through Blaze Soares' mind.

“;I saw it and I was thinking, 'Don't drop it,' “; the Hawaii linebacker said

Soares indeed latched onto the throw to record his first career interception in the third quarter.

“;It feels awesome,”; he said. “;It was a great call. It was a blitz, the D-line and linebackers had great penetration and made the quarterback get the ball away quick. I was just fortunate to be in the right area at the right time.”;

After going five games without an interception, the Warriors now have four in the last two games.

Safety Mana Silva came up with his fifth pick of the season in the second quarter, ending a promising New Mexico State drive when he came down with a Jeff Fleming pass at the Warriors' 5.

Hawaii's Aggies represent

New Mexico State freshman B.J. Adolpho (Kahuku '05) and junior Ka'ua Adolpho (Kahuku '03) were each in on a tackle in their return to Aloha Stadium.

Junior defensive end Kawika Shook (Kamehameha '06) also got into the game for the Aggies. The only Hawaii high school graduate not to see playing time was defensive tackle David Niumatalolo (Kahuku '05).

Shook is the leading tackler out of the four Hawaii players with 15 this season, including a sack.

Short yardage

The Warriors wore their popular green jersey, white pants uniforms for the second straight week. They performed the ha'a to the mauka crowd before kickoff.