Bryant Moniz's performance throughout the morning solidified his return to the starting lineup.

The Hawaii quarterback's last throw of yesterday's practice just confirmed the decision.

Facing a fourth and 9 during a 2-minute drill, Moniz drilled a throw deep down the middle that hit receiver Kealoha Pilares in stride for a touchdown.

“;That ball's where it's supposed to be. He made a great throw in a tough situation, no hesitation and showed he's pretty much ready,”; UH quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich said.

Warriors head coach Greg McMackin was convinced as well.

“;He'll be our starter,”; McMackin said after the Warriors' final full practice before taking on Navy (8-3) tomorrow at Aloha Stadium.

Moniz returned to practice on Wednesday after sitting out last week's win at San Jose State and the first two practices of this week while resting his bruised ribs.

Shane Austin started last week's game and took the majority of the snaps early in the week.

After a somewhat rusty showing in his return, Moniz took on a heavier workload and appeared to throw with greater authority yesterday. Along with the closing touchdown, he went 5-for-5 during a third-down period.

“;I feel a lot more confident,”; Rolovich said. “;Doing what he did today I feel a lot better. That turkey will go down a lot easier.”;

Moniz had started the previous six games and McMackin previously said he would reclaim the starting role if healthy.

“;He threw a lot better today than he did yesterday,”; McMackin said. “;He was accurate. He's playing through (the injury) and will get better and better.”;

Honoring the past Teams visiting Oahu often include a stop at Pearl Harbor on the itinerary. The excursion holds more significance for the Navy football team.

The Midshipmen were scheduled to visit Pearl Harbor before their practice yesterday at nearby Aloha Stadium.

“;I've been planning for this trip in the back of my mind for a long time,”; Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo said after the team's practice Wednesday night. “;I've gone from doing this and doing that, and ultimately we're getting ready for a football game. But I knew the Arizona Memorial was one thing we couldn't cut out because that's who we represent and it's a big part of who these guys are.”;

The Midshipmen were greeted by a driving rainstorm for their first practice at Aloha Stadium on Wednesday as Niumatalolo and offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper returned to the field where they spent their college careers.

“;It's great to be home,”; Niumatalolo said. “;I'm excited for our young men to experience Hawaii. I've gotta watch that we don't enjoy it too much because we've still got a game to play on Saturday, but we're excited to be here.”;

Short yardage Along with Navy's Hawaii ties, the connections between the programs include a year McMackin spent as defensive coordinator at Navy in 1992. While in Annapolis, he recruited defensive back Joe Speed, now Navy's secondary coach. ... The Western Athletic Conference championship will be on the line when Boise State plays host to Nevada today. UH finished fifth in the conference at 3-5.