Not only did the University of Hawaii football team suffer another loss on this injury plagued season, they also lost their leader at the quarterback position; Bryant Moniz.
Moniz, who suffered a broken right tibia during a first-quarter sack. Moniz was scrambling when, surrounded by three Wolf Pack players, he collapsed in a heap. It appeared to be a non-contact injury. While the cause was not determined, the impact proved to be emotionally jolting.
Moniz will be missed, and say what you will about the Warriors underperforming this year, but Moniz is arguably the most athletic quarterback to ever play for Hawaii, and has led the team to countless big victories. He will be sorely missed, and a season ending injury is never a good way to end a college career.
“It was tough,” UH middle linebacker Corey Paredes said. “He’s our leader.”
UH head coach Greg McMackin described Moniz’s injury as “devastating. It hurt us for a little bit because everyone was sort of frozen.”
McMackin added: “It’s pretty tough when you lose your leader right off the bat. It shocked a lot of guys to see him with a broken leg, and know he’s done.”
Shane Austin will more than likely step in for the rest of the year, however the quarterback position may be up for grabs so we will see.
This loss also effectively ended UH’s chances at leaving the WAC as champions. Sitting at .500, the Warriors (5-5, 3-3 WAC) could find themselves on the outside looking in. They need to win two of their next three games to clinch a winning regular season and earn an accompanying berth in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
The road looks tough, as the rest of the schedule isn’t easy. Should be interesting and hopefully the team can somehow rally and get into the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
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