Air Force football is preparing for its upcoming game against Hawaii, with Head Coach Troy Calhoun, senior wide receiver Quin Smith, and senior defensive lineman Payton Zdroik meeting with the media to discuss the matchup.
The two teams will face each other for the 24th time overall and the 22nd time as conference opponents. Air Force currently leads the series with a record of 14-8-1, including a 13-7-1 advantage in conference play. In games played at Hawaii, Air Force holds an 8-6-1 record, while at home they are 6-2.
In their most recent meeting on November 11, 2023, in Honolulu, Hawaii defeated Air Force by a score of 27-13. The game began with Hawaii taking an early lead through a five-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Schager to Pofele Ashlock. Air Force responded with a 25-yard field goal by Matthew Dapore to bring the score to 7-3. Schager added a one-yard rushing touchdown before halftime, making it 13-3.
After halftime, Dylan Carson scored for Air Force on a 35-yard run to narrow the gap to 13-10. However, Schager and Ashlock connected again for a 19-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter. Meki Pei extended Hawaii’s lead early in the fourth quarter with a 32-yard fumble return touchdown. Dapore added another field goal for Air Force to close out the scoring.
Hawaii finished that game with 297 total yards—176 passing—and Schager led his team by completing 22 of his 29 passes for two touchdowns and rushing for another score. He also gained 57 yards on the ground. Air Force totaled 315 yards offensively, including 201 rushing yards. Carson led all Falcon rushers with 87 yards and one touchdown on thirteen carries. On defense, Alec Mock recorded ten tackles.
Coach Calhoun spoke about preparing for this next contest: “We know what kind of challenge Hawaii presents based on last year’s result,” he said. “Our focus is on improving every aspect of our play.”
Senior wide receiver Quin Smith commented: “Every game is important in this conference; we have to be ready from kickoff.” Defensive lineman Payton Zdroik added: “It comes down to execution—if we do our jobs up front we give ourselves a chance.”
