Chang named QB Shager as his football captain

Braden Schager started 31 straight games, a University of Hawaii record for a quarterback.

But when the Rainbow Warriors host UNLV on Saturday, Schager will make his first start as co-captain.

In celebration of last Saturday’s 21-20 win over Fresno State, football coach Timmy Chang spoke to Schager about his new title. But Chang wanted to hold off on making a public statement until he addressed the team at a meeting Monday afternoon. Soon after, Chang confirmed Schager’s promotion.

“He wants to be a leader,” Chang said. “He’s the leader of the offense and this team. It’s the right thing (to do).”

During training camp, each Warrior was allowed to choose one captain. Linebacker Logan Taylor, considered by many to be the Warriors’ spiritual leader, received the majority of the votes. Defender Ezra Evaimalo, defender Peter Manuma, defender Jonah Panoke and defender Koali Nishigaya were also selected as co-captains.

But two weeks ago, Nishigaya was removed from the active roster. Presumably, Shager will fill the vacant position of second captain.

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Schager, a Dallas product, has been instrumental in developing the Warriors’ offense. In training camp, the Warriors used a traditional four-gate, run-and-shoot offense. In recent weeks, running backs coach Anthony Arsenault, who was Chung’s teammate at St. Louis High, has moved into the coaching booth during games, where he has shared his observations with coaches on the sideline. While they were assistant coaches at Nevada, Chang and Arceneaux learned about the Air Raid. They incorporated Air Raid concepts into the run and gun system – deadlock movement, power play, and run/pass options.

The mixed offense became a painstaking and time-consuming game with Shager’s dual skills as a runner and passer. Against Fresno State, the Warriors had the ball for 38 minutes, 8 seconds, including 11:04 of the fourth quarter when they overcame a 13-point deficit.

Chang said Shager’s leadership, toughness and skill were noticeable.

“I think he should be a leader without (the captaincy),” Chang said, “but I know he will take responsibility to get things right. We need him to play and he will play for us.”

In his last two games, Schager averaged 6.1 yards per carry without a sack. He leads the Warriors in rushing with 423 yards without a sack and averages 242.8 passing yards per game.