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Hawaii pass attack beats Louisiana Tech 41-21

Oct 3, 2010 - 10:14 AM By MARK NIESSE Associated Press Writer

HONOLULU (AP) -- Hawaii's passing combo of quarterback Bryant Moniz and receiver Kealoha Pilares connected a school record 18 times to pour on the offense and stifle Louisiana Tech 41-21 Saturday.

Moniz led the Warriors' nation-leading passing offense with four touchdown passes and 532 yards, exceeding their 405.5 yards per game average entering the day.

Moniz completed 42 of 58 passes for Hawaii (3-2) in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

As the clock wound down, Moniz said he was told on the sideline that Pilares was about to break Hawaii's previous record of 16 receptions in a game.

"I was really surprised. I didn't think I threw him the ball that many times," Moniz said. "So going into the last drive, I figured I'd feed him a little bit more. I'm just happy for him to break records and have good games and get the W."

It was the ninth straight loss on the road for Louisiana Tech (1-4), which last won away from home on Nov. 22, 2008. The Bulldogs have lost four in a row this season.

Hawaii built an early 24-point lead behind a 66-yard touchdown pass to Pilares, who scored twice and accumulated 217 yards.

"I think we can break any record out there," Pilares said. "I really didn't even know about it. It didn't feel like that many catches."

The game was a reunion for Hawaii coach Greg McMackin and Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes, who served together as assistants at Texas Tech under coach Mike Leach through 2004. McMackin was the defensive coordinator and Dykes was in charge of the receivers.

McMackin said he was glad to get some revenge after Louisiana Tech beat Hawaii 27-6 last year.

"This was a team we wanted to get because we thought we owed them a little payback," he said. "We were really beat up after that game last year. Payback is always fun."

Louisiana Tech struggled to recover after falling behind so quickly, Dykes said. Hawaii scored on four of its first five possessions of the game.

"Our kids really played hard and had a chance to get back in the game, but just couldn't quite make a play or two," he said. "That's a sign of our inconsistencies that's been plaguing us all year."

Moniz also completed two touchdown passes to Greg Salas, who finished with 197 yards and had set the previous single-game receptions record last year.

Junior college transfer Tarik Hakmi got the start for Louisiana Tech, which has shuffled through several quarterbacks this season.

Hakmi was pulled in the second quarter after failing to score in four possessions. He completed 4 of 11 passes for no gain, and he threw an interception to safety Mana Silva, who later picked off another pass from replacement quarterback Colby Cameron.

Ross Jenkins led the Bulldogs' offense the rest of the way, going 19-for-26 for 215 yards and an interception.

Louisiana Tech closed the gap to 24-14 early in the third quarter, but Hawaii responded with two quick scores to bump the lead back to 20.

Louisiana Tech is now 0-5 when playing in Honolulu.

Hawaii linebacker Corey Paredes, who entered the game ranked second nationally in tackles with 13.2 per game, had eight tackles Saturday.