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HONOLULU – The University of Hawai`i Warrior football team hung tough with nationally ranked USC before the 14^th-ranked Trojans ultimately pulled away, 49-36, Thursday night at Aloha Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

 

USC quarterback Matt Barkley completed 18-of-23 for 257 yards and tied a school record with five touchdown passes to lead the Trojans. Three of those touchdowns went to senior wide receiver Ronald Johnson, who also returned a punt for a touchdown.

 

Despite the score, the Warriors found success against the Trojans. The Warriors accumulated 588 yards of total offense and had three different receivers crack 100 yards to stay within striking distance for a good portion of the game.

 

UH, however, couldn't keep up with the big-play ability of the Trojans and failed to punch into the end zone at opportune times. UH settled for three field goals in the first half, including two after getting inside the Trojan 5-yard line. UH trailed just 27-16 at halftime but the Trojans opened up an 18-point lead after Johnson's punt return in the third quarter and never looked back.

 

UH starting quarterback Bryant Moniz went 18-of-36 for 269 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 38 yards before being knocked out of the game in the third quarter.

 

Senior wide receiver and All-American candidate Greg Salas was impressive in his 2010 debut with eight catches for 124 yards. It was the 10^th time Salas passed the 100-yard plateau in his career. Kealoha Pilares meanwhile exploded for three long touchdowns and finished with 176 yards receiving .The senior scored on touchdown passes of 30, 56 and 65 yards. Royce Pollard went over 100 yards with seven catches for 107 yards.

 

Mana Silva led the UH defense with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.

 

The Warriors now head to the road for its next two games, beginning with a meeting against Army on Saturday, Sept. 11. Kickoff is 12:00 p.m. E.T.