Delaware State suffered a tough loss to Hawaii in its Week Zero game last weekend. The Hornets, who entered the game as clear underdogs (+8000 moneyline), forced the Rainbow Warriors hard for the win.

High winds affected both teams and contributed to a slow start. In addition to the weather, the Hornets missed their first flight to Hawaii. ESPN 1420’s Gary Terp first reported the news, which was later confirmed by Delaware State to the Star-Advertiser’s Stephen Tsai. The 10.5-hour flight from Dover to Honolulu was delayed due to a “bus issue,” Tsai reported.

Despite the difficulties, Delaware State prevented Hawaii from scoring in the second quarter and was able to cut the deficit to 7-14 on a 10-yard touchdown run by 6-foot-1 redshirt sophomore quarterback Marqui Adams. Hawaii struggled on offense, managing only 67 rushing yards and 72 passing yards by halftime.

After halftime, Hornets running back Jaden Sutton, a 6-foot-1 native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, scored a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14 with 11:10 left in the third quarter. Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager answered with a 15-yard touchdown run. Schager later found Kentucky transfer Dekel Crowdus for his first touchdown reception as a Rainbow Warrior. Schager finished the game with a 50% completion rate, completing 17 of 34 passes for 204 yards.

The Hornets were unable to score another point the rest of the night, ending the game 35 to 14. Adams completed 60% of his passes, 17 of 28 for 156 yards, and also ran for a touchdown.

Delaware State will travel on the road again on August 31st to face the Sacred Heart Pioneers in Fairfield, Connecticut. The Pioneers will be looking to start the season with a win after a disappointing 2-9 start last season.

Following this Saturday’s game, the Hornets will play their first home game against the Wagner University Seahawks, starting at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th.