Marshall quarterback impressive in Hula Bowl victory

By Jaymes Song - Associated Press Sports Writer     Jan 13, 2008

? With only a few days of preparation for the Hula Bowl, the Aina team had a simple game plan.

Marshall’s Bernard Morris threw for 172 yards and a touchdown in the first half to lead the Aina to a 38-7 victory over the Kai in the Hula Bowl on Saturday.

“We just came out here to have fun and throw the ball around a little bit. And that’s what we did,” said Morris, who finished 11-of-22 and sat out most of the second half.

New Hampshire’s Ricky Santos was 10-of-16 for 169 yards, and Tulsa’s Paul Smith had 47 yards passing and ran for two short TDs for the Aina (East), which racked up 527 yards of total offense.

Aina’s defense also stepped up, setting the tone in the lopsided all-star game. Aina held Kai (West) to 240 yards, including just 35 yards rushing, and forced six turnovers that led to 28 points.

Toledo’s Jalen Parmele and Navy’s Reggie Campbell each had a 1-yard TD runs in the fourth quarter for Aina. Parmele was the game’s leading rusher with 46 yards.

The Aina took control early, forcing three turnovers and recording three sacks in the first half, including two by Cincinnati’s Angelo Craig.

“We just tried to come out and show everyone what East Coast football is all about, and I think we did that,” he said.

Angelo now has his sights on the NFL and vows to return to Aloha Stadium one day.

“I’m coming back but next time it will be in a pro uniform,” he said.

Fellow Bearcat Haruki Nakamura intercepted a long pass attempt by Washington State’s Alex Brink that led to Morris’ three-yard TD pass to Bruce Hocker that made it 21-0 just before halftime.

Nakamura earlier recovered a fumble by Marcus Thomas near midfield. Six plays later, Smith scored on a one-yard plunge.

Once the jewel of college all-star games, with alumni including Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Mike Ditka and Fran Trakenton, the Hula Bowl this year appeared to be in trouble.

There were only a couple thousand fans in 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium. Some players complained about overcrowded hotel rooms. In the press box, there was no statistics crew, let alone a bowl representative.

It also was the first time in years the game was not televised by ESPN.

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