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They call it the Go-Go offense at UNLV and former Kaimuki quarterback Jayden Maiava got a shot at the controls.
Maiava, who played for the Bulldogs in 2019, led the Rebels to a late comeback victory, 40-37, over Vanderbilt two weeks ago, with Jose Pizano kicking the game-winning field goal with 5 seconds left.
Last weekend, Maiava — who replaced starter Doug Brumfield in that game against the Commodores — sparked UNLV to a 45-28 win over UTEP.
Altogether, the redshirt freshman has passed for 559 yards and a TD.
In 2019, Maiava led Kaimuki to a 10-3 record and appearances in the OIA Division II title game (a 27-24 loss to Roosevelt) and state tournament (a first-round, 35-28 loss to Kapaa).
He also played for Sierra Vista and Liberty in Nevada during his high school days.
On Saturday, UNLV (3-1) hosts Hawaii (2-3), a team that lost to Vanderbilt 35-28 in its season opener Aug. 26, in a Mountain West game.
Brumfield is expected to be back as the starter.
Two coaches gave the Las Vegas Review-Journal some insight on Maiava:
Coach Rebels coach Barry Odom:
“Any experience will help someone, especially at that position. You get into the arena, and if you’ve been there before, you have a little comfort. (Maiava) prepares as well as anyone in the program. The moment wasn’t too big for him. He’s hungry to be really good.”
Rich Muraco, his former coach at Liberty:
“The difference between good quarterbacks and kids who don’t make it is confidence. Guys who don’t have it second-guess themselves. That’s not Jayden. Not his issue at all. He has great confidence.”
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ALSO AT BedrockSportsHawaii.com:
>> WEEK 7 Wrap: Kaimuki Edges Kalani; No. 1 Kahuku And No. 7 Kapolei Roll
