Sports

Nasty Sucker Punch Triggers Christmas Eve Brawl As Cal Players Launch Helmets And Haymakers At Hawaii Bowl

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Hawaii Bowl Brawl Fight Cal Sucker Punch
ESPN

Cal and Hawaii played one of the most exciting college football games of the entire season on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, an instant classic was spoiled by a crazy brawl during postgame.

Punches and helmets went flying.

Nobody wants to see this kind of ending to a college football game but those watching at home were thoroughly entertained. In the voice of Stefon from SNL… this Hawaii Bowl has EVERYTHING!

The Hawaii Bowl was exhilarating.

There was only one single live sporting event on television in the United States on Christmas Eve so the eyes of an entire nation were on the Hawaii Bowl as Santa flew around the world hopping in and out of chimneys. It did not disappoint.

Cal got up by three touchdowns during the first 20 minutes but Hawaii roared back with 21 unanswered points to tie the game at 21 with 13:50 left in the fourth quarter. And then it was on.

The Golden Bears added a field goal. The Rainbow Warriors responded with a touchdown to take their first lead of the game. Cal responded with a touchdown to go up three. Hawaii closed it out with a 10-play, 68-yard drive over the last one minute and 42 seconds of the game.

Backup quarterback Luke Weaver was thrust into the lineup with only 15 seconds left on the clock because the starter lost his helmet on the previous play. Head coach Timmy Chang decided not to play it safe and let him rip it. Nick Cenacle caught the game-winning touchdown with 10 seconds left.

And then it got wild.

Punches and helmets started flying during a postgame brawl between Cal and Hawaii.

Cal did get the ball back with 10 seconds left on the clock. Its attempt at pitchy pitchy woo woo failed.

Game over.

Players from both teams dove on the loose ball. Chaos ensued as soon as the play was blown dead.

Here is how it looked from down on the field:

To say it was hectic would be an understatement.

Players were eventually separated but one round was not enough. A second fight broke out near the Cal sideline shortly thereafter. No. 68 appeared to start the second brawl with the most suckerish of sucker punches.

Both sides started throwing haymakers. Helmets were launched into the sky.

It was an unfortunate end to an incredible evening at the Hawaii Bowl.

Nobody wants to see a brawl on Christmas but, if we’re being honest, it was great television.