The 77th Annual Hula Bowl was played today at FBC Mortgage Stadium at UCF in Orlando, Florida.  The game featured some of the top 100 college seniors in the nation providing them the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of professional team scouts.  Approximately 200 scouts from the NFL, CFL, USFL, XFL, European League of Football and other leagues were in attendance.

For the second straight year, Team Kai took down Team Aina claiming victory by a final score of 16-13.  

Team Kai struck first with a short field goal from NC State’s Christopher Dunning with 5:03 remaining in the second quarter. Team Aina responded with a touchdown completion from Kansas State QB Adrian Martinez to Fordham WR Ryan Miller giving Team Aina a 7-3 halftime lead. 

East Carolina quarterback Holton Ahlers led Team Kai back to the lead when he connected with UCLA tight end Michael Ezeike for a 20-yard touchdown to make the game 10-7. 

Team Aina responded quickly when Fordham QB Tim DeMorat connected with UAB wide receiver Trea Shropshire on the very next play for a 75-yard touchdown to put Team Aina back in the lead 13-10. Team Kai responded with a field goal to tie the game.  

Both team would be kept in check from finding the end zone but down the stretch, Oklahoma State kicker Tanner Brown hit a late fourth quarter field goal to secure the Team Kai win.  Brown’s game-winning field goal was set up by an impressive play from Arizona defensive lineman Jalen Harris, who tipped a pass from Fordham quarterback Tim DeMorat to himself for an interception.

The Hula Bowl featured college football players from all across the sport nationally and internationally.  Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny played after winning the CFP National Championship in Los Angeles on Monday.  Internationally, Waseda cornerback Kento Ogushi and Kwansei Gakuin wide receiver Mikito Itokawa played college football in Japan.  Five former UCF players were featured on the Hula Bowl roster. Running back Isaiah Bowser tight end Kemore’ Gamble, offensive lineman Sam Jackson, and defensive linemen Anthony Montalvo and Austin Camden played for Team Aina.

Many players will get back to training right away in preparation for upcoming professional drafts, camps and tryouts.

Photo credit: (Cover)Sean Russell/FAAZ Sports – (Gallery)Sean Russell & Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports