Two Black quarterbacks went head-to-head as starters for the Art of Sports LA Bowl hosted by Gronk.
UNLV senior quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams made five throws for 96 yards, scoring two touchdowns. He would also make 10 carries for 27 yards. His efforts would help the Rebels defeat the California Golden Bears 24-13.
UNLV wide receiver coach Del Alexander became the interim head coach on December 8 when their former coach Barry Odom departed for Purdue. Alexander praised the team in the wake of their victory.
“I know how tough it is to fight through the adversity,” Alexander said. “They’re outstanding young men, they’re full of character and integrity and they work their tails off.”
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During this season, Williams made 150 passes for 1,941 yards. His efforts would put him on the All-Mountain West Second Team and the Davey O’Brien Quarterback Class of 2024.
Prior to transferring to UNLV, Williams spent five years at Campbell University. His 8,236 career passing yards makes him the program leader in the category. He is also the all-time leader in passing touchdowns with 58.
Cal sophomore quarterback CJ Harris made 13 passes for a season-high of 109 yards along with 12 carries for 23 yards. His performance in the LA Bowl was cut short due to injury. This is the second game Harris has competed in this season.
“There was a lot of guys playing today that got more opportunities than they did all year, both sides of the ball and on special teams,” said Cal head coach Justin Wilcox. “We had great opportunities to evaluate guys.”
Harris competed for the Ohio University Bobcats prior to attending Cal. In 2022, he helped the Bobcats win the Mid-American Conference title and win the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. His efforts in the Arizona Bowl earned him MVP honors.
Former City and Southern Section players were on the roster for both universities. Isaiah Harris, who helped the Washington Generals reach the CIF City Section Division III Championship last season, is a freshman wide receiver for the Rebels. UNLV senior defensive back La’Viro Wiley played for Banning High School and Cerritos College.
Cal Sophomore defensive back Mayze Bryant attended St. Francis and freshman tight end Camden Jones attended Maranatha. Serra of Gardena was represented on both teams with UNLV senior linebacker Tyray O’Dell and Cal freshman offensive lineman Frederick Williams III.
Both Cal and UNLV kept the game close in the first half. The Rebels showed their dominance in the second half, scoring 10 unanswered points.
“It’s a big deal for them,” Alexander said. “It’s an experience that will last their lives.”
