When things were most dour for the University of Hawai'i football team Saturday, there was quarterback Bryant Moniz walking down the rows of his teammates on the sideline urging they keep their chins up, exhorting them to continue the fight.

When time was running out on the Warriors, there was Moniz scrambling, slithering away from pursuers to launch passes.

Moniz wasn't enough to turn the tide in a 35-23 loss to Idaho, but he didn't seem to know that. Or, if he did, he sure wasn't conceding it.

In a season of hard knocks and ill fortune, Moniz is one of the most pleasant surprises for the 2-4 (0-3 WAC) Warriors.

Amid the gloom accompanying the season-ending knee injury to starting quarterback Greg Alexander and sidelining of backup Brent Rausch with a finger injury, Moniz has emerged as the energetic and inspirational heir, moving the Warriors' offense.

The Leilehua High graduate with the flowing mane has done this not only with his play, which has been improving, but with his tenacity and leadership.

Far from being a signal caller of last resort he has shown signs of growing into the position and being the man with a future.

Moniz, in the second start of his — so far — four-game UH career — completed 30 of 42 passes for 360 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, and ran for a score against Idaho.

He demonstrated not only improvement from his debut as a starter a game earlier but unmistakable qualities of leadership this team needs right now.

"Whatever problems this team has," said one UH coach, "he isn't one of them."

Part-time pizza deliveryman to pay the bills until he lands a scholarship, Moniz is a full-time Warrior, dedicated to the cause. A few months ago he seemed buried so deep on the quarterback depth chart that it was unlikely he'd see anything more than mop-up duty, if that. Yet, he came to practice with a smile and enduring resolve to be ready, just in case

And when the opportunity came and his teammates needed him most, he was ready. "You talk about guys learning from taking mental reps, he probably got more out of them than any quarterback I've ever seen," said quarterbacks coach Nick Rolovich. "He's put in the time and the effort every day."

Such sentiments are not confined merely to the offensive coaches, either. "Everybody wants to play for him," said associate head coach Rich Miano. "They respect him. Whatever the qualities are that make a leader and earn respect, he has them."

And, at this point, the Warriors are lucky to have him.