University of Hawaii quarterback Chevan Cordeiro lunges for the end zone to score a touchdown during a win over San Jose State on Nov. 9 at Aloha Stadium. The Rainbow Warriors’ game against Fordham, scheduled for Sept. 12, has been canceled. AP file photo

The Maui News

The University of Hawaii’s Sept. 12 football game against Fordham is off.

Citing a Rams spokesman, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday that Fordham has canceled the nonconference game that was to be played at Aloha Stadium.

It is UH football’s first cancellation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The New York City-based Rams canceled the game following the Patriot League’s COVID-19 guidance plan, released June 22, that calls for teams not to fly to competitions “with rare exceptions.”

UH athletic director David Matlin told the Star-Advertiser that the Rainbow Warriors will look into finding a replacement opponent.

The news came as the Warriors opened mandatory strength and conditioning workouts in Manoa.

“I’ve got a positive attitude, I’m looking forward to the season,” first-year coach Todd Graham told KHON2, which also confirmed the game cancellation, on Monday.

As it stands, UH is still set to be one of the first teams to open the college football season, taking on Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., on Aug. 29. The Warriors are also scheduled to host UCLA on Sept. 5 and travel to Eugene, Ore., to face the Ducks on Sept. 19 before heading into Mountain West competition.

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University of Hawaii 2020 Football Schedule

All times TBA

All home games at Aloha Stadium

Aug. 29–at Arizona

Sept. 5–vs. UCLA

Sept. 19–at Oregon

Oct. 3–vs. Nevada*

Oct. 10–vs. New Mexico State

Oct. 17–at Air Force*

Oct. 24–vs. Boise State*

Oct. 31–at Fresno State*

Nov. 7–vs. New Mexico*

Nov. 14–vs. UNLV*

Nov. 21–at San Jose State*

Nov. 28–at San Diego State*

*Mountain West Conference game