A difficult call to make, and more difficult to explain

[Ed Hickland]

First, the Hula Bowl uses NCAA rules which unlike NFHS rules depend not upon the initial direction of the pass but the yard line where the pass is received relative to the point of release -- they just have enough officials to be able to properly cover it, some NFHS contests still use three.

While I did not see the play from your description it sounds like a breakaway that was covered by a single official who may have not been in position to conclusively rule, therefore, no flag.