Thursday, May 21, 1998

Hurricanes are wary
of Monsters

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

The Honolulu Hurricanes' long-range goal is to land a berth in the Professional Indoor Football League's four-team playoffs that begin in August.

Tomorrow night the Hurricanes (2-2) can achieve a simpler goal -- two consecutive league victories -- if they defeat the Minnesota Monsters (0-4).

Kickoff at the Blaisdell Arena is set for 7 p.m.

So far this season, it has been lose, win, lose, win for the Hurricanes, currently tied for fourth place in the PIFL standings with Utah.

"Our kids are convinced we are going after the (championship) ring," team founder and director of football operations Fr. John Frederick said.

Although Minnesota is winless and one game was a forfeit, the Monsters' other three losses have all been very close. They have only been outscored, 121-102, in those three defeats.

After viewing game tapes, Frederick said, "We can't take Minnesota for granted even though the numbers don't show it."

Honolulu quarterback Mike Tillis, the PIFL's Player of the Week last week after rushing for three touchdowns and throwing for another, leads an offense that is averaging 40 points a game.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder never played high school or college football, but waited until he joined the Marine Corps to take up the sport.

Former University of Hawaii defensive back Falaniko Vitale is the take-charge player on defense for the Hurricanes.

Frederick reports everyone is healthy with the exception of defensive back Dalton Magno, who injured his right shoulder and is expected to be out for six weeks.

General admission tickets ($9) are available. The loges are sold out.

For further ticket information, call 591-2211. For group discounts, call 372-2255.