Islanders want to turn
over a new leaf on
defense vs. RiptideIn a sport designed to produce impressive offensive numbers, the Hawaiian Islanders' playoff hopes could hinge on their ability to register a digit in a key defensive category.
Heading into tonight's meeting with division rival San Diego, the Islanders are hunting for their first takeaway of the arenafootball2 season.
"There's been balls on the ground, there's been times when we've dropped interceptions. So right now it's all about finishing the plays," Islanders defensive specialist Eddie Klaneski said.
arenafootball2
Who: San Diego Riptide vs. Hawaiian IslandersWhen: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Blaisdell Arena
TV/radio: None
Tickets: Lower Level and loge sold out. Upper level adult $10, children (ages 4-17) $7.
Parking: $3
The turnover battle will be a key when the Islanders face the Riptide in an af2 National West Division battle at Blaisdell Arena. Both teams enter the game at 2-1, tied with Wichita for first place.
The Islanders suffered their first loss of the season last week at Bakersfield (Calif.) to fall to 0-1 in the division. San Diego is 1-0 in the division race, having beaten Bakersfield in week one.
"We're already a step behind, so it's very important that we get this win," said Klaneski, who leads the team with five pass deflections.
Part of arena football's allure is the propensity for offenses to light up the scoreboard by trading touchdowns. So breaking the opponent's serve with a timely takeaway can amount to a game-breaking turn.
The Islanders' defense has forced four fumbles, only to see the offense pounce on the ball to retain possession, and has yet to intercept a pass this season.
"Any kind of stop, any kind of takeaway is huge," Islanders coach Cal Lee said.
The Islanders have lost two fumbles and an interception this season. The fumble total includes a freak play in last week's loss to Bakersfield in which a kickoff hit a goalpost, bounced into the field and was picked up by a Bakersfield player for a touchdown.
The play helped turn a 24-23 Islanders lead into a 38-24 deficit. A late rally fell short, sending the Islanders to their first loss of the season.
"We've gotten stops where we either got them on fourth down or make them kick a field goal and they miss it; we consider those turnovers, too," Klaneski said. "But we haven't actually gotten a fumble recovery or an interception.
"It's a big swing, plus it's momentum, and when you're playing at home you get the crowd into the game."
The Islanders haven't played at home in nearly a month and are looking forward to being in front of a friendly crowd after two road games.
"It's always a plus to play at home, especially when they have to make a five-hour flight to Hawaii," said receiver/defensive back Nian Taylor. "It's always good to have a home game and get regrouped."
Taylor leads the team with 12 receptions for 237 yards and six touchdowns. As a team, the Islanders rank eighth in af2 in scoring and total offense, averaging 48 points and 248 yards per game.
Marty Graham is San Diego's top offensive threat with six touchdowns. He has four receiving touchdowns and also scored on a kickoff return and a fumble return.
Notes: Defensive back Feiamma Armstrong is nursing a knee injury and is not active for tonight's game. Tight end/defensive end Taulia Lave will also miss the game due to a death in the family. Receiver Darrick Branch was placed on injured reserve after aggravating a hamstring injury last week. ... San Diego leads the series with the Islanders 2-1. ... Riptide coach Cree Morris played quarterback at San Diego State in the early 1990s. His Aztecs teammates included St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk and Dallas Cowboys receiver Darnay Scott.
Hawaiian Islanders
