[ ARENA FOOTBALL ]
Islanders must overcome
noisy Louisville crowd
to improve to 2-0
The Hawaiian Islanders expect to hear from Louisville's vocal fans today. But they aren't quite sure what they'll see on the field.
With Louisville opening its arenafootball2 season, the Islanders enter the game without an updated scouting report on the Fire.
"We're basing our defense off what they did last year," Hawaii defensive specialist Eddie Klaneski said. "But it's a new year and they have new players.
"We don't even know if they're going to have the same offense because they have better athletes. ... So when we get out there we have to see what they do and we'll have to adjust throughout the game."
Kickoff for Louisville's season opener is set for 1:30 p.m. Hawaii time. The game will be broadcast live on KUMU2 1500-AM.
The Islanders turned up the volume at their practice on Tuesday to prepare for their trip to Freedom Hall, where the Fire drew 10,229 for last year's season opener.
Coaches blew whistles during the offense's huddle while music blared over the Aloha Stadium public-address system to simulate the expected crowd noise.
"It's going to be awesome," Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux said of facing a hostile crowd. "You want it to be like that."
Hawaii defeated Louisville 67-48 at home last season. The Fire finished 5-11 but added some talent in the offseason.
Quarterback Matt Sauk finished third in the af2 in passing yards last season, throwing for 4,098 yards and 84 touchdowns for Tennessee Valley. Offensive specialist James Scott had 1,501 yards and 31 TDs receiving for Cincinnati last year.
The Islanders are coming off an efficient 68-35 victory over Central Valley two weeks ago and welcomed Klaneski and receivers Nian Taylor and Gabe Amey back to the lineup after a bye week. All three missed the opener with injuries.
With the team at full strength, the Islanders are looking to take control in the West Division with their second straight road win.
"Anytime you can take off like that and get some separation that's a bonus," Hawaii coach Cal Lee said. "If you win half your road games and win your games at home, that's 12 victories right there."