[ARENA FOOTBALL]
It's been more than three months since the Hawaiian Islanders took the plunge into arenafootball2. Islanders get rematch
against defending champsThey hope for an upset as a
highlight in a tough seasonBy Nick Abramo
nabramo@starbulletin.comNow, they want to take a quantum leap by beating defending league champion Quad City tonight at 7 at Blaisdell Arena.
Even though the Steamwheelers (9-5) have struggled a bit this year, it would be a huge upset if the Islanders (3-11) triumph in their eighth and last home game of the season.
Tonight's game is a rematch of an April 20 contest in Moline, Ill., when Hawaii's only pro sports team was playing in the third game of its existence. Not surprisingly, the Steamwheelers won 69-39.
Since then, the Islanders have gained considerable ground. They've won two of their last four games after a nine-game losing streak.
"They're gonna want to come and get a victory here, but we want to go out and dominate -- play good offensive and defensive football," Islanders coach Chad Carlson said. "And we want to make the crowd go crazy; we've done it in the Sandbox two games in a row."
Who: Quad City Steamwheelers (9-5) vs. Hawaiian Islanders (3-11) ARENAFOOTBALL2
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Blaisdell Arena
Tickets: $10 and up
Radio: Live on 1420-AM
TV: Oceanic Cable Pay-Per-View, live. Replayed Monday at 8 p.m. on OC-16.
The Sandbox is a playful term some of the Islanders use in reference to the Blaisdell field, which is the smallest in the 34-team league but also close to some of the world's most famous beaches.
Closing out the season on a high note against Quad City and at division rival Fresno next Saturday would allow the team to carry some winning momentum into next season.
The Islanders and Frenzy (4-10) are fighting for third place in the National Conference West Division, while Quad City is tied with Peoria (9-5) for first place in the conference's Midwest Division.
The Steamwheelers' Ira Gooch leads the league in all-purpose yardage with an average of 216.5.
"They're big and fast and their experience shows every time they step on the field," Carlson said about the Steamwheelers. "But our guys are up for it, and this is another test that will give us strength.
"We have a chance to play against the reigning af2 champions and if that's the highlight of our season, let it be."
Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux looks to add to two league records (24 rushing TDs and 403 rushing yards in a season) he set in last week's 83-73 loss to Arkansas.
This will be the first time home fans get a glimpse of Darrick Branch in an Islanders uniform. Despite no practice time with the team, Branch, a former University of Hawaii receiver, caught a 31-yard touchdown pass and made two tackles on defense against the Twisters. He joined the team after being cut by the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.
Nian Taylor, the all-purpose standout who played part of the season with the Richmond Speed, will take part in his second home game. In three games for the Islanders, he has 16 receptions for 325 yards and six receiving TDs. He also leads the team in interceptions with two, one of which he returned for a score.
Taylor, who has earned two national awards in the last two games, has extra incentive to win. He played for the Speed in a loss to the Steamwheelers in last year's title game.
"I owe Quad City," he said. "It'll be my chance to get them back, and it'll be for my new teammates and my boys in Richmond, too."
Hawaiian Islanders
