Islanders thinking big --
they want a title
The Hawaiian Islanders, perched atop the arenafootball2 National Conference West Division, are in Little Rock, Ark., today to face the Arkansas Twisters.
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Who: Hawaiian Islanders (7-2) at Arkansas Twisters (4-4)When: Today, 2 p.m. Hawaii time
Radio: Live, 1500-AM
Having won four in a row, the Islanders (7-2) want to avoid losing their hard-earned momentum as the season begins to wind down and the playoff picture starts to come into focus.
"Our intention is simple, win and get to 8-2," Islanders lineman Andy Ramos said. "We're fighting to get a playoff game at home, at least, and then we'll see where we can take it."
Coach Cal Lee, whose team has already won two more games than all of last year, knows it's a little early to be completely focused on the playoffs.
"When a team gets to 10 or 11 wins, that's a good time to start thinking about it," Lee said.
A year ago, the Twisters (4-4) outgunned the Islanders 83-73 at Little Rock.
But Islanders wide receiverdefensive back Eddie Klaneski and lineman Taulia Lave are confident in the team's chances against Arkansas and for the rest of the season.
"This is a brand new year and we've got a different flavor," Lave said. "A lot of it has to do with attitude. We're walking with a swagger now. We're on top. Winning brings that kind of confidence.
"If we win out, which I think we can do, we'll be 14-2 and have a realistic chance to host the playoffs all the way to the final in Hawaii."
Klaneski, the former University of Hawaii star who played for now-defunct Fresno last year, thinks the Islanders are extra special.
"This team is really good," Klaneski said. "And we're deep with a really good bench filled with guys who haven't played much yet. Overall, we're a playoff team and I'm not going to shy away from saying we have a chance to win the whole thing."
To avoid giving up another 83 points to the Twisters, Klaneski said the Islanders' defense is gearing up to make crucial defensive stops.
"That's our goal every game -- five or six stops --and we've reached that goal for at least the last four games," he said.
Klaneski ranks 10th in the league in tackles with 39 1/2.
Lave thinks it's important to try to hold opponents to 35 to 40 points each game.
This week, defense could be the most important factor because starting quarterback Darnell Arceneaux has been placed on short-term injured reserve with a wrist injury.
Mike Tillis gets his second start in a row. He threw for 250 yards in a 67-48 win over Louisville at home last week.
When Lee was asked for his choice for unsung individual who has unexpectedly stepped it up this year, he mentioned Tillis.
Lee also thinks the team's linemen don't get enough credit. The performance of the offensive and defensive fronts may be critical today, especially since two key players didn't make the trip --center Roy Ma'afala and tight endguard Morrie Roe. Ma'afala has work commitments and Roe is on short-term injured reserve with a groin injury.
Tillis' main target is Nian Taylor, who can add to team records for receiving yards (759) and touchdowns (19) in a season.
Defensively, the Twisters are led by Kahlil Carter and Sacha Lancaster. Carter has four interceptions and is tops in the league in passes defended (26), while Lancaster has 4 1/2 sacks.
Ricky Hebert is Arkansas' most potent weapon. He ranks 10th in af2 total offense with 1,874 yards.
The Islanders are trying to stay ahead of the second-place Wichita Stealth (6-3).
Three of the team's final six games are at home, starting with Peoria at the Blaisdell Arena next Saturday.
Hawaiian Islanders
