Islanders hungry for
win in tonight’s home
openerThey’re still feeling the sting
from their first loss last week
Some wounds take a little longer to heal.
It has been a full week since the Hawaiian Islanders suffered a disappointing loss at Louisville, but the sting remains fresh as they head into their home opener today.
"You hope they're upset, that it hurts," Islanders coach Cal Lee said. "I'm sure after time it'll get better, and a good cure is a big win."
arenafootball2
Who: Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings vs. Hawaiian IslandersWhen: Today, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Blaisdell Arena
TV: None
Radio: Live, KUMU2 1500-AM
Internet: hawaiianislanders.com
Tickets: $25 lower level adult (reserved), $15 upper level sideline (reserved), $10 upper level end zone (general admission), $5 Youth (ages 17 and below). Convenience fees apply.
Three weeks into the arenafootball2 season, the Islanders make their debut at Blaisdell Arena today against the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
Both teams enter the game at 1-1. Today's game is the first of two meetings between Hawaii and Bossier-Shreveport in a three-week span. The Islanders visit Louisiana for a rematch on April 30.
The Islanders had their second road win of the young season within their reach a week ago in Louisville, but saw an early lead evaporate and the Fire escaped with a 37-35 win.
"This past game frustrated a lot of us, but hopefully we can come back strong at home," Islanders receiver/defensive back Robert Kemfort said.
"It's nice to have the home game after a loss like that. Come back home hungry and mad, and take it out on somebody."
The Islanders gave up big plays in all three phases of last week's game, beginning with a kickoff return for a Louisville touchdown to open the contest. Consequently, special teams was near the top of the list of concerns the Islanders coaching staff wanted to cover in practice this week.
"Kick coverage, being tougher on the goal line and just the basic things on offense," Lee rattled off when asked about the team's points of emphasis.
The Hawaii offense will look to regain the rhythm it displayed in a 68-35 season-opening win at Central Valley, when the Islanders scored on 10 of 11 possessions. Although the Islanders weren't as efficient last week, quarterback Darnell Arceneaux still threw for four touchdowns and ran for another.
Six of Arceneaux's 10 scoring passes this season have gone to his brother, Anthony Arceneaux, who is tied for second in the league in scoring.
"We've been throwing the ball all summer long and with our football kids at Saint Louis," said Anthony, who assists Darnell on the Crusaders' coaching staff. "We have a good feel for each other."
The Battle Wings have criss-crossed the country over the past week, flying to the islands after playing in Florida, where Bossier-Shreveport lost to the Firecats 46-31.
The Battle Wings struggled offensively last week, accounting for just 134 yards, and rank last in af2 in passing offense (114 yards per game). The Islanders rank third in total offense at 309 yards per game.
Although the Islanders are glad to be back at Blaisdell, they haven't spent much time on their home turf. They held their first practices of the season in Blaisdell this week, but were sent back to Aloha Stadium for their workouts Thursday and yesterday due to the Super Brawl at Blaisdell.
Short yardage: Islanders lineman Morrie Roe (calf) and offensive specialist Gabe Amey (knee) were placed on the short-term injured reserve list this week. Receiver Randyn Akiona and lineman Evile Puna were activated. ... The Meadow Gold Dairies Family FANfest will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot adjacent to the Blaisdell ticket office. Admission is free. ... The Kahuku and Aiea football teams will be among the squads honored during the game as part of the Islanders' "Night of Champions" promotion. ... The first 1,000 fans at today's game receive free hot dogs and soda.