[ ARENA FOOTBALL ]
Blitz bringing baggage
to tonight's game
The terms "rivalry" and "expansion team" don't go together very often. But one of the Hawaiian Islanders' biggest rivals is, technically, in its first year of arenafootball2 competition.
The Bakersfield Blitz return to Blaisdell Arena tonight under new management but with many of the players who savored two wins over the Islanders last season.
arenafootball2
Bakersfield Blitz at Hawaiian IslandersWhen: Today, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Blaisdell Arena
TV: None
Radio: Live, KUMU2 1500-AM
Internet: www.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 younger). Convenience fees apply.
"It's a good rivalry," Islanders receiver/defensive back Nian Taylor said. "They're in our conference and it's always a good game."
The Islanders host the Blitz tonight in the first of four meetings this season and with first place in the National Conference West Division on the line. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
The team known as the Bakersfield Blitz the past two seasons relocated to Fresno in the offseason and was renamed the Central Valley Coyotes. An ownership group then established a new franchise in Bakersfield under the same name.
Along with the team's identity, the "new" Blitz also kept 11 players off last year's 8-7-1 squad, including the tandem of quarterback Chad Elliott and receiver Eric Mahanke.
The combination tore through the Islanders defense in a 75-61 Bakersfield victory at Blaisdell Arena last July. The Islanders had already wrapped up a playoff berth and rested several starters in their regular-season finale.
Elliott completed 16 of 24 attempts and tossed nine touchdown passes that night, while Mahanke tied an af2 record with seven receiving touchdowns.
Elliott ranks among af2's most efficient passers again this season, completing 67 percent of his throws for 819 yards and 19 touchdowns. Mahanke is among the league leaders in receiving with 24 catches for 280 yards and seven TDs.
"Our skill positions have to play tough 'D' and the linemen have to keep pressure on the quarterback so he doesn't have all that time to throw the ball," Islanders fullback/linebacker Vai Notoa said. "We have to come out firing, slow his momentum and keep him on the run."
Elliott and Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux rank first and second in the league in total offense while leading their teams to 2-1 records.
Arceneaux has thrown for 705 yards and rushed for a league-high 76 yards. Receiver/defensive back Anthony Arceneaux is third in the league in scoring with eight touchdowns.
The Islanders are coming off a 63-60 victory over Bossier-Shreveport last week. They left the arena grateful for the win, but less than satisfied with their performance, especially on special teams.
The Islanders spent the first 90 minutes of a two-hour practice on Wednesday working on kickoff coverage and returns after giving up several big plays last week. They surrendered 156 yards on eight kickoff returns and two missed field goals turned into Battle Wings touchdowns.
"We can't be so generous on our special teams," Islanders coach Cal Lee said. "Those are just gifts."
Short yardage: Former Waianae and University of Nevada defensive lineman Kika Kaululaau is on the Bakersfield roster. ... Tonight's game has been designated Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. One dollar of every ticket sold today will be donated to the "Friends of Malu" drive to benefit Officer Roger Napoleon, who is receiving treatment for a tumor in his liver. ... Those with a city or state law-enforcement ID will receive a $2 discount on their tickets.