Islanders ready to battle
Bossier-Shreveport againThe arenafootball2 teams
played less than two weeks ago,
with the Islanders winning 63-60
The Hawaiian Islanders don't have to dig very deep through the files to find their scouting report on the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings.
It's been less than two weeks since the Islanders pulled out a 63-60 victory over the Battle Wings on April 17 at Blaisdell Arena, and the memories of that contest remain fresh as the teams prepare for their rematch tomorrow in Louisiana.
Islanders at Battle Wings
When: Tomorrow, 2 p.m. Hawaii time
Where: Centurytel Center
TV: None
Radio: Live, KUMU2 1500-AM
Internet: www.hawaiianislanders.com
"It'll help us prepare for the game and know what to expect," Islanders lineman Mose Tuia said. "They ran a couple of things we weren't prepared for, but this game we should be ready for everything they're going to throw at us."
Kickoff for the game at the Centurytel Center is set for 2 p.m. Hawaii time. The game will be broadcast live on KUMU2 AM-1500.
After sweeping a two-game homestand, the Islanders (3-1) enter tomorrow's game alone in first place in the National Conference West Division. Meanwhile, Bossier-Shreveport (1-3) has lost three straight, including a 69-29 rout at home to Memphis last week.
The rare Friday game means a short week of preparation for the Islanders, who had two days of practice before leaving Honolulu last night bound for Louisiana.
"I think it's all mental," Islanders defensive specialist Joshua Robinson said. "As long as we get our rest on the plane, get our rest once we get over there to Louisiana we should be all right, we're going to be ready to go."
Bossier-Shreveport quarterback Sherard Poteete accounted for five touchdowns, two rushing and three passing, in the first meeting between the teams.
The Battle Wings also feature one of the top two-way talents in the league in receiver/defensive back Shadrick McAfee. He racked up a total of 240 yards receiving and on returns and scored three touchdowns against the Islanders. He ranks in the top 10 in af2 in both in all-purpose yards and tackles.
"They've got a lot of good individual athletes," Robinson said. "Their quarterback likes to run a lot and they like to throw a lot of short routes. We'll probably run a little different defense and we're just going to see what happens."
Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux tied a franchise record with six touchdown passes and ran for two scores against the Battle Wings and is coming off an efficient second-half performance in last week's thrilling 45-40 win over Bakersfield.
Arceneaux completed 11 of 13 throws for 138 yards and a touchdown after intermission to rally the Islanders back from a 12-point deficit. But it was the play of the defense that sparked the win as the Islanders limited Bakersfield to 10 second-half points and closed the game with a goal-line stand.
"In a game like this your offense has got to be there every single game," Islanders coach Cal Lee said. "It's a challenge for the defense where if you're fortunate enough to make two or three stops a game, your chances of winning are very good."
The Islanders play at San Diego next week and won't have another home game until May 22 when they host the Central Valley Coyotes at Blaisdell Arena.
