Islanders make sparkling debut
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
The lights went out and two sets of sparklers went off as the Hawaiian Islanders' players and coaches were introduced Saturday night.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
A spotlight followed each Islanders' member as he ran in from the end zone door and toward midfield.
Hawaiian Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux finds a seam in the Fresno Frenzy defense for a gain in the second quarter of the arenafootball2 season opener Saturday night at Blaisdell Arena.
When the introductions were over, fireworks went off under the scoreboard.
The 4,376 fans at the Blaisdell Arena were treated to quite a pregame ceremony for the arena football2 season opener between the Islanders and Fresno Frenzy.
The game between the two af2 expansions teams was pretty spectacular as well.
The Islanders won a thriller, 50-47, after Fresno kicker Brian McCabe missed two game-tying field-goal attempts — the second came after a defensive penalty — in the final 4.2 seconds.
There were 47 points scored in the final quarter, including four lead changes and one tie in the final 8:19.
Coach Guy Benjamin felt the fans played a part in the Islanders' victory, especially in the final minutes.
"It really helped us win because our guys were so tired," Benjamin said. "And when you have the crowd behind you in that last minute, it really gets you that last bit of adrenaline."
The Islanders were impressed and appreciative of the crowd.
Advertiser library photo • March 20, 2002
"Wow, unbelievable man, especially behind the bench," said offensive specialist Darrell Jones. "It was a rowdy crowd. I loved it."
Coach Guy Benjamin said the fans helped spur the 50-47 victory.
Said quarterback Darnell Arceneaux: "There was nothing but positive support, and guys I haven't seen in forever. The turnout tonight, I never thought it would turn out like this."
Saturday night's game marked the return of professional football to the Blaisdell after a three-year absence.
The Honolulu Hurricanes of the Professional Indoor Football League started in 1998, but folded after one season because of major financial losses.
The Hawai'i Hammerheads took a shot the next season and even won the 1999 Indoor Professional Football League championship. But they also fell victim to economics.
"It's exciting to see arena football in Hawai'i again," said Jose Guevara, the track and football coach at Moanalua High School. "I'm up in the front row and it's awesome."
Jarrod Warren, a season ticket holder from 'Aiea, said: "All the players are very energetic and they're out there doing their best so the crowd gets everything we expect from this new league."
After the game, tables were brought on the field and team members and cheerleaders signed autographs and posed for pictures.
"I'd bet any amount of money that everybody here enjoyed the game," said Jerry Kurz, the Islanders' managing director.
Said Benjamin: "Everybody got their money's worth. If they missed this one, they missed a good one."
The Islanders are off next week and will next play host to the Bakersfield Blitz April 13.
"I wouldn't mind coming back again," said Denise Hayashi of 'Aiea. "Where we're sitting it's real up close. It's like you're on the field."
