Islanders find home away from home in Arkansas

By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Hawaiian Islanders are 4,000 miles away in Little Rock, Ark., and some players are happier to be there than others.

Offensive specialist Darrell Jones is in his home state for the first time in 10 years, and quarterback Darnell Arceneaux will see some of his relatives for the first time.

Jones, of Magnolia, Ark., joined the Army in 1993 and was stationed at Schofield Barracks following his basketball career at Arkansas State University. He's lived here ever since.

"Of course," said Jones when asked if he was looking forward to the trip. "It's my home. I haven't been home in years — almost 10 years."

He said Magnolia is a four-hour drive from Little Rock, but it's not going to stop family and friends from being there for tomorrow's arenafootball2 game against the Arkansas Twisters (8-5).

"They're all coming up to the game," said Jones, who leads the Islanders in receptions (56), receiving yards (598) and kick return yards (1,063). "I got 30 (tickets reserved). Maybe more."

Jones, who's married and has three children, said he's "99.9 percent" sure he won't return to the Islanders next season. He added he'd like to move to Hot Springs, Ark., about 90 minutes from Magnolia.

Arceneaux's relatives in Louisiana will also be driving to Little Rock.

"They're from my father's side who I haven't met," said Arceneaux, who has started every game for the Islanders. "It would be nice to see them. It's nice to have fans on the road."

His ticket request was lower than Jones'.

"Maybe 12-15," said Arceneaux. "I'm trying to get as many as possible."

The Islanders (3-10) have won two of their last three and are coming off a bye week.

"We're mentally and physically healthier," Islanders head coach Chad Carlson said. "The season takes a toll on your body and mind. We need to use the week off to our advantage, not disadvantage."

The Islanders are 0-6 on the road this season and 0-5 against opponents outside the Western Division, which is made up of four expansion teams.

Arkansas, of the Central Division, has won three in a row, including a 102-63 victory over the Tulsa Talons on June 22. The 165 combined points are an af2 record and the Twisters fell one point shy of the record for points by one team.

"Physically they're big like we are, their receivers are tall and fast," Carlson said. "Going there we have to play smart, heads-up football."

The Islanders were eliminated from the playoffs two weeks ago, but the team hasn't been dwelling on it.

"I haven't mentioned that to these guys," Carlson said. "We're just focusing on continuing to get better every game. We've lost heartbreakers, but the guys have stuck together."