Islanders battle injuries, losing streak
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
Midway through their inaugural season in arenafootball2, the Hawaiian Islanders are hurting physically — and for a win.
The Islanders (1-7) will look to end their seven-game losing streak against the San Diego Riptide (3-5) tomorrow at the San Diego Sports Arena.
And the Islanders will have to do it with key players who are banged up.
Wide receiver/linebacker Chris Paogofie will play with two cracked ribs sustained last week while making a touchdown catch in the first quarter of a 55-48 loss to the Fresno Frenzy.
"I got it when I went for a pass and the guy got me on a good shot on the ribs in the end zone," Paogofie said. "I was a little exposed and he got me good."
Paogofie said he felt "numb" after the play and stayed in until late in the fourth quarter.
"I don't think anybody can be as tough as this guy," said Sae Paogofie, his brother who also plays wide receiver/linebacker. "He does more than what we ask for as a team."
Chris Paogofie is tied for second in the 34-team af2 with three fumble recoveries. He also is second on the team with 21 tackles, and fourth in receptions (12) and receiving yards (135).
He was fitted for a flak jacket Wednesday and will wear it tomorrow to protect his ribs.
"It's going to help me, but I'm going to feel uncomfortable," he said. "But anything to help me is good. I can contribute to the team until I get a good shot or I start hurting, but until then I'll give it my best."
Offensive specialist Darrell Jones has torn cartilage in his ribs.
"I'm a little banged up right now," Jones said. "If I can't go, I'll be back next week for the home game (against Peoria)."
Jones leads the team in receptions (51), receiving yards (561), kick returns (37) and kick return yards (842).
Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux has an injured shoulder and his chronic shin splits have flared up.
"In this league there's no where to hide," said Arceneaux, who had a bag of ice wrapped on his right shin after Wednesday's practice. "It's not real big injuries. It's just more nagging, and you have to take care of them before they turn into something worse."
Arceneaux is coming off his best game of the season, completing 21-of-34 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns against Fresno. On the season, he's completed 122-of-260 passes for 1,563 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Lineman Morrie Roe's season ended two weeks ago after suffering a partial tear of his right quadriceps muscle against the Tulsa Talons.
"I took a cut block, a helmet to the knee," said Roe, who leads the team with three sacks for 15 yards. He said he'll have surgery in 2-3 weeks.
On May 11, San Diego beat the Islanders, 52-50, on a field goal as time expired.
"They're a good team, a lot of speed and they have some new players from Pac-10 schools," Islanders head coach Chad Carlson said. "We need to get a victory. It's our turn."
NOTES: Tomorrow's game will be broadcast delayed on KCCN (1420 AM) following Rockies-Giants baseball, which starts at 3 p.m.
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