Ex-UH teammates become foes tonight

By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	What: arenafootball2 Who: San Diego Riptide (2-1) vs. Hawaiian Islanders (2-1) When: Tonight at 7:30 Where: Neal Blaisdell Arena Radio/TV: None Tickets: $10 upper level (unreserved) for adults and $7 ages 4-17. Lower level is sold out. Parking: $3.

Jones' pass-oriented, run-and-shoot system allowed enough catches to go around for the four starting receivers.

Carter, then a senior, set team highs in 1999 with 77 receptions for 1,253 yards, while Harris, a sophomore, ranked third with 56 catches and second with 860 yards.

Four years later, both are getting an opportunity to relive their pass-happy pasts as rookies in arenafootball2.

Carter's San Diego Riptide will face Harris' Hawaiian Islanders tonight in a National West Division game. Both teams are 2-1 and coming off their first losses of the season.

Carter and Harris said they're still getting adjusted to the 50-yard field and the walls that closely surround the field. But they have no problems with the league's reputation of throwing the ball on virtually every down.

"It's cool. I'm a receiver so I'll get the ball every time," Carter said.

Said Harris: "It's just like June Jones' system, every down we're going to throw the ball. It's real fast paced; receivers should love it, quarterbacks should love it."

Carter debuted for the Riptide last week against the Arkansas Twisters and his one reception went for a 12-yard touchdown. He also had three tackles and an interception as a linebacker.

"He's still learning the game, the ins and outs of arena football," said San Diego head coach Cree Morris. "He's a gifted athlete and loves to play."

Harris has played in all three Islanders' games, but caught all five of his passes for 79 yards and a touchdown last week against the Bakersfield Blitz. He also plays defensive back and is fourth on the team with 9.5 tackles.

"He's picking up the game," Islanders head coach Cal Lee said. "It's a good thing he's coming around, he's only going to get better.

Carter has been looking forward to tonight's game for quite a while.

"I can't wait to play out there," he said. "It's one of the games I have marked on my schedule."

Carter will see familiar faces lining up for the Islanders.

Members of the 1999 Warriors who will suit up for the Islanders tonight are Robert Kemfort (wide receiver/linebacker) and Matt Elam (lineman).

San Diego defensive specialist Quincy LeJay, another 1999 Warrior, injured his right quadriceps last week and didn't make the trip. He leads the team with 22.5 tackles.