Blitz to play Islanders in first game since death of player

By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	What: arenafootball2 Who: Bakersfield Blitz (7-7-1) vs. Hawaiian Islanders (10-5) When: 6 p.m. tomorrow Where: Blaisdell Arena Radio: KUMU2 AM 1500 Admission: $10 upper level (unreserved) for adults and $7 ages 4-17. Lower level is sold out. Parking is $3.

Prior to last weekend, most players on opposing arenafootball2 teams didn't care much about the man behind the facemask — 31-year-old Julian Yearwood.

But that all changed after Yearwood, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound fullback/linebacker, collapsed on the bench during the first quarter of a game in Wichita, Kan., and died shortly after at a nearby hospital.

Yearwood's death put things in perspective for players throughout the 27-team league, including the Hawaiian Islanders, who host Bakersfield tomorrow night at 6 in the final game of the regular season.

"You really feel sorrow even though he's not a person on our team; he's in our league, (and) it has a definite effect on each and every one of our coaches and players because it could happen to one of our players," Islanders head coach Cal Lee said. "It could happen at anytime."

Islanders kicker Kimo Naehu said: "It opens a lot of our players' eyes to the fact we can be here today, gone tomorrow."

The Blitz will wear black patches on their uniforms with No. 42 in white lettering and all league players will wear a helmet decal with Yearwood's number on it for the remainder of the season. The Blitz also will not issue jersey No. 42 until further notice.

Before every af2 game this weekend a moment of silence will be held to honor Yearwood.

Bakersfield set up a memorial fund for his 12-year-old son, Julian Jr.

"It's like a brotherhood when you play football," Islanders lineman Taulia Lave said. "I don't even know the guy personally, but I feel for his family and I feel for his team."

Lave said it'll be tough for Bakersfield to play just a week after Yearwood's death, especially on the road. His funeral is today in Las Vegas.

"For them, they're coming here and the funeral is this week and I know a lot of their players want to attend his funeral, but they have a game to play as well," Lave said.

Lineman Paul Breed played five games for Bakersfield earlier this season before being reassigned to the Islanders on June 27.

Breed declined comment on Yearwood, but said he was a "close" friend.

In 15 games this season, Yearwood led the Blitz in rushing attempts (25) and rushing yards (91). He also was second in sacks (6) and tackles for loss (3), and fifth in tackles (22.5).

An autopsy Sunday didn't indicate what killed Yearwood and authorities are awaiting toxicology reports.

Well rested: Lee hinted he may rest a couple of his top players tomorrow night because regardless of the outcome the Islanders will host a first-round playoff game next Friday night.

Last week's game between the Wichita Stealth and Bakersfield was ruled a 7-7 tie, which allowed Bakersfield (7-7-1) to clinch a playoff berth and the Islanders (10-5) to win the National West Division.

"I don't think this game means anything more to us because we already got the home field, we already have the playoff set," Lee said.

Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux made his first start since May 24 in last week's 34-26 road win over the San Diego Riptide after missing time with a broken bone in his right hand. He was 18 of 27 for 205 yards and three touchdowns.

When asked if Arceneaux would start tomorrow, Lee said: "We don't really know just yet. We could save him for the playoffs. I think he's definitely a question (mark)."

Leading receiver Nian Taylor hasn't played in the last two games because of a hamstring injury, but said he wants to play against Bakersfield.

"I'm going to try and go this week," Taylor said.

But Lee said: "I think Nian Taylor is someone we will definitely hold out and let him rest for the playoff game."

Playoffs: All six playoff teams in the National Conference have been determined.

The Quad City Steamwheelers (13-2) and Tulsa Talons (12-3) have clinched byes in the first round.

The Islanders will host either Bakersfield, Wichita (8-6-1) or the Arkansas Twisters (8-7) next Friday.

Today, Wichita hosts the Cincinnati Swarm (6-9) and Arkansas plays at the Birmingham Steeldogs (7-8).

Scenarios

If the Islanders beat Bakersfield tomorrow, the two teams will meet again next week.

If Bakersfield, Arkansas and Wichita all win, the Islanders would host Bakersfield.

If Wichita wins, Arkansas loses and Bakersfield wins, the Islanders would host Arkansas.

If Wichita loses, Arkansas wins and Bakersfield wins, the Islanders would host Wichita.

If Wichita loses, Arkansas loses and Bakersfield wins, the Islanders would host Arkansas.