Arceneaux, who was placed on the suspended list, is among a group of professional players conducting a football camp in American Samoa this week as part of the Joe Salave'a Foundation. He also made the trip last season, but was on the injured list at the time.

The last time Withy-Allen, 24, opened at quarterback was as a senior at Kalaheo High School in 1997. After redshirting his freshman year at the University of Hawai'i, he was a backup from 1999-02, and served the same role with the Islanders through the first 11 games of this season.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Withy-Allen of tomorrow's starting assignment. "I probably can't explain what I'm going through right now."

The last time he threw a pass was in the season opener March 27 at the Central Valley Coyotes (Fresno, Calif.). Withy-Allen's only other appearances have been in home games against Central Valley on May 22 and June 12. His statline reads: 2 of 2 in passing for 17 yards and 1 touchdown; 3 rushes for 5 yards.

"Shawn is ready," Islanders head coach Cal Lee said. "He has a chance to go out there and play, and this is his opportunity. I'm sure he's excited about it."

The Islanders won in San Diego, 55-54 in overtime, on May 8, but the Riptide have beaten the Islanders twice in Honolulu since then. With five games remaining on their 16-game regular-season schedule, the Islanders trail the first-place Bakersfield Blitz (8-4) by 1ý games.

The Islanders lost three of four before last week's bye, but Withy-Allen doesn't mind starting tomorrow's crucial game.

"This is the way I like it," he said. "I wouldn't want to have it any other way. I love the challenge, I always have. Just the fact you have to step up."

Withy-Allen's backup will be converted receiver/linebacker Aaron Smith, who has 24 receptions for 214 yards and one touchdown, and 16.5 tackles and two interceptions this season.

Smith, a former quarterback at Wagner College (N.Y.), switched positions in training camp to get more playing time.

Smith, 23, said he hadn't practiced at quarterback this season until earlier this week. The team didn't practice last week.

"I have a clear picture of what things look like offensively," Smith said. "It's just getting back into the groove of throwing the ball and being behind the center's butt. I'm real excited about the opportunity."

Lee said Withy-Allen and Smith, both rookies, have divided the repetitions at practice this week nearly 50-50.

"Surprisingly when (Smith) went out on Monday and started to throw, his arm was lively, a lot of zip on the ball," Lee said. "It was a fresh arm; he didn't look bad to be honest."

• Arceneaux's absence: Darnell Arceneaux left for American Samoa early this week and will return to Honolulu tomorrow night, according to younger brother Anthony Arceneaux, an Islanders receiver/defensive back.

"My brother is into helping kids a lot," Anthony said. "This camp is something he loves to do, especially these kids who are in American Samoa who are less fortunate."

Darnell resigned as head football coach at his alma mater Saint Louis School in early May after leading the team to the state Division I final in his only season. Anthony was on Darnell's staff, and also won't return. Former Crusaders head coach Delbert Tengan was hired in mid-May to replace Darnell.

"He wants to coach one day again," Anthony said of his brother. "How soon? I'm not sure, maybe it depends if he wants to further his playing career."

Lee said Darnell informed him last week he was going to American Samoa.

"Quarterbacks you hope they stay healthy all year long, but if something happens — an injury or any kind of personal thing — the next guy needs to be ready."