Islanders facing long odds on road
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Hawaiian Islanders are hoping an extended rest last week and a slew of unfamiliar faces will help turn things around today.
The Islanders (6-5) will play at the San Diego Riptide (5-6) having lost three of four overall and two straight to the Riptide in Honolulu. Kickoff for the arenafootball2 West Division game is set for 4 p.m. (HST) at the San Diego Sports Arena.
The Islanders lost to San Diego, 64-59, in their previous game June 19. With a bye last weekend, the Islanders didn't practice for eight consecutive days before returning Monday.
"It's a long season not counting the (training) camp," said Islanders head coach Cal Lee of the 16-game regular season with three bye weeks. "This was the first time we gave them the whole week off. I don't know if it's going to help or not, but I don't think it's going to hurt."
The Islanders activated offensive specialist Gabe Amey (knee) and fullback/linebacker Fabian Manumaleuna (ankle) yesterday off the long-term injured list (four weeks) and added them to the 19-player travel roster. Also, receiver/linebacker Johnny Wayfer and lineman Macquade Afaese will play their first-ever games for the Islanders.
Eight of the players on the travel roster have appeared in three games or fewer this season and 14 are in their first year with the team.
Quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen, pressed into starting duty with Darnell Arceneaux helping out at a football camp this week in American Samoa, has thrown two passes this season and backup Aaron Smith, a converted receiver/linebacker, hasn't thrown any.
"Whenever you have guys who don't play too much it can be difficult," Lee said. "You hope everyone rallies around each other and everyone picks up their game a little bit more."
The Islanders' depth has taken a hit with defensive specialist Eddie Klaneski, fullback/linebacker Keiki Misipeka, and linemen Andy Ramos, Mose Tuia and Evile Puna on the injured list with knee injuries. In addition, receiver/linebacker Robert Kemfort (concussion), defensive specialist Nate Jackson (shoulder) and lineman Antoine Simpson (neck/shoulder) are banged up and didn't make the trip.
Lee added fullback/linebacker/lineman Joe Correia was unavailable because of a death in the family.
The Riptide had their four-game winning streak snapped last week in a 57-53 loss to the visiting Bakersfield Blitz. It was San Diego's fourth loss by four points or fewer.
The Islanders and Riptide will meet today for the fourth and final time this season. San Diego was able to win the past two meetings by forcing a combined seven turnovers in the second half.
To beat the Riptide this time, receiver/defensive back Anthony Arceneaux says it'll start with "eliminating mistakes and making the big plays they made against us."
Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8041.
