Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2004

Islanders' Withy-Allen hopes to be instant hit

By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer

Shawn Withy-Allen learned all about patience and perseverance while playing football at the University of Hawai'i from 1999-2002.

But immediate playing time could be right around the corner in his rookie season with the Hawaiian Islanders of arenafootball2.

Withy-Allen was named the No. 2 quarterback and made the 19-man roster for the season opener at the Central Valley Coyotes tomorrow. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (HST) at Selland Arena in Fresno, Calif.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it; I'm definitely honored to make the first trip," Withy-Allen said.

Withy-Allen was one of five quarterback who tried out for the team when training camp began March 11.

He will backup incumbent Darnell Arceneaux, who has started 28 games in the Islanders' first two seasons.

"We're in capable hands if he needs to get in there," head coach Cal Lee said of Withy-Allen. "Right now he's our No. 2 quarterback."

While at UH, Withy-Allen didn't throw a pass until his fifth-year senior season. He finished 2002 with 49 completions in 86 attempts for 770 yards and seven touchdowns.

"I'm up the depth chart," he said. "I'm not starting at No. 5 like I did at UH. I definitely would like to play. I got a little taste while at UH and wish I could have gotten a little bit more, and I'm looking to play here. I'm going to do all I can to get out there."

Withy-Allen is one of seven rookies who made the travel roster for the Central Valley game. Also, two standouts from last season — wide receiver/linebacker Nian Taylor and defensive specialist Eddie Klaneski — didn't make the trip because of hamstring injuries.

"We don't have a lot of the guys that have the experience, but I tell you what, the enthusiasm, desire and dedication they put in the past few weeks I think will more than make up for the lack of experience." Lee said.

• No indoor exposure: The Islanders have only practiced outdoors at Saint Louis School and Aloha Stadium, and have yet to practice at the Blaisdell Arena. Their first exposure to the 50-yard field with sideline walls and end-zone rebound nets this season will be during practices today and tomorrow morning in Fresno.

"Unfortunately we weren't able to practice indoors in the arena and sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad," Lee said. "We'd like to practice and get familiar with the surroundings, but that was not the case for this first game."

• Fresno back in mix: Last season's Bakersfield Blitz relocated to Fresno and became this season's Central Valley Coyotes. Meanwhile, this season's Bakersfield Blitz is an expansion team. The Islanders, Coyotes, Blitz and San Diego Riptide are in the National Conference Western Division. The Fresno Frenzy joined af2 in 2002, but folded after the season.

• Islanders No. 5 in poll: The Islanders, coming off an 11-7 season and National Conference Western Division championship, were picked No. 5 in the af2 preseason coaches poll. The Tennessee Valley Viper (239 points, 11 first-place votes), Quad City Steamwheelers (221, 4), Macon Knights (164, 1) and Peoria Pirates (154, 2) were ahead of the Islanders (132, 0).

• Injury report: Quarterback Brian Ah Yat (shoulder), wide receiver/defensive back Gabe Amey (shoulder) and Klaneski were placed on short-term injured reserve and will be eligible to play April 4 at the Louisville Fire. The Islanders have a bye next week.

Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8041.