Coyotes Begin Five Game Divisional Stand on the Road in Hawaii

Published on May 17, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


(Fresno, CA) – Central Valley won't have to long to celebrate their first win of the season, the Coyotes begin a five game stretch in which they will face all divisional opponents starting with the Hawaiian Islanders. The five game stretch will be important for Central Valley if they wish to make a run at the divisional crown.

"This is a crucial part of our schedule," said Head Coach Cree Morris. "I think it was very important for us to get a win last weekend to get some momentum rolling into this stretch. We just have to take it one game at a time, if we do that, then we can put ourselves in a position to make a run at the title. There' still plenty of football left to be played."

Rookie quarterback Kyle Biggs will get the nod again under center this week. In his first career start, Biggs completed 17-of-30 passes for 255-yards and six touchdowns. If the Coyotes are to have a shot in Hawaii, Biggs will have to be consistent in his passing.

"Every game is a big game," said Biggs. "They [Hawaii] gave us our first loss of the season, and now it's time to return the favor. It doesn't matter if we're at home or on the road, we have to come mentally and physically prepared. They're a good team and their at home, but don't count out these Coyotes just yet!"

CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (1-5) vs. HAWAIIAN ISLANDERS (4-2)

Central Valley hits the road in Week 8, as they begin their first of a five game divisional stand on the road against the Hawaiian Islanders. The Coyotes are coming off their first win of the season against the Rio Grande Dorados, 42-31, and the Islanders will have had two weeks to prepare for the Coyotes as they had a bye week in Week 7. The Coyotes currently lead the all-time series with a 4-3 edge, the Islanders defeated Central Valley, 68-35 in Week 1 of the season.

The Islanders have the 4th best offense in the af2, averaging just under 280-yards per game. Double threat quarterback Darnell Arceneaux handles the signal calling for the Islanders on offense. In six games this season, Arceneaux has completed 109-of-199 passes for 1,508-yards, 28 TD's and three interceptions. On the ground he has racked up 86-yards and six touchdowns on 16 carries. Arceneaux spreads the ball out pretty evenly to his receiving corps. The Islanders have four receivers with 15 or more catches, and 3 out of the 4 have over 200-yards receiving. Anthony Arceneaux, (brother of Darnell) has been the main target in the endzone, he has hauled in 9 TD's, to go along with his 272 yards receiving. The remainder of the receiving corps is rounded out by Nian Taylor (16 receptions for 267-yards and 7 TD's), Mike Miller (19 receptions for 274-yards and 4 TD's) and Aaron Smith (18 receptions for 151-yards).

Defensively the Islanders are giving up 264 yards per game. Josh Robinson leads the defense in tackles with 29 (24-solo). Hawaii's front three has amassed 6 sacks for a loss 35 yards.

For the Coyotes, offensive specialist Kenyatte Morgan will be the main weapon, he is averaging 96.5 yards receiving per game, and has hauled in a team leading 10 touchdowns. Morgan is also averaging 234 all-purpose yards per game, which is 2nd best in the af2. Kyle Biggs will start his second career game for the Coyotes this weekend in Hawaii. The Coyotes will also look to fullback Marshall Blount to keep the ground game going, Blount has gained 59 yards and 3 touchdowns on 11 carries this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer leads the Coyotes in tackles (25), interceptions (5) and pass deflections (9). The secondary is rounded out by Halakilangi Muagututia (22.5 tackles, 1 interception and 10 pass deflections) and Jermaine Smith. The defensive line stepped up big for the Coyotes last weekend, defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai looks to build off his Week 7 performance of 3 sacks.

KIDS UNDER 14 IN FREE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON

Kids under 14 will be able to get in to the 4 remainder Coyotes home games with a purchase of a paid adult. For more information please contact the Selland Arena box office at (559) 621-4700

COYOTES TICKETS

For ticket information and purchases please call the Selland Arena box office at (559) 621-4700 or purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com.

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