Islanders Continue Streak of Perfection in Fresno

Ryan Buchan, Islanders Staff Writer
Mar. 29, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. -- Two native Pacificans led the Islanders to a 34-14 victory over the Central-Cal Crusaders.
 
Midway through the second quarter trailing by one, Quarterback Jason Piccolotti faked a handoff to Jarmar Julien and then rolled out to his right and launched the ball 23 yards to his brother Rob Piccolotti for a touchdown.

“Good thing he was wide open,” said Jason Piccolotti. “He made a great catch.”
 
This was the first time the two brothers hooked up in over 15 years. “It felt great to help the team,” said Rob Piccolotti.
Jason Piccolotti said he was thankful his nephew got to see the two combine for the score.

“That was great watching Rob score that touchdown. That was a real thrill,” said head coach Jack Burgett.

It took a big play through the air to spark the Islander offense but it was the ground game that did most of the work. The Islanders rushed for a total of 334 yards.
 
Two-hundred-fifty-three of those yards belonged to Julien off of 20 carries. Julien looked sharp with four carries over 20 yards and one for 80 yards. Julien also got the ball past the goal line twice. His effort earned him offensive player of the game.
 
“I am not satisfied,” said Julien, “I left a lot of yards out there on the field.” Julien has a competitive spirit and always expects better from himself.
 
Julien gives credit to his success to his offensive line.
On the other side of the ball the Islanders were led by Linebackers Joe Maningo and Sione Kofeloa who punished any one who had touch the ball with jaw-dropping blows.
“I just do what my coach says,” said Maningo.
Maningo finished the game with nine and a half tackles, a sack, and a blocked kick. Maningo was the Islanders defensive player of the game.

“I am blessed and the team is fortunate to have him,” said Burgett talking about Maningo.

The Islanders defense stepped up when it mattered most stopping the Crusaders twice from scoring when they moved the ball inside the ten. First by Maningo blocking the field goal, and Later on by corner back Amari Green intercepting a pass to stop another potential scoring drive.

Amari Green had two interceptions in the game.
On special teams Andre Kelley worked hard and earned special teams player of the game. “All we got was the W and that is what I care about,” Kelley said.
 
The Islanders missed many players who were unable to make the road trip but people stepped in and made big plays. Kelley does not normally play special teams.
 
“They reached down inside and came back in the second half,” Burgett said. “They played their hearts out.”
 
Next week the Islanders look to continue their minor league dominance with another road trip versus the Clovis Wolves. “Our biggest test will be next week,” said Julien.