Did my friend Iztok Plevnik play for the Miami ...

April 2, 2005 Section: Edition: Page: Memo:

Indoor football returns to South Florida tonight as the Miami Morays stage their first home game, against the Lubbock Gunslingers at Miami Arena.

The Morays (2-0) enter the National Indoor Football League game off a 58-45 victory against the Lakeland Thunderbolts last weekend. Quarterback Derrick Vickers completed 21 of 26 attempts for 226 yards and four touchdowns in the win. ``I'm pleased with where we are so far, but we still can improve,'' said Miami coach Larry Little, an NFL Hall of Famer and former Dolphin.

``Our guys have had a great attitude so far and have been very physical.''

Tonight's game at 7 pits expansion franchises in an upstart league, a steppingstone to bigger and better things, but this contest has special significance to many of the Morays.

``It will be great being able to play in front of our families,'' said Little, who last coached in 1998 at North Carolina Central University.

LOCAL TALENT

Little, who attended Miami Booker T. Washington High, also mentioned how important his team is making this game, as 14 of the 30 roster players played high school football in Miami-Dade or Broward.

Vickers, a standout quarterback at Miami Monsignor Pace before becoming a four-year starter at Central Michigan from 2000-03, relishes the chance to suit up once again in South Florida.

``We really have a bunch of confidence coming to this game,'' he said. ``You always want to show off in front of your family.''

Former Miami Hurricanes receiver Ethenic Sands is another player taking the NIFL by storm. He has 11 receptions, including four touchdown catches, in two games.

``It will be a great opportunity to come back a play in front of our hometown crowd,'' he said. ``Hopefully, the Dolphins will be watching.''

EX-DOLPHINS

Some former Dolphins are sure to be watching; Little isn't the only former player on the staff. Among them: Oronde Gadsden (CEO), Jamie Nails (offensive line coach), Leslie Shepherd (receivers coach) and Terry Kirby (strength coach).

* Miami Arena opens at 6 p.m. today. The first 2,500 fans receive a Morays ``Pro-trait'' and team pennant. After the game, fans will be allowed to come down to the field for postgame autographs and pictures with the coaches and players.

For information, call 305-374-8950.

Illustration:photo: Iztok Plevnik and Ethenic Sands (a)

JOSHUA PREZANT/FOR THE HERALD PRACTICE: Kicker Iztok Plevnik and Ethenic Sands, a former University of Miami receiver, work out at Gibson Park. Sands has 11 catches, four for scores, this season.

Copyright (c) 2005 The Miami Herald