Firebirds win over Fury, 68-59

May 8, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


Indiana's Jonathan Brown sacked Detroit quarterback Andy Kelly in the end zone for a safety with 9:28 remaining in overtime, as the Firebirds won a thriller over the Fury, 68-59. QB Adrian McPherson's 8-yard touchdown run on the ‘Birds first overtime possession held up for the win. McPherson accounted for nine touchdowns in the win (6 pass, 3 rush), the most thus far during his rookie season.

The Firebirds rushed for 104 yards in the game on 15 carries, marking a new franchise high in rushing yards in a single game. McPherson carried the ball six times for an AFL season-high 64 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead overtime score. He set a franchise record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (19) in the process, breaking the previous record of 16, which was held by Mike Pawlawski. In two games this season against Detroit, McPherson has 11 carries for 119 yards and four touchdowns.

The teams were evenly matched from the beginning, trading scores and going into the half tied at 24. Indiana dominated the third quarter, punctuating the beginning and the end of it with touchdown grabs by Brett Bech and Anthony Hines respectively to take a 45-37 lead into the final frame.

Following Carl Bond's (Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game) franchise-record tying sixth touchdown grab, McPherson produced one of this season's most electrifying plays. On third-and-ten, he faded back to pass and, finding nobody open scrambled 37 yards for a touchdown to give Indiana a 52-44 lead.

Detroit came back however, tying the game with seven seconds left, as Kelly found Thabiti Davis in the end zone to bring the Fury to within two. On the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Kelly hooked up with Bond to tie the game up 59-59. The Birds had one last chance to win it in regulation, but Clay Rush's 51-yard field goal attempt bounced off the nets and Indiana was able to stop Fury returner Ron Carpenter as time expired to send the game into overtime.

Clay Rush was perfect on the day, connecting on all seven of his extra point attempts, while connecting on a 22-yard field goal in the second quarter. Anthony Hines had the third 100-yard receiving game of his career, catching 10 passes for 166 yards and four touchdowns in helping lead the Birds to victory.

With the loss, Detroit is officially eliminated from playoff contention while the Firebirds remain in the thick of the playoff hunt, joining three other teams with seven wins vying for the final three playoff berths.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 8, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central