Albany Gearing Up For Season Opener In Ohio

March 25, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release


Meet The Birds

The Firebirds wrapped up their training camp and spent this week getting ready for their season-opening game at Mahoning Valley. The biggest events of camp were the injuries of former UAlbany wide receiver Irani DeAraujo and Union College WR/DB Thomas Arcidiacono. The team also placed WR/LB Johnnie Butler and WR/DB Harry DeBerry on the injured reserve this past week. Despite the injuries, the Firebirds are still very deep at the wide receiver position heading into the 2009 season.

The Firebirds are returning just three players that saw action for the Albany franchise during the 2008 season. FB/LB Norman Bauer, DL Kevin Marchant and WR Mike Wall are back with the Firebirds. Bauer was a staple of Albany's lineup in 2008, playing 12 games at fullback and offensive line and scoring his first career rushing touchdown on April 18, 2008 at Manchester. Marchant started at defensive line during Albany's first six games in 2008, but had his campaign cut short due to injury. Wall made his af2 debut with Albany during their final game of 2008 on July 25th vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, making two receptions for 26 yards and returning two kickoffs for 32 yards.

WR/DB Kenny Williams returns to the team that gave him his af2 debut back in 2006. Over the last two seasons Williams has played in 22 games for the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings and looks to bring his three-years of arena football experience to the young Firebirds squad. In six games for Bossier-Shreveport in 2008, Williams had 36 solo tackles, 2 interceptions and two pass break ups.

Plenty of newcomers adorn the Firebirds roster as they open the 2009 campaign. All eyes will be on the two new quarterbacks, Stephen Wasil and rookie Adam Bednarik. Wasil made his af2 debut in 2008 with the Texas Copperheads, playing in eight games and throwing for 1,205 yards and 15 touchdowns. Bednarik is new to arena football, but comes from a big time Division I college program, the University of West Virginia.

Week 1 Preview:

The Firebirds will see an interesting match up to open the season as they face a Mahoning Valley Thunder squad that has four players that were with Albany in 2008. The Thunder have brought in former Albany DB Clarence Curry, LB/DL Brenton Brady, OL Jerrick Jeffreys and DB Brandon Taylor to their lineup. On Wednesday the Thunder announced the return of former Conquest and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver C.J. Brewer. Albany is 0-2 against the Thunder in back-to-back season openers and Friday's game will be the third straight year that the Firebirds will open the season at Mahoning Valley.

Week 1 Schedule: All games are broadcast LIVE on af2TV free streaming video at www.albanyfirebirds.com

Friday, March 27 - 7:05 pm - Chevrolet Centre - Youngstown, OH @ Mahoning Valley Thunder (0-0)

Tied-First Place East Division

* This is the sixth all-time meeting between Albany and Mahoning Valley and it is the first of three meetings of the 2008 season. The Thunder have a 4-1 lead in the all-time series, and won the 2008 series 2-1.

* Leading Passer: QB - Davon Vinson (#9)

* Leading Rusher: FB - Brenton Brady (#33)

* Leading Receivers: WR - Quorey Payne (#1), WR - Chris Shubert (#12) and WR - C.J. Brewer.

Firebirds Pecks:

- OPENING WOES - The Firebirds will be attempting to break a two-year season-opener losing streak, having dropped their previous two openers against the Mahoning Valley Thunder. Albany lost to the Thunder 59-33 last year on March 29, 2008 and they lost 64-59 on April 6, 2007 at Mahoning Valley. Their last season-opening victory came three seasons ago with a 48-40 win at Green Bay on March 31, 2006.

- PLAYOFF DROUGHT - Albany has not been in the af2 playoffs in the last five seasons. The franchise won two East Division Titles in their first two years of operations (2002 & 2003), but have not seen post-season action since.

East Division Standings:

(AMERICAN CONFERENCE)

Team W L PCT Home Road Streak

Albany 0 0 - 0-0 0-0 -

Mahoning Valley 0 0 - 0-0 0-0 -

Manchester 0 0 - 0-0 0-0 -

WB/Scranton 0 0 - 0-0 0-0 -

The Albany Firebirds will begin their 2009 regular season schedule on March 27th at Mahoning Valley, while their first home game is set for April 10th against the Florida Firecats at the Times Union Center. Full and partial season ticket packages are now on sale; for more information please contact the Firebirds at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyfirebirds.com.



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