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'Birds Down Rush in Central Division Showdown, 28-23

February 16, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Firebirds' defensive specialist Del Lee broke up a crucial fourth and eleven pass from quarterback Chad Salisbury with 50 seconds left in the game, giving the Indiana Firebirds a 28-23 victory over the Chicago Rush in front of 12,032 rowdy fans at TruGreen Field in Conseco Fieldhouse Sunday afternoon.

Quarterback Raymond Philyaw completed 13-of-22 pass attempts for 140 yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon. His favorite receiver was WR/LB Brett Bech, who caught seven balls for 79 yards and two touchdowns. DS Evan Hlavacek continued the ‘Birds impressive special team's play, returning three kickoffs for 105 yards, including one for a touchdown on his way to MVP of the Game honors. OS Antonio Chatman led the Rush in receiving with nine catches for 69 yards in a losing effort.

Chicago quarterback Chad Salisbury found Chatman on their first play from scrimmage penetrating Firebirds' territory to the 15-yd line, setting up the first score of the contest. Chicago capped off a six-play 43 yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run on a keeper by quarterback Chad Salisbury giving the Rush an early 7-0 lead over the ‘Birds

Del Lee hauled in one of Rush quarterback Chad Salisbury's two picks on the day in the endzone, ending a Chicago drive and giving the Firebirds the ball at their own 5-yd line. The Firebirds broke the scoring bracket when quarterback Raymond Philyaw found WR/LB Brett Bech in the back of the endzone, tying the score at 7-7. However, Chicago once again gained the lead when Chad Salisbury found WR/LB Robert Kilow for a 10-yard score, giving the Rush a 13-7 lead.

Prior to mid-way break, the ‘Birds were driving into Rush territory when FB/LB Leroy Thompson fumbled the ball inside the Rush ten yard-line. Fortunately for the ‘Birds, the ball fell into the arms of Eddie Brown who was able to keep the drive alive. On a third and goal play from the six yard line, quarterback Raymond Philyaw rolled out to his right and landed a tear drop into the arms of Brett Bech, who hauled in his second touchdown catch of the game, giving the Firebirds a one point lead in a low scoring affair, 14-13.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Firebirds attempted an onsides kick, however were flagged for an illegal touch when a Firebirds' player recovered the ball before it traveled ten yards, giving the Rush the ball at the Firebirds nine yard-line with 55 seconds left in the first half. The Rush were able to fight their way to the ‘Birds two yard line, however were not able to penetrate the endzone as the Firebirds' defense stuffed the Rush at the goal line, maintaining Indiana's slim lead at the end of the first half.

Midway through the third quarter the Rush invaded Firebirds' territory when Donnie Caldwell, who was named Ironman of the Game, attempted to ignited the Firebirds' defense by nearly decapitating Chatman. However, Chatman was able to shake off the cobwebs, catching four balls for 31 yards on the drive. The drive was capped off by a five-yard touchdown pass as Salisbury found WR/LB Anthony Ladd on broken coverage play in the corner of the endzone, giving the Rush lead to 20-14 midway through the third quarter.

The ‘Birds quickly retaliated as return specialist Hlavacek returned the ensuing kickoff 55 yards for a touchdown once again giving the ‘Birds the lead 21-20 at the end of the fourth quarter. The 55-yard scamper was Hlavacek's second return for a touchdown on the season.

Trailing by two points midway through the fourth quarter Caldwell once again made his presence felt as he picked off Rush quarterback Salisbury and returned it 20 yards to the house, giving the ‘Birds a 28-23 advantage which they would never relinquish.

The win gives the ‘Birds their first Central Division win of the season and a 3-0 overall record, which is their best start since the 2000 season. The Rush fell to 0-3 on the season and 0-2 in Central Division matchups, finding them in an early-season hole. Firebirds' Head Coach Mike Dailey captured the 60th win of his career over Rush Head Coach Mike Hohensee, who has been Dailey's best friend for nearly 20 years.

The Firebirds return to Conseco Fieldhouse next Sunday, February 23rd when they host the Arizona Rattlers. Following the game skateboard legend Tony Hawk will perform a one-hour demo for all fans in attendance. Hawk's performance will take place on his own specially made $100,000 ramp that will be built on the Astroturf at Conseco Fieldhouse. Tickets to the event can be purchased at the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 317-239-5151 and firebirds.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 16, 2003


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