'Birds Remain In Playoff Contention
Published on May 11, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
In a must-win situation with the team's postseason lives hanging in the balance, the Indiana Firebirds (6-9) maintained their playoff aspirations after disposing of the Grand Rapids Rampage (8-7) in a shootout, 71-68 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids Sunday afternoon. Indiana's 71 point offensive output tied a season-high.
The Indiana win, coupled with Chicago's loss on Sunday to Arizona, sets up a showdown next weekend when the Firebirds travel to Chicago to face the Rush in a game that will determine if Indiana will participate in the "Drive to ArenaBowl XVII" as the AFL's playoff field of twelve begins to take shape. The 'Birds need a win next Sunday versus the Chicago Rush coupled with a Las Vegas Gladiators win over the Buffalo Destroyers in the final week of the season to qualify for postseason play.
Firebirds' quarterback Raymond Philyaw completed 15-of-31 pass attempts for 189 yards and seven touchdowns before earning Game MVP honors. Offensive specialist Jeremy McDaniel led the 'Birds in receiving with six catches for 89 yards and two scores. Firebirds' wide receiver/linebacker Shawn Foreman recorded two interceptions and offensively added one catch for 16 yards and a touchdown on his way to Ironman of the Game honors. In addition, wide receiver/linebacker Eddie Brown had his streak of 115 consecutive games with a reception snapped during the victory. Rampage quarterback Clint Dolezel completed 29-of-45 passes for 381 yards and seven touchdowns, however threw three costly interceptions in the loss. Offensive specialist Steve Smith led the Rampage with eight catches for 82 yards and three touchdowns, followed by Terrill Shaw who caught seven balls for 102 yards and two scores in a losing effort.
The Firebirds and Rampage exchanged scores throughout the entire first half with neither defense able to create a stop for the duration of the game's first 30 minutes. After both Indiana and Grand Rapids connected on field goal attempts during their opening possession, the two teams traded touchdown drives to the tune of five scores apiece throughout the first half before the 'Birds tacked on a additional score on a 14-yard touchdown reception by Jay Jones late in the half, giving the Firebirds a 44-40 advantage at the break. Jones finished the game with three catches for 41 yards and three touchdowns. In his first game in a Firebirds' uniform, rookie wide receiver/defensive back Tyrone Brown recorded his first AFL touchdown midway through the second quarter after hauling in a nine-yard pass from Philyaw. Brown finished the game with four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. The Firebirds' 44-point first half offensive output was the highest of the season on only 16 plays from scrimmage.
After failing to come up with a single defensive stop during the first half, the Firebirds' defense was able to stop the Rampage's offense on each of the team's three possessions during the third quarter on the strength of three consecutive interceptions of Dolezel. Foreman recorded back to back interceptions, which preceded fullback/linebacker Rich Young's second pick of the season to complete Indiana's third quarter shutout. The Firebirds were able to capitalize on each turnover with a touchdown drive, jumping out to their largest lead of the season. After 21 unanswered points during the third quarter, the 'Birds took a 65-40 advantage into the game's final quarter.
The Rampage would stretch the Firebirds to the limit, outscoring the 'Birds 28-6 in the fourth quarter and were able to cut the Indiana lead to three with only seconds remaining. However, the Firebirds were able to hold off the charging Rampage for the team's fourth road win of the season.
The Firebirds conclude the 2003 regular season next Sunday when the team travels to Chicago to face the Rush with a ticket to the playoffs at stake. The game can be heard on the Firebirds' Radio Network, which includes ESPN Radio 950 AM (Indianapolis), WPZZ 95.9 FM (Franklin, IN), ESPN Radio 1130 AM (Brazil) and ESPN Radio 1300 AM (Terre Haute).
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 11, 2003
- AFL Week 15 Game Summaries - AFL I
- L.A. Avengers clinch first-round bye in AFL playoffs - Los Angeles Avengers
- Fourth Quarter Breakdown Sinks Gladiators - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Grand Rapids' Slide Continues Against Indiana - Grand Rapids Rampage
- 'Birds Remain In Playoff Contention - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Defense The Key In San Jose's Win - San Jose SaberCats
- Rattlers Wrap Up Rush - Chicago Rush
- Buffalo Falls In Home Finale - Buffalo Destroyers
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