'Birds Return to New York to Face Destroyers
Published on April 24, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Firebirds (5-7) wrap up a two-game road trip when the team travels east to meet the Buffalo Destroyers (4-8) this Saturday night at HSBC Arena. The game will be televised live on UPN Indiana with kickoff set for 6:00 pm (Indianapolis Time). The game will also be broadcast on the Firebirds' Radio Network, which includes ESPN Radio 950 AM, WPZZ 95.9 FM "The Point", ESPN Radio 1130 (Brazil), and ESPN Radio 1300 (Terre Haute).
The Firebirds and Destroyers have met four times prior to Saturday's meeting in Buffalo with the 'Birds owning a 3-1 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers. This weekend's contest marks the first meeting between the two franchises in three years and will be the first time the teams have played since the Firebirds relocated from Albany to Indianapolis in 2001. The last series meeting came on June 10, 2000 when the Destroyers outscored the Firebirds, 51-48 in overtime.
Both Indiana and Buffalo are coming off losses last weekend with each coming in a different fashion. The Firebirds fell to the defending ArenaBowl champions San Jose SaberCats last Saturday in a high scoring affair, 73-71. Trailing by eight with less than a minute remaining, Indiana quarterback Raymond Philyaw hooked up with offensive specialist Jeremy McDaniel on an 18-yard touchdown reception, bringing the 'Birds to within two points with eleven seconds remaining. However, Philyaw's two-point pass attempt sailed out of bounds, as Indiana dropped its most closely contested game of the season. The Destroyers on the other hand, gave up 35 unanswered points to open up last week's game in Los Angeles before falling to the Avengers in a route, 65-14.
The Firebirds are three games behind the Central Division-leading Grand Rapids Rampage and two games behind the Dallas Desperados for second in the division with four games remaining on the 2003 regular season schedule. The Destroyers come into this week's play only two games behind the Las Vegas Gladiators, who are currently atop the Eastern Division.
The 'Birds make their way back to New York, where the team spent its first eleven years of existence, for only the second time since the team's relocation. Indiana has a 3-0 mark versus New York teams since 2001 and overall have accumulated an 8-3 record versus teams from New York. The Firebirds are 2-0 when facing Eastern Division teams this season.
Indiana travels to Buffalo with a surging offense that has averaged 66 points per game in its last two contests. Indiana's Philyaw has thrown 16 touchdown passes in his last two games, rejuvenating the Firebirds' offense since his return from injured reserve. Since his return, Philyaw has completed 52-of-85 passes for 715 yards and 17 touchdowns with no interceptions in nine quarters of play.
However, Indiana will run into a stiff Buffalo defense on Saturday that currently ranks fourth in the AFL in scoring defense (46.8), second in total defense (246.8 yd/g) and is tied for third in the League with 16 interceptions. Philyaw has not thrown an interception this season in 177 pass attempts and 195 total attempts dating back to last season, but must be aware of Buffalo defensive specialist Dwaine Carpenter who is currently fifth in the AFL with five interceptions on the season.
Buffalo offensive/defensive lineman Mark Valvo, who spent ten seasons with the Firebirds' franchise, was placed on the Destroyers' injured reserve list earlier this week and as a result will not be in uniform to face his former team on Saturday night. Prior to joining the Destroyers, Valvo spent a decade in a Firebirds' uniform serving as the team's leader on and off the field. A team captain, Valvo recorded 52.5 tackles, five sacks, five pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries during his stint with the Firebirds. Valvo finished his career with the 'Birds as the most tenured player in team history and tied for the most years of service to one team in AFL history (Hunkie Cooper, Arizona Rattlers).
If the playoffs started today, the Firebirds would be in as an eleven seed and would face the Georgia Force in the first round of the postseason. The Destroyers are currently on the outside looking in, but could fight their way into the playoffs with a strong finish. A win would give the Firebirds its fourth win in five meetings with Buffalo and get the 'Birds one step closer to securing a spot in postseason play.
The Firebirds return home for the regular season home finale next Sunday, May 4th when they welcome the Georgia Force to Conseco Fieldhouse. Great tickets are still available. For more information please call (317) 472-8080.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 24, 2003
- J.J. Washington playing role well with L.A. Avengers - Los Angeles Avengers
- AFL Must-See Matchups - AFL I
- 'Birds Return to New York to Face Destroyers - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Maddox, Warner Join NBC Broadcast Team - AFL I
- AFL Quick Hitters - AFL I
- Gladiator Girls to teach halftime routine for Sunday's Game - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Cobras Sign WR/DB Aundrae Harris - Carolina Cobras
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.
