DeBerg names McPherson starter versus Rush

Published on February 28, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Firebirds Head Coach Steve DeBerg led his team through their final practice session of the week this morning and following that walk-through named rookie Adrian McPherson his starting quarterback for tomorrow's game against the Chicago Rush. This will be the first professional start of McPherson's career and be the third quarterback to start for the Firebirds this season.

The Firebirds (0-3) return home seeking revenge against the team that helped prevent them from getting a playoff berth last season as they take on the Chicago Rush (3-0) at Conseco Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. The Firebirds come into the game looking to recover from a three game losing streak while the Rush has gotten a fast start to the 2004 campaign. Chicago has won their first three games in a row, including a 65-35 thumping of previously undefeated Colorado last week. These two teams have been very evenly matched over the years, with the all-time series tied 3-3 and each team going 2-1 at home. These two teams have consistently brought the fans out to the Fieldhouse, drawing an average of 10,937 fans per game.

If familiarity breeds comtempt...: These two teams are very familiar with one another, as eight members of the Rush have either played or coached for the Firebirds during their careers. Four players in this game played on the Firebirds' 1999 Arena Bowl championship team. Rush OL/DL John Sikora and FB/LB Jamie McGourty and current Firebirds WR/DB Evan Hlavacek and FB/LB Leroy Thompson all saw significant action with the team that season. Additionally, Rush coach Mike Hohensee served in the same capacity for the Firebirds from 1994-1996, compiling a 30-14 record.

YO Adriannnn!: Adrian McPherson showed some of the flashes of brilliance against the Fury that made him such a highly touted quarterback during his collegiate days at Florida State, completing 13-of-20 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns while carrying the ball seven times for 55 yards and a score.

Lighting them up: WR/LB Brett Bech has been a revelation in his two games against the Rush. Bech has caught 15 passes for 175 yards and four touchdowns, including two touchdowns in each game he has played in against Chicago. OS Mike Horacek has also experienced some success versus the Rush. In two games he has caught ten passes for 77 yards and one touchdown.

Homecoming King: Chicago DS DeJuan Alfonzo returns to the state where he made a name for himself as a three-sport star at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis and as a defensive back at Indiana State from 1996-99. While at Indiana State, he set the school record for career blocked kicks (5), blocked kicks in a season (3 in 1997) and highest career punt return average (13.5). Alfonzo also won the slam dunk contest at the state high school basketball all-star game in 1995.

Leroy Thompson vs. Chicago:

6 games, 37 carries, 133 yards, 10 TDs

-This includes a franchise record 5 TD performance in a 51-41 win at Allstate Arena in week 14 of the 2002 season. Overall for the game, he carried the ball six times for 24 yards.

Breakdown by Quarter (Avg. points):

1 2 3 4 Total 1st half 2nd half

Indiana 10 16 9 13 48 26 22

Chicago 9 10 11 13 43 19 24

The game can be seen on WTHR-13 NBC locally in Indianapolis, heard LIVE in its entirety on ESPN 950 AM, 95.9 FM WIJY and via the internet broadcast at www.espn950.com. Tickets for the game are still available, but going fast. The first 4,000 fans through the doors will receive a 2004 Firebirds Autograph Book courtesy of local Indiana TRANE dealers.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 28, 2004


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