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Detroit Fury Hold off Indiana Firebirds

February 23, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Fury News Release


Auburn Hills, MICH. - The Detroit Fury (2-1) used an outstanding defensive effort to hold off the Indiana Firebirds 34-25 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Firebirds (0-3) offense were unable to capitalize on four Fury turnovers in the first half, as Firebirds kicker Clay Rush missed six field goals and two extra points in the game.

Defensively, the Fury were lead by their defensive specialists Ron Carpenter and Reggie Doster. Carpenter finished the game as the Fury's leading tackler (7.0), and he also made three pass break-ups and one quarterback sack. Doster finished the game with six tackles, and he grabbed his first interception of the season on the final play of the game.

Detroit quarterback Andy Kelly led the Fury offense, completing 24-of-36 passes for 264 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Kelly also scrambled for a one-yard touchdown run. Kelly's number one target was receiver Thabiti Davis, who grabbed seven passes for 73 yards.

Indiana, who replaced starting quarterback Tony Zimmerman early in the first half, tried to rally the offense behind Adrian McPherson. McPherson proved he is deadly on the ground as well as in the air, rushing five times for 57 yards and one touchdown and completing 13-of-20 passes for 172 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Mike Horacek led all receivers, making 10 catches for 144 yards and one touchdown for Indiana.

Fury kicker Mark Lewis shined for the Fury in his third straight game. He was a perfect four-for-four on PATS and two-for-two on field goals. So far, Lewis has not missed an extra point for the Fury.

The win gives the Fury their first win against the Firebirds franchsie since July 22, 2001. Indiana still holds the all-time series record (5-2) over Detroit.

Next week, the Fury will enjoy a weekend of rest, as they enter their bye-week. The Fury will return to action on Thursday, March 4, when they travel to Denver to face the Colorado Crush in the first of two meetings.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 23, 2004


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