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Distractions? What distractions?

August 12, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


By Ron Deuter, af2.com

Try not to disturb the Florida Firecats this week as they prepare for the American Conference Championship Game. On second thought, maybe someone should bother them.

With coaching changes, injuries and other on-field and off-field disruptions, Florida Head Coach John Fourcade acknowledges the Firecats have gone through more than their share of distractions this season. Yet through it all, the Firecats have remained focused, earned their first-ever postseason berth and are on the cusp of an ArenaCup appearance.

"These guys took it upon themselves everyday to make sure they are prepared to play football," Fourcade said. "There have been some distractions this season, but I told them none of that has any concern with what happens on the field. They are here to play football. The guys huddle up before every practice and game and remind each other of that. Once they are on the field, they are thinking about nothing but football."

Fourcade says the Firecats are a close group that has grown tighter every week. He tried to limit the amount of roster moves this season and that in turn has added to the team's ability to focus on football.

"You take a look at this roster from day one and we've probably had fewer changes than most other teams. I don't think it's fair to the guys to have a revolving door," Fourcade said. "We told our players we'd work with them all season and that they need to believe in what we were trying to accomplish. Our guys believe it and now they play harder than anybody out there."

Considering the season the 'Cats went through, it was a remarkable feat simply to make the playoffs. They could have lost in the first round and the season would have still been considered a success. Besides, who would have thought the Firecats could make a serious bid for the ArenaCup?

"We knew we just had to get to the playoffs," Fourcade said. "There are no records in the playoffs. We all come in 0-0. It's a new season."

Entering the playoffs on a loss with the second-worst regular season record among American Conference playoff teams and going 1-3 against playoff squads they faced in the regular season, the odds were against the Firecats.

"Nobody gives us any credit. They say we're not supposed to be here," said Fourcade. "We're like the Patriots (2001 NFL Super Bowl Champions). We might not be 14-2 or 13-3 and we might not have the same talent level as other teams, but we find ways to win. We take advantage of breaks and play hard."

That attitude coupled with a tenacious defensive effort led to a first-round 43-31 upset of division champion Tallahassee. In the semifinals, the defense held the high-powered Macon Knights offense to a scoreless fourth quarter en route to a 44-28 win. It was the lowest-ever point total for the Knights.

"Our defense has been awesome," Fourcade said. "My hat's off to Kevin Bouis (assistant head coach) for the job he's done since I put him in charge of the defense."

Fourcade also credits the experience in the secondary for the team's ability to keep other teams off the scoreboard. Led by former Baton Rouge Blaze teammates Roy Stabler and Quincy Sorrell, the Firecats have solid experience on their side. Stabler and Sorrell both won rings with the Mississippi Firedogs (IPFL) in 2000.

"These are guys that are capable of playing at another level," Fourcade said. "They've stepped up their play and in turn helped others on the team raise their level of play. They don't care about awards or money. They just want the ring."

All season, Stabler, Sorrell and the rest of Florida's defense have put the team in a position to win every time they take the field. Of the Firecats' seven losses this season, four were decided by a touchdown or less. When the Florida offense scores 40 or more points, the team is 10-1. In the playoffs, they are holding opponents to 29.5 points per game, the best postseason effort in af2 history.

One more performance like the previous two and the Firecats will play in their first-ever ArenaCup Championship Game. So go ahead, try to divert them. Chances are they won't be bothered.



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