Firebirds Drop Defensive Struggle, 34-25, in Detroit
February 23, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
The Indiana Firebirds lost a tightly contested defensive struggle, 34-25, to the Detroit Fury Monday night in front of 7,666 fans at the Palace at Auburn Hills.
Rookie QB Adrian McPherson made his AFL debut, sharing duties with Tony Zimmerman in the first half before leading the Firebirds for the rest of the game after halftime. On his first career possession, the 20-year old phenom ran twice, totaling 37 yards and culminating in his 7-yard touchdown run.
The Firebirds got four Detroit turnovers in the first half, but could only turn them into 13 points, trailing 14-13 at the half. Detroit QB, and Baby Ruth Real Deal Player of the Game, Andy Kelley hit David Hill from 37 yards out on the first play of the game, jumping out to a early seven point lead. Evan Hlavacek then recovered a Clay Rush missed field goal attempt, getting the Firebirds the ball inside the Fury five yard line. Jeff Cogell's two-yard run got the Firebirds even 7-7.
Turnovers plagued the reminder of the first half. Indiana's Brett Bech stripped the ball out of the hands of Hill, getting possession back for the Firebirds. The offense would be stalled, but when Detroit got the ball back Kelley was picked off by Anthony Derricks in the endzone. On came McPherson to get the 'Birds the lead back, but Rush's PAT attempt failed, leaving the score 13-7. Kelley (24-for-36, 264 yards 3 TD) ended the half with a 1-yard touchdown run and got the Fury on top 14-13 at the intermission.
The third quarter was all Fury. A Mark Lewis 23-yard field goal combined with a Jeff Russell 9-yard scoring catch got Detroit a 24-13 lead entering the final quarter of play. In the fourth quarter, McPherson would hook up with Mike Horacek (10 catches for 144 yards) and US Army Ironman of the Game Brett Bech each for scores, but Kelley answered with two touchdown passes of his own, keeping the Fury ahead for good.
The Firebirds return home to TrueGreen Field at Conseco Fieldhouse to face the Chicago Rush (3-0) next Sunday in an AFL on NBC match-up. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM and the first 4,000 fans will receive a 2004 Firebirds autograph book, brought to you by the local TRANE dealers.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 23, 2004
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