Firebirds Fall Short in Defensive Battle

Published on April 27, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


For the second week in a row, the Indiana Firebirds (5-8) were unable to convert on a two-point conversion on the game's final play, leading to the team's second loss in as many weeks as the Buffalo Destroyers (5-8) downed the ‘Birds, 36-35 Saturday night in Buffalo at HSBC Arena.

After three consecutive penalties on Buffalo's defensive unit, Indiana had three total shots at the endzone to tie the game, two of which were un-timed plays. On the second un-timed play, Firebirds' quarterback Raymond Philyaw completed a five-yard touchdown pass to offensive specialist Jeremy McDaniel, brining the ‘Birds to within one point. Head Coach Mike Dailey opted to go for two and the win, however on the ensuing two-point play, Philyaw was hit in the backfield and lost control of the ball, sealing the win for Buffalo.

Philyaw completed 25-of-39 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns and extended his streak to 234 pass attempts without throwing an interception. Philyaw also rushed the ball six times for 31 yards and had two rushing touchdowns. McDaniel led the ‘Birds in receiving with eleven catches for 75 yards and one touchdown. After coming over from San Jose earlier in the week, Buffalo quarterback Bob Bees completed 15-of-28 pass attempts for 237 yards and three touchdowns in his first start with the Destroyers. Offensive specialist Gunnard Twyner had seven catches for 101 yards and one touchdown for Buffalo, followed by Cornelius White who caught four balls for 96 yards and two scores.

The Firebirds' defense recorded its first opening quarter shutout of the season after holding the Destroyers to only 33 total offensive yards. Driving into Indiana territory late in the quarter, Bees was intercepted by fullback/linebacker Rich Young ensuring the shutout. The interception was the first of Young's four-year career. The only score of the quarter came on a 25-yard field goal by Indiana kicker Clay Rush, who entered Saturday's game having connected on a League-best 16 field goals this season. Rush finished the game 3-of-6 from field goal range, extending his League-leading total to 19 field goals made this season.

The ‘Birds were able to capitalize on the turnover when Philyaw danced his way into the endzone on a quarterback keeper from 15 yards out, extending Indiana's lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter. The touchdown run was Philyaw's seventh on the season. Following a Buffalo touchdown, Indiana put together a 7-play 36-yard drive which was capped off by a two-yard touchdown run by Philyaw. Philyaw finished the first half with two rushing touchdowns on 22 yards rushing. Indiana out-gained Buffalo 163-79 in total offensive yards before taking a 20-14 lead into halftime.

Trailing by five late in the fourth quarter, the Firebirds were able to re-capture the lead on the strength of an eight-yard touchdown pass from Philyaw to wide receiver/defensive back Terrance Blackwell. Philyaw dropped back in the pocket and with great protection from Indiana's offensive line was able to find Blackwell who made a sliding catch in the endzone for the score. However, Philyaw's two-point pass failed, giving the ‘Birds a slim 29-28 advantage.

The Destroyers responded with a score of their own after White took a slant pattern to the house with just over 30 seconds remaining in the contest. On the ensuing two point play, Bees' pass bounced off Indiana's Dell Lee, the referee, and into the waiting arms of White, extending the Buffalo lead to seven before Indiana's final score.

The Firebirds return home next Sunday afternoon in the team's final home game of the regular season to face the Georgia Force for the two team's first-ever meeting. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (Indianapolis Time). The game can also be heard on the Firebirds' Radio Network, which includes ESPN Radio 950 AM (Indianapolis), WPZZ 95.9 FM (Franklin, IN), ESPN Radio 1130 AM (Brazil) and ESPN Radio 1300 AM (Terre Haute).

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 27, 2003


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