Firebirds Fourth Quarter Comeback Falls Short

Published on April 5, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


It was quarterback Raymond Philyaw's turn to enter the game and become the hero with the Firebirds trailing by 20 points late in the first half. However, after a valiant effort, his efforts fell just short as the Grand Rapids Rampage upended the Firebirds, 56-49 Saturday night at Conseco Fieldhouse. With the win, the Rampage remain in first place in the Central Division as the Firebirds fell three games out of first place with six regular season games remaining.

Philyaw came on in a relief effort of starting quarterback Jose Davis for Indiana's second possession of the fourth quarter with his team trailing 48-28. Philyaw led the ‘Birds to three touchdowns in just over six minutes, rallying the ‘Birds to a one-point lead. However, the Rampage had 45 seconds to work with, which was more than enough time for quarterback Clint Dolezel and his offensive unit. Grand Rapids made the most of their opportunity when Dolezel found Shaw streaking down the sideline for a game-winning 22-yard touchdown reception with eighteen seconds left in the contest.

Dolezel completed 28-of-43 passes for 330 yards and five touchdowns in leading the Rampage before earning Game MVP honors. His favorite target was OS Terrill Shaw who caught nine balls for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Davis completed 7-of-18 pass attempts for 73 yards and one touchdown before being lifted in favor of Philyaw late in the second half. OS Jeremy McDaniel led the ‘Birds in receiving with five catches for 46 yards.

The Rampage broke the scoring column first after putting together a lengthy nine-play 36-yard drive on their first possession, consuming the opening seven minutes of the contest. The drive was capped of by a 29-yard field goal by Grand Rapids kicker Brian Gowins, giving Grand Rapids an early 3-0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived for Grand Rapids as the ‘Birds quickly struck back on their first possession of the game. Davis hooked up with WR/LB Eddie Brown for a 21-yard touchdown reception with seven minutes left in the first quarter.

Trailing by three late in the first half, Indiana penetrated Rampage territory with the aid of two Grand Rapids penalties and was able to recapture the lead heading into halftime for the second consecutive week. FB/LB Leroy Thompson took the handoff from Davis, bowled over would-be Rampage tacklers and danced his way into the endzone for the score. The touchdown run was Indiana's third rushing touchdown in the half.

Trailing 48-28 midway through the second quarter Head Coach Mike Dailey opted to insert Philyaw. Philyaw had spent the last five weeks on injured reserve and was activated earlier this week. Philyaw and the ‘Birds promptly drove 46 yards on four plays for a score to pull Indiana within thirteen with seven minutes in the contest. The ‘Birds then forced a turnover on Grand Raids ensuing possession after WR/LB Drew O'Connor stripped the ball from Rampage wide receiver Steve Smith, which was recovered by Indiana's OL/DL Van Tuinei at the Indiana 15 yard-line. The ‘Birds capitalized on the turnover when Young took the handoff from Philyaw and found the endzone from three yards out. The touchdown was Young's third of the contest.

After an impressive defensive stop, the ‘Birds regained possession trailing by six with one minute remaining in the game. After a furried fourth quarter comeback, the ‘Birds found themselves in position to potentially seal a victory with a score for the second week in a row. After catching the game-winning pass a week ago, Brown once again came up huge for the Firebirds in a clutch situation. Brown hauled in a 35-yard pass from Philyaw, giving the Firebirds a 48-49 lead. Unfortunately for the Firebirds, enough time was left on the clock for Grand Rapids to orchestrate the game-clinching score.

Indiana had one last chance for some last-second magic, however only had eighteen seconds to work with. On third-and-ten from midfield, Philyaw was intercepted by Rampage defensive specialist Cecil Doggette. However, Grand Rapids was flagged for off sides, giving the ‘Birds a fresh set of downs. Philyaw then found Hlavacek in the endzone for an apparent touchdown. Unfortunately for the Firebirds, the catch was negated after the ‘Birds were penalized for illegal motion, leaving one down left. Philyaw rolled out to his right looking for Brown, however his pass fell to the ground.

The Firebirds return to action next Sunday when the welcome Central Division rivals the Dallas Desperados to Conseco Fieldhouse. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports. Kick-off is set for 2 pm. The game can also beard heard on the Firebirds radio network.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 5, 2003


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