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Firebirds Game Notes

February 11, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (2-0) vs. Chicago Rush (0-2)
Date: February 16, 2003
Kickoff: 3:00 pm
Site: Conseco Fieldhouse (16,060)
Officials: Bill Athan – Referee, Rick Nelson – Umpire, Tim Podroza – Head Linesman, Thomas Symonnette – Line Judge, Rob Vernatchi – Back Judge
Television: NBC Sports (Eli Gold and John Riggins)
Radio: ESPN RADIO 950 AM & WPZZ 95.9 FM (Ari Wolfe and Rob Blackman)
Series Record: Series tied 2-2
Last Meeting: July 20, 2002 (Firebirds 51, Rush 41)
Coaches: Mike Dailey (2-0 2003, 59-36 Overall) Mike Hohensee (0-2 2003, 60-58 Overall)

THE STAKES: The Firebirds return to Conseco Fieldhouse for their home opener after two road wins to open up the 2003 season. This Sunday's game will be the first Central Divisional matchup this season for the ‘Birds and will most likely set the tone for divisional play this season. The Rush enters Sunday's game 0-2 on the season and 0-1 in Central Division contests, having lost in Dallas last week. Chicago comes into Conseco Fieldhouse in an early season must win situation.

THE SERIES: The Firebirds and Rush have split four games in the team's all-time series at 2-2 entering Sunday's game. The two teams me twice last year splitting the season series at 1-1, with each team winning on the road. Indiana and Chicago last met in last year's season finale on July 20th when the ‘Birds pulled out a 51-41 victory clinching a spot in the 2002 postseason. Firebirds' FB/LB Leroy Thompson rushed for a career and franchise-high five touchdowns, leading the Firebirds to victory.

Mike Dailey (59-36, 7th year): Mike Dailey begins his seventh season as head coach of the Indiana Firebirds. Last season Dailey led the Firebirds to a 7-7 record and a berth in the post-season for the fifth time in six seasons. Dailey is the Firebirds' all-time winningest coach posting a 57-36 record (including playoffs) coming in to the 2003 season. Dailey led the Firebirds to a franchise-best 14 wins and first-ever ArenaBowl championship during the 1999 season. He joined the Firebirds prior to the 1992 season, spending five seasons as an assistant coach before being named head coach in 1997. Dailey began his Arena Football coaching career with the Washington Commandos where he served as offensive and defensive line coach. Prior to the AFL, Dailey worked as an Assistant Coach at Towson State University and was the Offensive Coordinator at Montgomery College-Rockville (MD).

Mike Hohensee (60-58, 10th year, 3rd with Rush): Mike Hohensee is in his third season as head coach for the Chicago Rush, 10th as a head coach, and 15th overall season in the Arena Football League. He currently has a 60-58 record with five different teams. He became the sixth coach in AFL history to record 60 or more regular season wins in a victory over Dallas last season. His prior coaching resume includes stints with the Washington Commandos (1990), Albany Firebirds (1994-1996) where he posted a 27-11record and led the ‘Birds to three Division Championships, Anaheim Piranhas (1997), and New England Sea Wolves (1999-2000). He began his coaching career with the Chicago Bruisers before becoming the youngest head coach for Washington in 1990. Hohensee played professionally for the Washington Federals of the USFL, the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders, and the Toronto Arganauts and Pittsburgh Gladiators of the AFL, where he was credited with throwing the first touchdown pass in AFL history.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Quarterback Raymond Philyaw on starting the season 2-0. "Coming back home with a 2-0 record is a big plus for us. It was great that we were able to finish out both games and come away with two wins. We improved from last week, so we are entering our third game of the season with a great deal of confidence."

INDIANA FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK

The Firebirds won the second of two road games to open up the 2003 season, coming out on top of an offensive slugfest at New York, 65-54. The win gave the ‘Birds a 2-0 record heading into week three, which is team's best start since the 2000. The victory was also the team's 100th win in franchise history. Firebirds' quarterback Raymond Philyaw completed 22-of-33 pass attempts for 272 yards and three touchdowns. Philyaw also rushed for two touchdowns on the day before being named MVP of the contest for the second week in a row. The Firebirds' defense recorded a franchise-high six sacks of Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia, led by Hugh Hunter, who tallied 2.5 sacks for the day on his way to Ironman of the Game honors.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK

The Firebirds will welcome the Arizona Rattlers to town for the two teams only meeting of the season on Sunday, February 23rd. The ‘Birds lost their only meeting with the Rattlers last season in a low scoring affair, 21-34,marking their lowest offensive output since their inaugural season in 1990. The Firebirds hold a slim 7-6 all-time advantage over Arizona coming in to Sunday's contest. The game will be the second of three home game in consecutive weeks after two road games to open up the 2003 season.

2002 REVIEW

The Firebirds entered the 2002 season hoping to build on an impressive 2001 season where the team advanced to the Arena Football League's semi-finals. The Firebirds ended the season with a 7-7 record and made it to the post season for the eleventh time in thirteen seasons despite early season injuries to key players such as Eddie Brown, Evan Hlavacek, and Cornelius Coe. The ‘Birds won three out of their last four games to fight their way into the playoffs, but fell short during the first round in a fiercely contested battle with the expansion Dallas Desperados, falling 47-46. With FB/LB Leroy Thompson earning Built Ford Tough Man of the Year and the emergence of First-Team All-Arena selection, OL/DL Chris Snyder, the Firebirds have their eyes set on returning to ArenaBowl Champion form.

FAMILIAR FACES:

Current Rush Head Coach Mike Hohensee was the Firebirds' Head Coach from 1994-1996. Hohensee led the ‘Birds to an American Conference title in 1994 and Eastern Division Championships in 1995 and 1996. Three current players on the Rush's roster have spent time as a member of the Firebirds. Rush DS Cedric Walker played in seven games with the ‘Birds during the 2001 season and totaled 34.5 tackles with two interceptions. OL/DL Tony Bowick was a member of the Firebirds from 1995-1996. FB/LB Jamie McGourty was with the Firebirds from 1998-1999. OS Eddie Brown, OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown, and FB/LB Leroy Thompson were all Firebirds during Mike Hohensee's tenure as the Firebirds head coach. Indiana's OL/DL Hugh Hunter and Chicago's OL/DL James Baron, two of the league's most feared pass rushers, were teammates on the Nashville Kats in '98 and '99.

A GREAT START

The Indiana Firebirds enter week three of the regular season sporting a clean 2-0 record. What might be more impressive is that fact that the ‘Birds won both games to open up the season on the road with wins in Detroit and New York. Though both victories came over teams with poor records last season, wins on the road are not easy to come by. The ‘Birds are off to their best start since the 2000 season where the team won three games in a row out of the gates on their way to a divisional title. The Firebirds have won their first two games of the season four times prior to this season and have gone on to win the Division three of the four years ('94, '98, '00). If history remains consistent, then the ‘Birds could be on their way to their seventh Division Championship in the team's 14-year history.

RUSHING IN THE RED ZONE

Entering this Sunday's game the Firebirds have had 12 red zone opportunities and have come away with points on the board each time. However, they have not chosen to penetrate the endzone through the air, but rather on the ground. In 12 red zone opportunities this season, the Firebirds have rushed for seven scores. The ‘Birds ground attack in the red zone so far has been led by quarterback Raymond Philyaw, who has recorded four rushing touchdowns in the red zone this season.

OFFENSIVELY FUN, BUT DEFENSIVELY WON

Offenses in the Arena Football League score at a dizzying pace and so far the Firebirds have been one of the most potent offenses in the League, scoring 131 points in only two games this season. Obviously, the Firebirds offense has been a big part of the team's early success. However, the defense has also played a big role in the Firebirds first two wins on the season. Though they have given up 109 points, one thing to keep in mind is the fact that the more the offense scores, the more chances the opposing offenses gets. In a League where the defensive secondary is the main key to the success of a defense, the Firebirds' secondary has stepped up to the challenge. During the week one win in Detroit, the Firebirds defense recorded eight Pass Deflections and one interception after an arrant pass landed in the hands of WR/LB Brett Bech. Last week the ‘Birds dominated the game on the line. The team recorded a franchise-high six sacks of quarterback Aaron Garcia, led by Leroy Thompson, Chris Snyder and Hugh Hunter, whom all totaled 1.5 sacks on the day.

SACK HAPPY

The Firebirds recorded twelve sacks as a team a year ago. After recording no sacks in the season opener in Detroit, the ‘Birds defense decided to go ahead and rack up half of their total from last season in a week-two victory over the Dragons. Last week in New York the Firebirds recorded six sacks of Dragons' quarterback Aaron Garcia, led by Ironman of the Game Hugh Hunter, Leroy Thompson and Chris Snyder, whom each notched 1.5 sacks on the afternoon.

60 OR MORE...

The ‘Birds scored a League-best 66 points in a week one victory over the Fury, scoring nine touchdowns in the process. Last week the Firebirds nearly exceeded their offensive output from their first game, racking up 65 points en route to their second win of the season. The ‘Birds have already doubled the number of times that they have accumulated 60 points or more from last season. Last year, the Firebirds only scored over 60 points once, which came in a 65-79 loss to Dallas on June 8th.

RUSH REDEEMS HIMSELF

First-year Firebirds kicker Clay Rush met high expectations when came to Indiana this offseason. The Firebirds experienced kicking troubles in 2002 and Rush was signed to turn the ‘Birds special teams around. However, in his first game with the Firebirds, Rush struggled a bit, missing a 35-yard field goal and three extra points. He also put a few kickoffs into the stands. However, week two in New York versus his former team was his chance to redeem himself. Last week Rush hit eight of nine extra point attempts and was 1-of-2 from field goal range, hitting from 27 yards out. Rush was long off the tee last Sunday, launching two kickoffs into the rafters hitting a retired jersey hanging from the roof Nassau Coliseum.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

INDIANA FIREBIRDS

OS "Touchdown" Eddie Brown: Eddie has had one of the most successful careers in AFL history. A five-time scoring champion, Brown is the AFL's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (288), receptions (869), and is second in receiving yards (11,762)

FB/LB Leroy Thompson: Leroy is coming off his best season as a pro. In 2002, Thompson rushed the ball 37 times for 118 yards and ten touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 21 tackles and six sacks on his way to being named the Arena Football League's Built Ford Tough Man of the Year.

OL/DL Chris Snyder: Snyder had a breakout year in 2002. Chris spearheaded the Firebirds' defense, which finished last season ranked second in the League in points allowed. He recorded 19.5 tackles (7.5 for a loss), led the Firebirds with 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

QB Raymond Philyaw: Ray is in his fourth season with the Firebirds as the team's second most accurate quarterback in franchise history (63.2). Philyaw has quickly ascended to third in team history in virtually every passing category. Currently ranks third in pass attempts (929), completions (588), yards passing (7,258), and passing touchdowns (133).

WR/LB Brett Bech: A late season addition a year ago, the Firebirds' WR/LB wasted little time in making his presence felt. Appearing in three games last season, Bech caught 19 balls for 310 yards and five touchdowns on his way earning AFL All-Rookie honors.

WR/DB TERRANCE BLACKWELL: Rookie WR/DB who wasted no time in making his presence felt. In his first game in the AFL, Blackwell had three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. He also showcased his speed on special teams with an impressive 53-yard kickoff return in his only chance of the contest.

CHICAGO RUSH

QB Billy Dicken: Dicken is in his third season with the Rush out of Purdue University. He had his best season as a pro last year where he threw for 3,508 yards (5th in the League) and 74 touchdowns (2nd in the League) on his way to being named the team's MVP.

OS Antonio Chatman: A second-year player who was a finalist for the League's Rookie of the Year Award last season after catching 74 passes for 1,068 yards and 23 touchdowns. He accumulated 2,666 all-purpose yards in 2002, which was good for 3rd in the League.

MILESTONES

Eddie Brown: Needs 14 points to reach 2,000 points scored for his career.
Leroy Thompson: Needs 3 sacks to reach 15 for his career.
Chris Snyder: Needs 1.5 sacks to reach 15 for his career.
Leroy Thompson: Needs 8 rushing touchdowns to reach 50 for his career
Raymond Philyaw: Needs 17 touchdown passes to reach 200 for his career.
Jay Jones: Needs 4 yards receiving to reach 2,000 for his career.
Eddie Brown: Needs 238 receiving yards to reach 12,000 for his career.
Coach Dailey: Needs one win for 60 career victories.

THE IFS...

If INDIANA Defeats CHICAGO, it would...

· Give Indiana a 3-0 record, which would be their best start since the 2000 season.
· Give Indiana its first Central Division victory.
· Give Head Coach Mike Dailey the 60th win of his career.
· Give Indiana its first home win of the season.
· Give Indiana a 3-2 all-time series advantage over the Rush

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 11, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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