NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Firebirds Game Notes

February 18, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (3-0) vs. Arizona Rattlers (1-2)
Date: February 23, 2003
Kickoff: 3:00 pm
Site: Conseco Fieldhouse (16,060)
Officials: Pat Garvey - Referee, Paul King - Umpire, Rusty Spindel - Head Linesman, James Mello - Line Judge, Rich Wilborn - Back Judge, Bob Mantooth - Supervisor
Television: NA
Radio: ESPN RADIO 950 AM & WPZZ 95.9 FM (Ari Wolfe and Rob Blackman)
Series Record: Arizona leads 7-6
Last Meeting: June 22, 2002 (Firebirds 21, Rattlers 34)
Coaches: Mike Dailey (3-0 2003, 60-36 Overall) Danny White (1-2 2003, 101-46 Overall)

THE STAKES: The Firebirds have begun the season 3-0 for the fifth time in franchise’s 14-year history. With a victory over the Rush last weekend, the ‘Birds gained their first Central Division win of the season. The Firebirds are currently in first place in the Central Division. Grand Rapids has also gotten off to a 3-0 start, however they have yet to play a Central Divisional game. A win would give the ‘Birds their best start since the 1994 season when the team finished the year 11-3 and went on to win a Conference Championship

THE SERIES: The Rattlers have a slim 7-6 all-time series advantage over the Firebirds entering this weekend’s matchup. The ‘Birds are 5-4 at home against the Rattlers and 1-3 on the road in 13 series meetings. The two teams have met twice in the playoffs (’99, ’00), with each team winning once, including a 73-47 thrashing of Arizona leading to the Firebirds’ first ArenaBowl Championship in 1999. The two teams last met on June 22nd of last year as Arizona won a low scoring affair, 34-21. The 21-point offensive output was the ‘Birds worst offensive showing of the season.

THE IFS…

If INDIANA Defeats ARIZONA, it would…

Give Indiana a 4-0 record, which would be their best start since the 1994 season.
Keep Indiana in first place in the Central Division.
Give Indiana a 3-0 record against non-divisional opponents this season.
Give Indiana its second home win of the season.

Mike Dailey (60-36, 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 60-36 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).

Danny White (116-54, 12th year): Danny White is in his 12th season as head coach of the Arizona Rattlers. As the only head coach in Rattlers’ history, White became only the second coach in the history of the Arena Football League to win 100 regular season games when the Rattlers defeated the Houston Thunderbears on June 30, 2001. White has led Arizona to ArenaBowl berths in 1994, 1997, and 2002, emerging as World Champions in 1994 and 1997. White’s 115 total wins rank him second all-time and his .694 regular season winning percentage is fourth all-time. He also ranks second all-time with 15 postseason victories, trailing only Tim Marcum. Inducted into the AFL’s Hall of Fame in 2002. White played three seasons at Arizona State University, leaving as both the school’s and the NCAA’s all-time passing leader. He also set seven NCAA passing records while at ASU. White broke the Dallas Cowboys’ single-season passing record as a rookie in 1980. Ended his career with the Cowboys as the team’s most accurate passer, setting career records for completions and touchdown passes while accumulating a 67-35 record as a starter.

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Dailey on last week’s win: “It was a win. It was really ugly at times, but it came down to a win. I think we showed lots of character out there, especially on defense. We were really physical out there and rose to the occasion. It was a struggle, but we just found a way to win even with our injuries and the low point total.”

INDIANA FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK

The Firebirds did not quite reach the 60-point plateau, one that they surpassed in the first two weeks of the regular season, mustering only 28 points in a low scoring affair versus Chicago. However, Firebirds’ defense compensated for a lack of offensive production, holding the Chicago Rush to their lowest point total in franchise history as the ‘Birds chalked up their third straight win of the season, 28-23. DS Evan Hlavacek led the Firebirds with 8.5 tackles and four pass deflections. He also returned three kickoffs 105 yards, one resulting in a 56-yard touchdown (his second of the year) on his way to being named MVP of the contest. Second-year WR/DB Donnie Caldwell recorded 4.5 tackles, two pass deflections, and sealed the win with a 21-yard interception return for a touchdown before earning Ironman of the Game honors.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK

The Firebirds welcome the expansion Colorado Crush into Conseco Fieldhouse for the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Legendary NFL quarterback John Elway, who has teamed with Kroenke Sports Enterprises and Denver Bronco’s owner Pat Bowden to bring Arena Football to Colorado, leads the Crush as the team’s President and CEO. The ‘Birds have lost their last three games against expansion teams, including two loses at the hands of the Dallas Desperados last 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 Rattlers’ kicker Nelson Garner was a member of the Firebirds from 2000-2002. Garner and Firebirds’ WR/DB Jay Jones were teammates at James Madison.

STILL ROLLING…

The Firebirds captured their third straight win to open up season in an ugly, yet victorious effort last Sunday over the Chicago Rush. The win gave the ‘Birds their best start since the 2000 season and has the team seeking their best start since the 1994 season, when the team began the season 4-0. IF HISTORY REPEATS…

If the past is any indication of what is to come, then the Firebirds are well on their way to a division title. With the Firebirds’ latest win, the team is off to a 3-0 start for the fourth time in franchise history (’94, ’98, ’00). During the prior three seasons, the ‘Birds have gone on to win a division title on each occasion, accumulating a 30-13 overall record.

WHEN THE O IS NOT GREAT THE D COMPENSATES

The Firebirds entered week three of the regular season tied for the number one ranked scoring offense in the League at 65.5 points per game. However, last week versus Chicago, the Firebirds’ offense did not even muster half of their average point total from the first two weeks of the season. The offense struggled, but the defense picked up the slack holding the Rush to 23 points, which is Chicago’s lowest point total in franchise history. Firebirds’ DS Evan Hlavack led the team in tackles with 8.5 and pass deflections with four. Hlavacek joined WR/DB Donnie Caldwell in laying some serious wood last week versus Chicago, getting inside the head of Rush receivers who were on the lookout for numbers 28 and 21 all day. Midway through the fourth quarter, Caldwell picked off an arrant pass from Rush quarterback Chad Salisbury and returned it for a touchdown, sealing the win for the ‘Birds. Donnie Caldwell has recorded two interceptions on the season, returned for a total of 53 yards and two touchdowns. EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND

Firebirds quarterback Raymond Philyaw answered questions about his shoulder surgery, his play, and his job all of this past offseason. Philyaw has simply decided to let his play to all the talking so far this season. In leading his team to a 3-0 record out of the gates, Philyaw has distributed the ball accurately and effectively. Through three games he has completed 53-of-84 pass attempts (63%) for 633 yards and nine touchdowns. Philyaw has also shown his versatility as a quarterback, rushing the ball ten times for 44 yards and three scores. What might be Philyaw’s most impressive stat is the fact that he has not thrown an interception this season and has not thrown an interception in his last 119 pass attempts (dating back to last season).

GHOST OF KICKERS PAST Current Rattler’s kicker Nelson Garner will meet his former team for the first time Sunday afternoon. After some kicking woes in 2002, the ‘Birds went out and acquired former AFL Kicker of the Year (’00) Clay Rush this offseason. Through three games the two kickers have accumulated similar numbers. So far this season Garner has made 3-of-7 seven field goal attempts and 14-of-15 extra point attempts. Rush has also connected on 3-of-7 field goal attempts and has hit 18-of-22 extra point attempts. After getting off to a rough start, Rush has hit 12 of his last 13 PATs.

KILLER B’S BECOME KILLER B

The nickname has previously been given to a variety of players and tandems spanning the sports world. This year’s Firebirds squad might just have a trio of receivers who warrant the tag. However, the B’s have been stung in the last two weeks. Two weeks ago in New York, Rookie WR/DB Terrance Blackwell was forced out of the game with an ankle injury and miss last week’s meeting with Chicago. Then, during last week’s game, WR/LB Brett Bech left the game with a shoulder injury and is questionable for this weekend’s game. Prior to leaving the game, Bech was having an outstanding game, catching seven balls for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Veteran OS Eddie Brown is the only one of the three killer B’s left standing after three games, forcing Coach Dailey to restructure his offensive attack.

THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE

Not the one you are thinking of. The 2003 Firebirds offense has their own version of this historic event, with multiple ties to Louisiana. Firebirds quarterback Raymond Philyaw played his college football at Northeast Louisiana, OS Eddie Brown spent his college days at Louisiana Tech, second-year WR/LB Brett Bech played his college football at LSU, and Rookie WR/DB Terrence Blackwell hails from Southern University (LA).

LEAGUE HONORS

WR/DB Donnie Caldwell had one of the most impressive games of his young career last week in a win over the Rush. Caldwell was honored by the League for his efforts during last Sunday’s game by being named the Arena Football League’s ADT Defensive Player of the Week. The award was the first League-wide award for Caldwell in his career.

CALDWELL D-LIGHTS HOME CROWD

So far this season, second-year WR/DB Donnie Caldwell has proven what he is really capable of with a healthy body. After spending the majority of last season on the Injured List, Caldwell is quickly making a name for himself in the Arena Football League. Last week in the ‘Birds home opener versus the Chicago Rush, Caldwell put on a defensive clinic on his way to being named the AFL’s ADT Defensive Player of the Week. In the week-three victory over the Rush, Caldwell had 4.5 tackles, including a lick that made twelve thousand plus at Conseco Fieldhouse simultaneously moan, then burst into applause. He also recorded two pass deflections and intercepted Rush quarterback Chad Salisbury, returning it for a touchdown, sealing the win for the ‘Birds. In three games this season, Caldwell has recorded 13.5 tackles (11 solo), two interceptions (both returned for a touchdown for a total of 53 yards), two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.

PICK YOUR CLICHE

He only gets better with age. He is ageing like a fine wine. How about good things come to those who wait? Firebirds FB/LB Leroy Thompson continues to prove that his game has stood the test of time. After a slow beginning to his career and consideration of retirement after the 1999 season, Thompson continues to raise his game a notch or two as each season passes. After seeing minimal action in his first few years in the League, Thompson quietly waited his turn and has become one of the top fullback/linebackers in the history of the League. In his first three years in the Arena Football League, Thompson rushed for 18 yards and three touchdowns. However, in the past four seasons, he has accumulated 596 yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. His seventh year in the League (’02) was his best, culminating with Built Ford Tough Man of the Year honors. For his career, Thompson has rushed the ball 204 times for 661 yards and 42 touchdowns. Through three games this season, Thompson has rushed for 52 yards and three touchdowns.

‘BIRDS BLITZ

Join Firebirds’ General Manager Joe Hennessy and play-by-play man Ari Wolfe every Wednesday night from 6-7 pm for ‘Birds Blitz, a weekly variety show broadcast on ESPN Radio 950 AM, covering the Firebirds, the Arena Football League, and recent happenings around the world. The show is on location at Moon Dog Tavern located between Allisonville Road and Keystone.

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Wishing eight-year veteran and Firebirds’ captain OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown a happy birthday. Moore-Brown turns 32 on Wednesday, February 26. Also, wishing a happy 29th birthday to WR/LB Jay Jones who’s birthday is Tuesday, February 25th.

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 (289), receptions (878), and is second in receiving yards (11,899)

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 (951), completions (601), yards passing (7,398), and passing touchdowns (135).

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.

ARIZONA RATTLERS

WR/LB Hunkie Cooper: Cooper is in his eleventh season in the Arena Football League (all with the Rattlers). Hunkie Cooper is one of only two players to win both AFL MVP and Ironman awards in his career. Entering the 2003 season, Cooper was seventh all-time in receiving yards (7,248), third in receptions (650), ninth in receiving touchdowns (115), and second in all-purpose yards (18,398).

WR/DB Chris Horn: A third-year wide receiver/defensive back who finished first in the AFL in scoring last season (218 points) and touchdowns (36). Finished second in the League in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,324) on his way to First-Team All-Arena honors. Currently, Horn leads the AFL in all-purpose yards (669), kick return yards (393), MFG return yards (77), and is fifth in the League with 20 receptions on the season.

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 15 touchdown passes to reach 200 for his career.

Eddie Brown: Needs 101 receiving yards to reach 12,000 for his career.

*Head Coach Mike Dailey captured the 60th win of his career last week versus Chicago.

*WR/DB Jay Jones surpassed 2,000 yards receiving for his career with an eight-yard reception last week versus Chicago.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 18, 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.

Other Recent Albany/Indiana Firebirds Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central