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Firebirds GAme Notes

February 26, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (3-1) vs. Colorado Crush (0-4)
Date: March 2, 2003
Kickoff: 3:00 pm
Site: Conseco Fieldhouse (16,060)
Officials: Tom McCabe – Referee, Thomas Laverty – Umpire, Brent Durbin – Head Linesman, Bob McElwee – Line Judge, James Anderson – Back Judge
Television: NBC Sports (Allen Bestwick and Charles Davis)
Radio: ESPN RADIO 950 AM & WPZZ 95.9 FM (Ari Wolfe and Rob Blackman)
Series Record: First meeting
Last Meeting: NA
Coaches: Mike Dailey (3-1 2003, 60-37 Overall) Bob Beers (0-4 2003, 0-4 Overall)

THE STAKES: The Firebirds are coming off their first loss of the season and are looking to get back on the winning track as they welcome the expansion Colorado Crush to Conseco Fieldhouse for the two team's first-ever meeting. Despite the loss to Arizona last Sunday, the ‘Birds remain atop the Central Division as Grand Rapids also came up short last weekend at home versus Tampa Bay, giving the Firebirds and Rampage identical 3-1 records entering this week's action. A win will keep the ‘Birds on top of the division and would give the team a much-needed boost before they travel to Orlando next Monday to face the Predators, who are the lone unbeaten team entering week-four. The Crush is seeking their first win in franchise history after being blown out by 40 points last week in San Jose.

THE SERIES: Sunday's game is the first meeting between Indiana and Colorado as it is the Crush's first year in the Arena Football League. Legendary quarterback John Elway, who has teamed with Kroenke Sports Enterprises and Denver Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen to bring Arena Football to Colorado, leads the Crush as the team's President and CEO.

THE IFS...

If INDIANA Defeats COLORADO, it would...
Give Indiana a 4-1 overall record.
Keep Indiana in first place in the Central Division.
Give Indiana its first win over the Crush's franchise.
Give Indiana its second home win of the season.

Mike Dailey (60-37, 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 60-37 record (including playoffs) in six-plus season as head coach of the Firebirds. 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).

Bob Beers (0-4, 1st year): Bob Beers is in his first season as head coach of the Colorado Crush and first year as a head coach in the Arena Football League. Beers has over 30 years of football experience. He has spent the last seven years as a college scout for the NFL's Denver Broncos. Prior to joining the Broncos, Beers served as the Offensive Coordinator for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe during the 1995 season. Before joining the professional ranks, Beers had coaching stints at Western Montana ('93-'95), Montana ('86-'90), and Montana Tech ('72-'74). Beers also spent ten years coaching at the high school level in Montana and Oregon ('75-'85)

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Dailey on last week's game: "Both teams battled hard. Arizona is a very good football team. They've got a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback in Sherdrick Bonner. He is a great player leading a great offense. We simply need to watch film and get ready for next week's game versus Colorado."

INDIANA FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK

The Firebirds suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Arizona Rattlers, 54-62 Sunday afternoon. Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner made his return from the IR after missing two weeks with a shoulder injury. Bonner showed no signs of rust, completing 25-of-29 pass attempts for 313 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to game MVP honors. The ‘Birds not only lost the game, but they lost their starting quarterback when Raymond Philyaw dislocated his right index finger midway through the second quarter. Backup quarterback Craig Whelihan came on to complete 16-of-27 pass attempts for 184 yards and four touchdowns in a losing effort. A milestone was reached last week when Firebirds' OS Eddie Brown eclipsed the 2,000- point plateau for his career, becoming only the second player in League history to do so (Barry Wagner).

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK

The ‘Birds return to the road after a three game home stand when they travel to Orlando to face the Predators next Monday night. Entering week five, the Preds are the only unbeaten team left in the League, but have potentially lost starting quarterback Jay Gruden for the season. Indiana and Orlando are two of the oldest teams in the Arena Football League with a history that dates back over ten years. Entering next week's contest, the ‘Birds hold a slim 8-7 all-time series advantage over the Predators.

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: Former Firebird greats Mike Perez ('94-'96) and Fred Gayles ('90-'96) return to face their former team for the first time as Colorado's quarterbacks coach and special teams coach respectively. Current Crush WR/DB Charles Davidson was a member of the Albany Firebirds from 1996-1997. Davidson also played with Firebirds Eddie Brown, Kyle Moore-Brown and Leroy Thompson as a member of the Albany Firebirds during those seasons. Colorado's Damon Bowers and Andre Cooper were teammates with Firebirds' QB Craig Whelihan during the 2002 season when they played for the Orlando Predators. Davidson and Damian Harrell were teammate of Indiana's Del Lee during the 2001-2002 seasons.

BITTEN BY THE INJURY BUG

The Firebirds were forced to play a number of games last season minus some key starting players. Once again this season, the ‘Birds have had one key player after another sustain injuries. Two weeks ago standout receivers Brett Bech and Terrance Blackwell were out with injuries. Blackwell and Bech returned last week, only to see Bech re-aggravate a shoulder injury he endured two weeks ago versus Chicago. The most devastating blow came when starting quarterback Raymond Philyaw dislocated his right index finger midway through the second quarter, leaving his immediate future uncertain. BACK IN THE SADDLE

Backup quarterback Craig Whelihan was a spectator for the first three weeks of the season, watching starter Raymond Philyaw lead one of the most potent offenses in the Arena Football League to three wins to open up the season. However, with Philyaw's pending injury, Whelihan may be thrust into the starting lineup inheriting the leading role of a first-place team. The transition should not be a problem for Whelihan, as he has proven his capabilities as a starter. Whelihan started 13 games as a member of the Orlando Predators in 2001 completing 224-of-377 pass attempts for 3,004 yards (3rd in franchise history) and 60 touchdowns (2nd in franchise history) on his way to earning All-Rookie honors.

GOING TO THE ‘WELL

Second year WR/DB Donnie Caldwell and Rookie WR/DB Terrance Blackwell have given the ‘Birds a lift on the offensive as well as defensive side of the ball respectively. Caldwell missed the majority of last season with a broken foot, but has made up for lost time so far this season. In four games, Caldwell has recorded 18 tackles, two pass deflections and has intercepted two passes both which have been returned for a touchdown totaling 53 yards. Caldwell was recognized for his defensive prowess two weeks ago when he was named the AFL's ADT Defensive Player of the Week after his standout performance in a victory over the Chicago Rush. Blackwell has begun his AFL career with a bang, catching five balls for 90 yards and two touchdowns, despite missing one game. He has added speed not only to the Firebirds' passing game, but their return game as well. In three games Blackwell has returned five kickoffs for 120 yards (24 ypr). He has also rushed for a touchdown, giving him three touchdowns in three games and responsible for 216 total offensive yards. With continued productivity, the ‘Birds should be going to the "well" more often. 2,000 AND COUNTING...

"Touchdown" Eddie Brown has caught more touchdown passes than any player in Arena Football League history (292), making up the majority of his 333 total career touchdowns. Last week versus the Rattlers, Brown had eight catches for 91 yards and three touchdowns. With his third touchdown reception on the day, Brown became the second of only two players in League history to accumulate over 2,000 points scored for a career. The only other player to do so is San Jose's Barry Wagner.

INDY'S LITTLE BIG MAN

Indiana's DS Evan Hlavacek might be small in stature, but he has come up huge for the ‘Birds so far this season. Hlavacek has single handedly ignited the Firebirds' special teams play. Through four games this season, Hlavacek has returned thirteen kickoffs 351 yards, three that have resulted in a touchdown. In addition to his kick return prowess, Hlavacek leads the ‘Birds in total tackles with 24.5 and pass deflections with eight.

THIEVERY IN INDIANA

Through four games, the Firebirds' defense has intercepted a total of five passes, meaning the defense is on pace for 20 on the season. Two of the five interceptions have been returned for a touchdown, setting a pace for eight on the season, which would be a team record.

PACKING THE NEST

Last week versus the Rattlers the Firebirds enjoyed their largest home crowd since moving from Albany to Indianapolis in 2001. 13,123 fans filed into Conseco Fieldhouse Sunday afternoon, eclipsing the old mark of 12,286. It was the most fans at a Firebirds' home game since the 1994 season when the team played out of Albany, New York.

FIREBIRD LEGENDS RETURN

Sunday's game with the Crush will be the first-ever meeting between Indiana and Colorado. However, a couple of familiar faces will be gracing the sideline when the two teams meet Sunday afternoon. Former standout Firebirds quarterback Mike Perez took over as Colorado's quarterbacks coach this past September. Perez was a member of the Firebirds from 1994-1996, setting numerous passing records in the process. Though many of his passing records have been surpassed, Perez is currently still second in Firebirds history in pass attempts (1,118), completions (690), passing yards (9,880), and passing touchdowns (203). Another Firebird legend has teamed up with Perez on the Crush's sideline after six stellar seasons as a member of the Albany Firebirds. Wide receiver/linebacker Fred Gayles was a member of the Firebirds from 1990-1996 and is currently one of the Firebirds' all-time leading receivers. Gayles paved the way for great receivers to follow, including the likes of Greg Hopkins and Eddie Brown. Gayles set every single receiving record in Firebirds history before the aforementioned Hopkins and Brown came along. Gayles is currently third in ‘Birds history in receptions (345), receiving yards (4,567), and receiving touchdowns (65) before becoming only the second player in Firebirds' history to have his number retired (#84).

THOMPSON CONTINUES TO RISE He seems to only get better with age. 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.

STILL GOING...

Firebirds' OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown has played in a record 127 consecutive games entering this week's meeting with Colorado, all which have been in a Firebirds' uniform. Moore-Brown has not missed a game in his eight-year career.

KILLER B'S STUNG

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, Two of the three B's have been hampered by injuries in recent weeks. Three weeks ago in New York, Rookie WR/DB Terrance Blackwell was forced out of the game with an ankle injury and missed the Chicago game. Then, two weeks ago, WR/LB Brett Bech left the game with shoulder injury, forcing him to miss the rest of the game. Prior to leaving the game, Bech was having an outstanding game, catching seven balls for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Bech re-aggravated the injury last week leaving him questionable for this week's game. Veteran OS Eddie Brown is the only one of the three B's injury free in 2003.

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).

‘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.

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 (292), receptions (886), and is second in receiving yards (11,990)

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.

DS Evan Hlavacek: A three-year veteran who has come into his own early in 2003. He currently is one of the top return men in the Arena Football League. In four games this season, Hlavacek has returned thirteen kickoffs for 351yards, taking three of them to the house for a touchdown. He also leads the Firebirds' defense in total tackles with 24.5 and pass deflections with eight.

OL/DL Hugh Hunter: Had best season as a pro in 2002 in his first season as a Firebird, recording personal bests in tackles with 19 and a finishing the year tied for a team-high 6.5 sacks with fellow lineman Chris Snyder. He has continued his success on the defensive line this year leading the team with 2.5 sacks.

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), tied for Firebirds lead with 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

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. In three games, Blackwell has caught five balls for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He has also returned five kickoffs for 120 yards, sparking the Firebirds' special teams.

COLORADO CRUSH

QB John Dutton: Joined the Crush in November as the first AFL free agent signed by the team. Dutton led the San Jose Sabercats to an ArenaBowl title last year before being named MVP of the contest. He is currently one of the top rated quarterbacks in the League having completed 78-of-126 pass attempts for 1,045 yards and 22 touchdowns in four games with the Crush.

WR/DB Damian Harrell: Four-year veteran who is currently on pace to break the all-time League scoring record with 96 points scored (15 TDs, 3 two-pt conversions) through four weeks of the regular season. At his current pace, Harrell will accumulate 384 points, which would break Barry Wagner's record by more than seventy points (310, '97 with Orlando). In four games, Harrell has caught 30 balls for 475 yards and 15 touchdowns (all team-highs).

MILESTONES:

Eddie Brown: Needs 10 receiving yards to reach 12,000 for his career.

Eddie Brown: Needs 8 touchdown receptions to reach 300 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 eclipsed 2,000 points for his career on his third touchdown catch last week versus Arizona.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 26, 2003


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