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Firebirds Game Notes

March 4, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (3-2) vs. Orlando Predators (5-0)
Date: March 10, 2003
Kickoff: 7:30 pm
Site: TD Waterhouse Centre (16,613)
Officials: Gene Hartleb – Referee, Rick Lowe – Umpire, Rod Pearson – Head Linesman, Art Lucky – Line Judge, Scott Helverson – Back Judge
Television: NA
Radio: ESPN RADIO 950 AM & WPZZ 95.9 FM (Ari Wolfe and Rob Blackman)
Series Record: Indiana leads 8-7
Last Meeting: May 24, 2002: ORL 40 – IND 37
Coaches: Mike Dailey (3-2 2003, 60-38 Overall) Fran Papasedero (5-0 2003, 14-8 Overall)

THE STAKES: The Firebirds suffered their second consecutive loss last week to the expansion Colorado Crush, dropping the ‘Birds to 3-2 on the season. With the loss, the Firebirds fell out of first place in the Central Division as Grand Rapids won big last week versus Carolina, improving their record to 4-1. The ‘Birds are in desperate need on a victory to keep their season from taking a nose-dive as they enter the toughest part of their schedule. Indiana is scheduled to meet Orlando on Monday, then Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, and Dallas over the course of the next four weeks. Orlando enters Monday's contest as the only unbeaten team in the Arena Football League. Orlando is off to its best start since the 2000 season when the team won seven consecutive games to open up the season.

THE SERIES: The Firebirds hold a slim 8-7 all-time series advantage over the Predators, however came up short in their last meeting as the Predators upended the ‘Birds, 40-37 on May 24th of last year. Quarterback Jay Gruden found Siaha Burley for a two-yard score with 30 seconds left, sealing the victory for Orlando. The most significant matchup between the two teams came in 1999 when the Firebirds downed the Predators, 59-48 in ArenaBowl XIII. Indiana will be making its first visit to Orlando since the 1999 season.

THE IFS...

If INDIANA Defeats ORLANDO, it would...
· Give Indiana a 4-2 overall record.
· Give Orlando its first loss of the season.
· Give Indiana its third road win on the season.
· Give Indiana a 9-7 all-time series advantage over Orlando Mike Dailey (60-38, 7th year): Mike Dailey is in 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 60-38 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).

Fran Papasedero (14-8, 2nd year): Fran Papasedero is in his second season as head coach of the Orlando Predators. Last season Papasedero became one of only six coaches in AFL history to capture nine or more wins in their first season as a head coach when he lead Orlando to a 9-8 overall record (includes playoffs). He began his coaching career in Orlando as then Head Coach Jay Gruden's line coach. Over the course of the next three years, Papasedero would spend time as the team's Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, and extend his services to off-the-field duties as the Director of Player Personnel. When Gruden announced his intentions to resign as head coach and return to the playing filed, the Preds took only two days to name Papasedero as its next head coach and Director of Football Operations. In five seasons on Orlando's coaching staff, Papasedero has helped the Predators to a 43-23 record, five trips to the playoffs, three ArenaBowl appearances, and a pair of titles ('98, '00). He also spent five seasons as a player in the AFL, ('93-'97) with stints in Albany, Massachusetts, St. Louis, and Nashville.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Dailey on last week's game: "We certainly weren't a very good team today. We had our opportunities and they gave us chances to win but we let it slip right through our hands. Of course I am discouraged. I am not going to be harsh with the guys until I have had a chance to go over the film this week. Offensively we just did not get the job done having to settle for field goals in the first half and the fumble at the end really did us in."

INDIANA FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK

The Firebirds lost their second game in as many weeks as the expansion Colorado Crush captured their first win in franchise history, 38-35 last Sunday afternoon at Conseco Fieldhouse. Quarterback Craig Whelihan made his first start as a Firebird completing 19-of-35 pass attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort. Whelihan fumbled the ball with only seconds remaining, crushing any hopes of a Indiana comeback. Colorado's John Dutton completed 25-of-37 passes for 279 yards and five touchdowns before being named MVP of the contest. Eddie Brown was honored before the game for becoming only the second player in League history to score over 2,000 points and was given a commemorative football in recognition of his achievement. Brown reached another milestone during the game when he eclipsed 12,000 yards receiving for his career.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK

The Firebirds return home to face the Los Angeles Avengers for the two team's only meeting of the season. The ‘Birds have met the Avengers only once with that meeting coming on July 14th of last year when the Firebirds pulled out a victory, 56-53.

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: Predators' Head Coach Fran Papasedero played one season with the Albany Firebirds in 1993. Orlando's Ernest Allen played with Indiana's Kyle Moore-Brown, Leroy Thompson, and Eddie Brown as a member of the Albany Firebirds in 1997. Firebirds' quarterback Craig Whelihan spent two seasons with the Predators ('01, '02) and OL/DL Bill Duff was in training camp with Orlando this offseason. Indiana's Hugh Hunter and Orlando's Cory Fleming were teammates in Nashville during the 1998-99 seasons. Firebirds' DS Del Lee and Predators' FB/LB Rick Wood were teammates in Toronto in 2002.

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. The Firebirds' second-leading receiver, Brett Bech, has been hampered by a shoulder injury since week three. Also, starting quarterback Raymond Philyaw suffered a dislocated right index finger in week four versus Arizona. Both Bech and Philyaw were placed on the IR last week, by League rule forcing them to sit out at least two weeks. Coach Dailey and his staff have high hopes of both returning to the starting lineup for the March 16th game versus the Los Angeles Avengers. IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...

Quarterback Craig Whelihan made his first start in a Firebirds' uniform last week versus Colorado, filling in for the injured Raymond Philyaw. Though Whelihan lost his first game as a starter, it could be a different story this week in Orlando with one game under his belt. The last time he made his first start with a franchise he experienced a similar result, losing his first game as a starter with the Orlando Predators as a rookie in 2001. However, he simply rebounded by winning his next six consecutive starts and eight out of his next ten on his way to earning All-Rookie honors. Whelihan started a total of 13 games with Orlando in 2001, completing 224-of-377 pass attempts for 3,004 yards (3rd in franchise history) and 60 touchdowns (2nd in franchise history). Whelihan may be motivated two-fold for this week's game, hoping to make up for last week's performance and to dispose of his former team.

‘BIRDS HIT A SPEED BUMP

After three wins to open up the season over Detroit, New York, and Chicago, the Firebirds' speedy start has been reduced to a crawl. With injuries and untimely turnovers, the ‘Birds have dropped their last two games and have fallen out of first place in the Central Division.

A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD

The Firebirds have picked the wrong time to fall into a slump. After two consecutive loses at home, the ‘Birds begin their toughest stretch of the 2003 schedule. After meeting with the undefeated Predators on Monday, the Firebirds will face Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Grand Rapids who all have a combined record of 18-7 heading into this week's action.

STARTING RESERVES

Both Indiana and Orlando have realized how important backups really are. Though coaches don't want to be forced to go to a backup, it is important to have a quality second-stringer because each backup is only one play away from becoming a starter. This became a reality for both Craig Whelihan and Connell Maynor after Indiana's starting quarterback Raymond Philyaw and Orlando's starting quarterback Jay Gruden both sustained injuries, placing them both on the IR. Two backups, now starters, will lead their respective team into battle Monday in Orlando, looking to take advantage of their time in the spotlight.

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 five games, Caldwell has recorded 23 tackles, two pass deflections and has intercepted two passes both which have been returned for a touchdown totaling 53 yards. Blackwell has begun his AFL career with a bang, catching twelve balls for 154 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 four games Blackwell has returned five kickoffs for 120 yards (24 ypr). He has also rushed for two touchdowns, giving him four touchdowns in four games and responsible for 281 total offensive yards. With continued productivity, the ‘Birds should be going to the "well" more often. BROWN SURPASSES 12,000, WAGNER

"Touchdown" Eddie Brown was honored prior to last week's game with Colorado for becoming only the second player in League history to reach 2,000 points scored for his career. Brown received a commemorative football for his historic achievement before reaching yet another milestone during the game. Brown made a sliding catch against the wall for a ten-yard gain in the beginning of the second quarter. With the catch Brown eclipsed 12,000 receiving yards for his career, becoming only the second player to do so (Barry Wagner). In the process, Brown passed San Jose's Barry Wagner for the all-time lead in receiving yards with 12,057 for his career. Wagner, who is still active, currently has accumulated 12,022 yards receiving during his eleven-year career.

THIEVERY IN INDIANA

Through five games, the Firebirds' defense has intercepted a total of six passes, meaning the defense is on pace for 21 on the season. Two of the six interceptions have been returned for a touchdown, setting a pace for eight on the season, which would be a team record.

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 five games this season, Hlavacek has returned eighteen kickoffs 451 yards, three that have resulted in a touchdown. In addition to his kick return prowess, Hlavacek leads the ‘Birds in total tackles with 29.5 and pass deflections with eight.

STILLGOING...

Firebirds' OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown has played in a record 128 consecutive games entering this week's meeting with Orlando, all which have been in a Firebirds' uniform. Moore-Brown has not missed a game in his eight-year career.

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 (891), and receiving yards (12,057). Brown eclipsed 2,000 points for his career two weeks ago versus Arizona and passed Barry Wagner last week versus Colorado to become the League's all-time leader in receiving yards.

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 five games this season, Hlavacek has returned eighteen kickoffs for 451yards, taking three of them to the house for a touchdown. He also leads the Firebirds' defense in total tackles with 29.5 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), led the Firebirds with 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

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 four games, Blackwell has caught twelve balls for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He has also returned five kickoffs for 120 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, giving him four touchdowns on the season.

ORLANDO PREDATORS

QB Connell Maynor: Ten-year veteran of the Arena Football League who is the only player in League history that has accumulated 5,000 passing yards, 500 receiving yards, 400 rushing yards, and 400 kickoff return yards for his career. Took over the starting role for the injured Jay Gruden. Last week Maynor completed 22-of-34 pass attempts for 289 yards and eight touchdown, leading the Preds to their fifth consecutive win to open up the season.

OS Travis McGriff: Rookie offensive specialist who currently ranks in the top ten in all-purpose yards, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Joined the Predators this season after spending four years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos.

MILESTONES

Eddie Brown: Needs 8 receiving touchdowns 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

*Last week Eddie Brown eclipsed 12,000 yards receiving for his career. He also passed Barry Wagner to take over as the League's all-time leader in receiving yards (12,057). RECENT ROSTER MOVES (most recently first)



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 4, 2003


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