Firebirds game preview
February 24, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
PREVIEW: The Firebirds (0-3) return home seeking revenge against the team that prevented them from getting a playoff berth last season as they take on the Chicago Rush (3-0) at Conseco Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. The Firebirds come into the game looking to recover from a three game losing streak while the Rush have gotten a fast start to the 2004 campaign, having won their first three in a row including a 65-35 thumping of previously undefeated Colorado last week. These two teams are very familiar with one another, as eight members of the Rush have either played or coached for the Firebirds during their careers. Four players in this game played on the Firebirds' 1999 Arena Bowl championship team. Rush OL/DL John Sikora and FB/LB Jamie McGourty and current Firebirds WR/DB Evan Hlavacek and FB/LB Leroy Thompson all saw significant action with the team that season. Additionally, Rush coach Mike Hohensee served in the same capacity for the Firebirds from 1994-1996, compiling a 30-14 record. The all-time series is tied at 3 wins apiece, with each team going 2-1 at home.
Last Week:
Indiana â Former Florida State QB Adrian McPherson shined in his AFL debut, running for 37 yards on his first ever drive and capping things off with a seven-yard touchdown, but the Birds could not contain Detroit QB Andy Kelly as they fell to the Fury, 34-25. McPherson completed 13-of-20 for 172 yards and two scores, while rushing seven times for 55 yards and another touchdown after entering the game for Tony Zimmerman at the beginning of the second quarter. WR/LB Brett Bech was named the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game after catching a six-yard touchdown pass on offense and forcing a fumble and recording an interception on defense.
Chicago- The Rush used a 30-point fourth quarter to break open a 35-21 game against Colorado as they handed the Crush their first defeat of the season, 65-35. The Rush maximized their ground game, as four players combined to score six rushing touchdowns. QB Raymond Philyaw completed 19-of-26 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Rush to victory.
Roster Moves:
Indiana â None
Chicago â None
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 24, 2004
- Austin Wranglers game notes - Austin Wranglers
- Los Angeles Avengers game notes - Los Angeles Avengers
- AFL Q&A: Arizona's Sherdrick Bonner and New York's Aaron Garcia - AFL I
- San Jose SaberCats game notes - San Jose SaberCats
- Rashied Davis earns Ironman-of-the-Week - San Jose SaberCats
- Crush waive Rogers - Colorado Crush
- Grand Rapids Rampage game notes - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Chicago Rush game notes - Chicago Rush
- Columbus Destroyers game notes - Columbus Destroyers
- Philadelphia's Browder, Chicago's Moyer and San Jose's Davis earn week three honors - AFL I
- Browder named AFL's Offensive Player of the Week - Philadelphia Soul
- John Moyer named ADT Defensive Player of the Week - Chicago Rush
- Carolina Cobras game notes - Carolina Cobras
- Las Vegas Gladiators game notes - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Tampa Bay Storm game notes - Tampa Bay Storm
- Georgia Force game notes - Georgia Force
- Arizona Rattlers game notes - Arizona Rattlers
- New York Dragons game notes - New York Dragons
- Firebirds game preview - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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.
