Firebirds keep lineup intact for Rampage

Published on March 25, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Looking for their third consecutive victory under head coach Mike Wilpolt, the Firebirds will host the Grand Rapids Rampage, Friday night at 7:30 PM at Conseco Fieldhouse. This will be the first of two meetings between the Central Division rivals in 2004 and will feature the same lineup that Indiana fans saw the ‘Birds use to get their first home win last week against Georgia. Rookie Anthony Hines will make his 2nd consecutive start at offensive specialist, in place of the injured Mike Horacek. Wilpolt also signed OL/DL Johnathan Brown (Tennessee) to the active roster from the team's practice squad.

The all-time series between the Firebirds and Rampage is tied at four games apiece. Grand Rapids owned the Firebirds in 2001, defeating them three times, including an 83-70 post-season shootout at Van Andel Arena (Grand Rapids, MI) that catapulted the Rampage to their first ArenaBowl Championship. Since that season however, Indiana has took control of the head-to-head match-ups, winning three out of four since that playoff loss. Last season the two teams split their meetings with each team away from home. In week 15 of the 2003 season the Firebirds knocked off Grand Rapids, 71-68. This will be the first time that the Firebirds face a Clint Dolezel-less Rampage team. Dolezel signed with Las Vegas in the off-season, along with 2001 ArenaBowl MVP Terril Shaw.

Coach faces off against former player: Indiana head coach Mike Wilpolt was recruited by Rampage head coach Bob Cortese out of high school to play football at Division II Mesa State College. The two were together for three years before Cortese moved on to Fort Hays State. This weekend's game will be the first time that the two have faced each other on opposite sidelines in any capacity.

Rampage prove to be Top Draw!: The Grand Rapids Rampage have consistently drawn the most fans to Conseco Fieldhouse, averaging 11,816 fans per contest. That average includes last year's 56-49 loss which drew 13,023 fans, making it the third highest attendance of the season. In August 1999, during the first game ever between the two clubs, 10,671 fans watched as the ‘Birds defeated the Rampage, 55-45, to move onto the second round of the AFL playoffs. The Firebirds would eventually win their first ever ArenaBowl that season.

FIREBIRDS' SERIES NOTABLES:

Clay Rush – In last season's 71-68 victory over the Rampage, Rush connected on three field goals, tying a career-high, and accounted for 17 of the team's 71 points.

Leroy Thompson - ('03 vs. Grand Rapids): 6 carries, 37 yards, 2 TDs

Andy McCullough – (all-time vs. GR): 2 games, 13 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TDs

The game can be heard LIVE in its entirety on ESPN 950 AM, 95.9 FM WIJY and via the internet broadcast at www.espn950.com, beginning with the pre-game show at 7:00 PM. Tickets for the game are still available, but going fast. For information call 472-8080 and ask to speak to a Firebirds ticket representative.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 25, 2004


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