Firebirds looking for three or four of a kind

Published on April 27, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


INDIANAPOLIS – When the Indiana Firebirds get off the plane in Las Vegas on Friday evening they will be looking to get lucky, not inside the casino, but instead at the Thomas and Mack Center on Sunday afternoon. The Firebirds (6-6) kickoff against the Las Vegas Gladiators (4-7) at 2:00 PM (CT) and a win would further the ‘Birds chances at playing in the 2004 AFL playoffs.

Indiana currently sits in the 11th spot out of 19 teams, with the top eight overall records making it to the post-season party. Four teams ahead of the Firebirds are within one-half game, at 6-5, and the number three spot, currently owned by Colorado (8-4), is within one and one-half games. With remaining contests at Vegas and Chicago (7-4), and home match-ups against Detroit (4-7) and Colorado, Firebirds' head coach Mike Wilpolt is looking for three out of four wins to earn a playoff berth.

"I think it's going to take nine wins to get you into the playoffs this season," Wilpolt commented after losing his first game at the helm for the Firebirds against Arizona. "If we can manage to win three out of our final four games, with two of those being at home, we think that we will be right in the mix".

If the Firebirds can win four in a row, it would mark one of the biggest mid-season turnarounds in the history of sports. Getting "Four of a Kind", starting with the Gladiators, could also get Wilpolt enough recognition to earn the league's Coach of the Year award. Ten wins, after beginning the season with five consecutive losses, seemed like a far cry for Indiana and the players in the orange and black. Wilpolt was named head coach on March 10th and the ‘Birds proceeded to run off six straight games to get back into the playoff hunt.

The Firebirds could benefit from the schedule if they can just take care of business on their own front. While the Firebirds are not currently in the top eight, the teams ahead of them have the unfortunate pleasure of playing against each other down the stretch on several occasions. New York (6-5) has games left against Dallas (6-5), Los Angeles (7-4) and Orlando (6-5). Orlando, besides playing the Dragons, finishes with road games at New Orleans (9-2), Austin (6-5) and Los Angeles. Arizona (7-5) still has to play San Jose (9-2) twice, after they travel to L.A. this weekend, and Austin plays three out of five against current-standing playoff teams.

The Firebirds return home to host the Detroit Fury on Saturday, May 8th at 7:00 PM (CT) (subject to change due to NBA playoffs). The game can be heard in its entirety on ESPN 950AM, 95.9 WIJY FM, or via the internet broadcast at www.espn950.com. Firebirds' group tickets for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. For single game tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 27, 2004


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