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Firebirds News and Notes

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


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (1-0) vs. New York Dragons (0-1)
Date: February 9, 2003
Kickoff: 1:00 pm
Site: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (11,216)
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 2-0 (As Dragons)
Last Meeting: May 4, 2002 (Firebirds 52, Dragons 45)
Coaches: Mike Dailey (1-0 2003, 58-36 Overall) John Gregory (0-1 2003, 72-51 Overall)

THE STAKES: The Firebirds travel to New York to face the Dragons fresh off of an impressive week one victory over Detroit. The ‘Birds need a win to keep pace in the Central Division as Dallas and Grand Rapids both won last week. A win in New York will be key for the Firebirds as the team’s schedule toughens up with three formidable opponents scheduled to come into Conseco Fieldhouse over the course of the next three weeks, beginning with a Central Division matchup versus the Chicago Rush on February 16th.

THE SERIES: The Firebirds own a 2-0 series advantage over the New York Dragons. The two teams last met on May 4th of last year, with the Firebirds pulling out a closely contested game, 52-45. Firebirds’ WR/LB Shawn Foreman picked off a Matt Nagy pass with 47 seconds left to preserve the victory for the ‘Birds. Eddie Brown had ten catches for 84 yards and five touchdowns on his way to game MVP honors. Quarterback Raymond Philyaw connected on 32-of-49 pass attempts for 291 yards and six touchdowns. The ‘Birds will be making their first-ever trip to New York.

Mike Dailey (58-36, 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 58-36 record (including playoffs) coming in to the 2003 season. 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).

John Gregory (11-17, 3rd year): John Gregory is in his 3rd season as head coach of the New York Dragons (formerly Iowa Barnstormers). As the only coach in franchise history, Gregory spent six seasons at the helm in Iowa posting a 61-33 (72-50 overall record) record before moving with the team to New York in 2001. Gregory has led the team to four Central Division Championships, six playoff appearances, and two ArenaBowl appearances. Prior to the AFL, Gregory spent 12 seasons in the Canadian Football League coaching with Winnipeg (’83-’86), Saskatchewan (’87-’90), and Hamilton (’91-’94). He was named the CFL Coach of the Year in 1989 after leading Saskatchewan to a title in the Grey Cup. Gregory has also had stints coaching in the college ranks, beginning with Iowa Central Community College (’67-’70). He then spent ten years at South Dakota State (’72-’81), before spending the 1981 season at Northern Iowa.

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES:

FB/LB Leroy Thompson on coming out the gate strong and winning the first game: “Well I attribute it to two things, first the team has shown great chemistry in camp and early on in practice which makes for a special team and second, we brought new guys into camp this season that are hungry and have worked well with the veterans.”

Coach Dailey on this week’s opponent, New York Dragons: “The Dragons have a very explosive offense led by one of the premier quarterbacks in the Arena Football League in Aaron Garcia. We are on the road for the 2nd straight week and I think this game is going to be a real challenge for us, I am expecting a heck of a football game.”

INDIANA FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK

The Firebirds orchestrated one their most impressive offensive outputs in recent years, scoring 66 points, which led all teams in the AFL during week one of the regular season. The ‘Birds won their third game in a row over Detroit in a high scoring affair, prevailing 66-57. Firebirds quarterback Raymond Philyaw connected on 18-of-29 pass attempts for 220 yards and four scores on his way to game MVP honors. FB/LB Leroy Thompson rushed the ball six times for 30 yards and had two rushing touchdowns. He also recorded three pass deflections and was named Ironman of the game.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK

The Firebirds will welcome their Central Division rival Chicago Rush to Conseco Fieldhouse for the team’s home opener, opening up divisional play. It will be the first of three tough home games in a row for the ‘Birds. The Firebirds and Rush spilt two games last season, with each team winning on the road.

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:

Current Firebirds kicker Clay Rush spent his first four seasons in the AFL with the New York Dragons (two as the Iowa Barnstormers). New York’s WR/LB Carl Sacco and OL/DL Sean Tremblay were members of the Firebirds from 1998-2000. Dragons’ OL/DL John Summerday spent the 1999 season with the Firebirds. New York’s Kerry Brown and Indiana’s Craig Whelihan played together in college at Pacific.

OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION

The Firebirds scored 60 or more points only once last season, finishing 9th in the AFL scoring at a 47.8 clip per game. The ‘Birds wasted no time eclipsing 60 points this year with a 66 point outburst in a week one victory over Detroit. Entering the 2003 season, the Firebirds’ offense was somewhat of a question mark. Quarterback Raymond Philyaw had offseason shoulder surgery. The team brought a plethora of quarterbacks into training camp, creating uncertainty at the quarterback position. However, the Firebirds’ offense silenced any doubters with one of their strongest offensive outputs in recent years. Last week the Firebirds scored on their first nine possessions and finished the game having scored on eleven of twelve offensive possessions. Quarterback Raymond Philyaw completed 18-of-29 pass attempts for 220 yards and four touchdowns. “Touchdown” Eddie Brown continued his week one success, catching ten balls for 134 yards and two touchdowns. The Firebirds scored more points in week one than any other team in the League, meaning the ‘Birds have the number one ranked scoring offense in the League entering week two of the regular season.

KILLER B’S

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. If last week’s performance is any indication of what is to come, veteran receivers Eddie Brown, Brett Bech, and rookie Terrence Blackwell will be and are an offensive force to be reckoned with. The trio combined for 17 catches for 215 yards and four touchdowns in the Firebirds’ opener last week at Detroit. Rookie Terrence Blackwell made his presence felt not only by scoring his first AFL touchdown, but by displaying his incredible elusiveness and speed returning his only kickoff of the game 53 yards to the Detroit three yard line, leading to a quick touchdown which gave the ‘Birds a lead that they never relinquished.

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).

AGEING LIKE FINE WINE

It only gets better with age. Firebirds FB/LB Leroy Thompson continues to prove that his game like wine can stand 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. His seventh year in the League (’02) was his best, culminating with Built Ford Tough Man of the Year honors. Last week, to open the 2003 season, Thompson rushed the ball six times for 30 yards and added two touchdowns, including a nimble reversing of the field for a three-yard score. He also recorded three pass deflections on his way to Ironman of the Game honors. If his week one performance in the season opener at Detroit is any indication of the year to come, “LT” might be entering a league of his own.

A VERY SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams play is important in all leagues. However, it might the most important in Arena Football. On a short field, a strong kicking and return game cannot be overappreciated. This year’s return game has a couple of speed burners like the team has never had before. Three-year veteran Evan Hlavacek and rookie Terrence Blackwell have stirred some excitement throughout the Firebirds’ community. Last week in Detroit, Hlavacek returned four kickoffs 87 yards, including one for a touchdown. Blackwell took his only kickoff return of the game 53 yards before being tripped up just short of the goal line. With the speed and ability of the Firebirds’ return men, good field position could give the ‘Birds an offensive advantage throughout the season.

AT LEAST THERE WAS NO SHARPIE…

Firebirds OS Eddie Brown has found the endzone a total of 329 times in his illustrious career, all including receiving TD’s, rushing TD’s, and kick returned TD’s. He has also found just about 329 different ways to celebrate each achievement. Brown caught his first touchdown pass of the season just before halftime and unleashed his latest touchdown celebration. After catching a 13-yard touchdown pass on a roll-out from quartebck Raymond Philyaw, Brown promptly took off his shoes and down on one knee held them in the air for the cameras and all to see. He had appropriately written “TD” and “E.Brown” on the tongues of his shoes in case anyone was wondering what his initials were or what he had just done. A shoeless Brown then trotted off to take his seat on the bench. What’s next?

OFF TO A GOOD START:

*The Firebirds have started the season 2-0 four times in franchise history (’94, ’97, ‘98’,’00). In the four years, the ‘Birds have gone on to win their Division Championship in three of the seasons. (’94, ’98, ’00)

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 (288), receptions (869), and is second in receiving yards (11,762)

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.

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.

QB Raymond Philyaw: Ray enters his fourth season with the Firebirds as the team’s second most accurate quarterback in franchise history (63.2). Philyaw has quickly ascended to third in team history in virtually every passing category. Currently ranks third in pass attempts (896), completions (566), yards passing (6,986), and passing touchdowns (130).

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 TERRENCE 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.

NEW YORK DRAGONS

QB Andy Garcia: An eight-year veteran of the Arena Football League, Garcia has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks to ever play in the Arena League. Entering the 2003 season, Garcia has thrown more touchdown passes than any quarterback in League history (444). Last week at Dallas, Garcia completed 23-of-38 pass attempts for 324 yards and eight touchdowns in a losing effort for the Dragons. Garcia not only is a threat through the air, but he can hurt you on the ground. He holds the League record for rushing touchdowns in a single-season for a quarterback with 15 (’99) and has totaled 36 for his career. OS Steve Papin: Ranks in the top five in AFL history in numerous offensive categories. Papin currently ranks 5th all-time in all-purpose yards (3,275), is 2nd all-time in kickoff return touchdowns with 21, and is 3rd all-time with 8,022 return yards for his career. Last season, he led the AFL in all-purpose yards with 3,147 (3rd best all-time). He also set AFL records last season with 95 kickoff returns, 2,086 kickoff return yards gained, 102 combined kick returns ( KR and MFG), and 2,200 combined kick return yards. Last week at Dallas, Papin had three catches for 20 yards. He also returned five kickoffs for 108 yards.

WR/DB Mike Furrey: Was a Second-Team All-Arena selection in 2002 as a rookie with New York and named the team’s Ironman of the Year. Last season he led the Dragons in receiving yards (1,055), receiving touchdowns (27), and in points scored (164). Last week at Dallas, Furrey had seven catches for 125 yards and two scores.

MILESTONES

Indiana Firebirds: Need one victory to reach 100 regular season wins in franchise history.

Eddie Brown: Needs 20 points to reach 2,000 points scored for his career.

Leroy Thompson: Needs 3.5 sacks to reach 15 for his career.

Chris Snyder: Needs 3.5 sacks to reach 15 for his career.

Kyle Moore-Brown: With one more consecutive game played, Moore-Brown will have played in 125 consecutive games, all in a Firebirds’ uniform.

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


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