Firebirds Out for Revenge

June 24, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release


2009 Record:

5-6 (3-3 Home, 2-3 Road) - Streak: Lost 1 - Second Place, East Division, American Conference

The Stakes

The Firebirds face the Pirates for the second time in two weeks and look to rebound at home after dropping a 46-42 decision in Peoria last week. Albany is 5-2 in its last seven games and holds the tie-breaker over Manchester for second place in the East Division. Peoria Head Coach Mike Hohensee took over for the Pirates in Week 9 and has led the team to a 2-2 record. Hohensee guided the Albany Firebirds (AFL) from 1994-1996 and compiled a 27-11 record while making the playoffs in each of his three seasons.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

QB Stephen Wasil threw for 344 yards, two shy of his season high, with five touchdowns last week in Peoria, marking the sixth straight game in which he has thrown for at least 300 yards and five touchdowns. In seven starts this season, the second-year pro has a 113.50 passer rating with 2,241 passing yards and 45 passing touchdowns with only eight interceptions. His 280.1 passing yards per game rank third in the league.

WR Anthony Rodriguez filled in as Wasil's top deep-threat last week with leading receiver Christian Wise unavailable. He posted two first-half touchdowns and 85 yards on the night. In twelve games Rodriguez has caught 63 passes for 611 yards with seven touchdowns.

WR Jared Jones caught a season high eight passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Jones also served as Albany's primary kick-returner and took five returns for 105 yards including a 58-yard touchdown. Jones also took a return to the endzone in the third quarter, but a holding penalty nullified the long run. This year the third year pro has 18 catches for 231 yards with five touchdowns and seven kick returns for 111 yards and a touchdown.

WR/LB Alvin Ray Jackson followed his second consecutive JLS IronMan of the Week performance by posting team highs in receptions (13) and yards (127) while posting one touchdown. Jackson has 67 catches for 688 yards with 17 touchdowns, along with team-highs in tackles (43), interceptions (7) and fumble recoveries (4). He also leads the team in total scoring with 20 touchdowns.

DB Kenneth Williams led the team with eight tackles last week in Peoria and also added two fumble recoveries. In seven games this season, Williams has 41.5 tackles (second on the team) with one interception, three fumble recoveries and a team-high seven pass break-ups.

DB EJ Whitley has created a turnover in each of his three games with the Firebirds. Last week Whitley ripped the ball away from a running receiver and juggled it into the hands of Kenneth Williams to complete a turnover. It was Whitley's second forced fumble of the year. The UNLV product and former Rough Rider (CFL) also has 12 tackles and three interceptions this season.

DE Anton Lindsay notched his third sack of the season last week and he now has 16 tackles (six for loss) and three pass break-ups on the season.

Week 14 Schedule:

All games are broadcast LIVE on af2TV free streaming video at www.albanyfirebirds.com

Friday, June 26th - 7:00 pm - Times Union Center - Albany, NY

vs. Peoria Pirates (3-8)

- The Firebirds complete the home portion of their 2009 regular season schedule following the af2 bye week against East Division rival Manchester on July 11, 2009 in a 7:00 pm. kickoff at the Times Union Center.

- Leading Passers: QB - Luke Drone - (142-240-10, 1,633yds, 32TD)

- Leading Rusher: QB - Kent Smith - (27att-129yds-5TD)

- Leading Receivers: Dante Ridgeway - (48rec-655yds-10TD), Brian Albrooks - (45rec-502yds-16TD), Darren Paige - (36rec-407yds-6TD)

Firebirds Pecks:

- Defensive Adjustments: Albany's defense did not allow a point in the third quarter for the second game in a row last week in Peoria. Despite trailing by two possessions at the half and starting the third quarter on defense, the Firebirds stout performance kept the team within striking distance until the final whistle.

- Standing Update: Manchester halted a three-game skid with a 59-53 win in Mahoning Valley last week to climb to 5-7 on the season. The Firebirds 2-1 advantage in head-to-head match-ups with the Wolves and their 4-4 division record compared to Manchester's 3-5 record in the East gives Albany the edge for second place. The clubs meet in Week 16 in what should be a playoff-style atmosphere.

- Upcoming Schedule: Albany's remaining opponents have a combined record of 23-24, which is a significant improvement over last week's remaining opponent record of 21-32. Each of Albany's remaining four opponents won their Week 13 match-ups.



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