Firebirds Pass First Test
Published on January 13, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - Clay Rush connected on a 25-yard field goal as time expired to give the Indiana Firebirds a 43-41 victory over the Grand Rapids Rampage in a preseason scrimmage at Conseco Fieldhouse Monday night. It was the team's first live action in preparation for the 2003 season.
Grand Rapids wasted no time in getting on the board early as they marched the length of the field on their first drive capped of by a 4-yd run by Steve Smith to give the Rampage an early lead at 7-0.
On their first possession of the game, the Firebirds drove into Grand Rapids' territory and had an Eddie Brown touchdown reception called back on an offensive pass interference call. On the ensuing play, starting QB Raymond Philyaw had his pass picked off by former Firebird Lamar Grant.
Grand Rapids promptly marched the length of the field and took an early 14-0 lead on a 39-yard pass reception from Clint Dolezel to Ricky Ross. On the Firebirds next series, backup QB Jim Ballard orchestrated a 2-play drive capped off by a 23-yard pass to "Touchdown" Eddie Brown for the Firebirds' first score of the game.
Grand Rapids cushioned their lead early in the second quarter thanks in part to a 37-yard reception by Smith. On the next play Chris Ryan dove in from a one-yard out, giving Grand Rapids a 21-7 with 14:47 left in the second quarter.
Grand Rapids extended their lead to 28-7 on their second possession of the second quarter after a four-yard pass from Nick Browder to Derin Graham. However, the Firebirds responded on their next possession marching 44-yards, ending in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Craig Whelihan to Donnie Caldwell, bringing the Firebirds to within two touchdowns with two minutes left in the first half. On the ensuing kickoff, Rush launched the ball towards the top of the net, causing the ball to ricochet back towards the field and was recovered at the 14-yard line by lineman Van Tuinei. The Birds trailed 28-20 going into the locker room.
Both teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter and the Rampage led 35-27 with one quarter remaining. On the Firebirds' first possession of the fourth quarter QB David Priestly found DeJuan Alfonzo in the corner of the endzone pulling the Firebirds to within two points.
"It was good for the backups and starters to come out and get the opportunity to play" said Priestley. "I felt the secondary unit came out and gelled together very well tonight."
The Rampage took a one point lead into the final minutes of the game; however the Firebirds had two minutes to score the game winning points. Ballard came back in at quarterback and controlled the clock on the ground with strong runs by Thad Buttone. The team drove to the Grand Rapids 10-yard line, before first-year Firebird kicker Rush hit the game-winning field goal.
"Being able to kick in a game environment was a real test and I am happy I was able to help us come on top," said Rush. "I am glad we were able to escape with a win and I look forward seeing these guys again in the regular season."
Eddie Brown led eleven different Firebird receivers with four receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. Brett Bech had three catches for 50 yards while rookies Donald Shoals, Brian McDonald and Terrance Blackwell all recorded touchdowns. All four Firebirds quarterback contributed with Priestley leading the way completing 8-of-12 passes for 71 yards and two scores. Whelihan and Ballard chipped in with two and one touchdown passes respectively. Philyaw, who started the game, played one series competing 3-of-5 for 19 yards and an interception. Defensively, Rich Young led the Birds with four tackles while Greg Williams had two tackles and an interception.
The Firebirds will have one more preseason test next Wednesday, January 22nd when the travel to Chicago to take on the Rush. The Firebirds kick off the 2003 regular season on Sunday, February 2nd on the road against the Detroit Fury which will be aired on UPN Indiana. The Birds' home opener is slated for Sunday, February, 16th versus the Chicago Rush live on NBC Sports. The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. The network will broadcast 71 games next season, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. Firebirds' season tickets for the 2003 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is available at the Home Court Gift Shop, Home Court II in Circle Center Mall and Home Court at Indianapolis International Airport. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 13, 2003
- Firebirds Pass First Test - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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