Firebirds ready for some Monday night footbal in Motown
Published on February 20, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Firebirds (0-2) look to continue their three-year dominance over the Detroit Fury (1-1) Monday night when they take part in an AFL Monday Night game. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Indiana is looking to rebound following a tough 41-40 loss at New Orleans, while Detroit is looking to continue their winning ways after beating Arizona on the road 48-31. These two teams have met five times prior, with Indiana leading the series 4-1. In their four victories over the Fury, the Firebirds have outscored them by an average of 13 points per game. Indiana enters the game with one of the league's most exciting three-way players in WR/DB Evan Hlavacek. Last week Hlavacek caught six passes for 59 yards and a score on offense while returning a kickoff 56 yards for another touchdown. The Fury are led into battle by quarterback Andy Kelly, who has emerged as one of the league's most consistent quarterbacks so far this season, throwing for four touchdowns in each of his first two games. Fans can listen to the game LIVE on the entire Firebirds Radio Network; ESPN 950 AM, 95.9 FM WIJY, ESPN 1130 AM (Brazil, IN), and ESPN 1300 (Terre Haute, IN) or via the internet broadcast at www.espn950.com.
Good Reviews in Motown: The Firebirds are 2-1 all-time in Detroit, having emerged victorious on their past two trips to the Palace by an average of 15 points. The teams have drawn an average of 8,662 fans over those three contests, with last year's 66-57 Firebirds victory drawing a series-high 10,417. The Firebirds have also won three in a row against Detroit since a 66-58 loss on July 22, 2001.
Riding the wave: QB Tony Zimmerman looks to build upon the success of his first AFL start. Zimmerman completed 19-of-34 passes for 178 yards and two scores last week against the VooDoo, establishing an instant connection with veteran Evan Hlavacek, who caught six passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Ironman: WR/DB Evan Hlavacek has quickly established himself as the Birds' most versatile player, having had a significant impact on offense, defense, and special teams. Hlavacek has scored two touchdowns on special teams this season, including an electrifying 56-yard kickoff return last week against the VooDoo. His impact has also been felt on offense, where he has caught six passes for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Did you know: Fury General Manager Al Luginbill led the Los Angeles Xtreme to the XFL's first and only league championship in 2001...Head coach Tom Luginbill and his father Al became the first father-son coaching tandem in AFL history before the elder moved to the front office...The Firebirds have outscored the Fury by an average of 28-16 in the second and third quarters of the team's meetings...The Birds have also dominated the first half on the whole, outscoring the Fury 27-21 in the opening frames.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 20, 2004
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- Monday night football - Detroit Fury
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