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Firebirds Recapture Winning Ways

March 30, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


Indiana Firebirds' defensive specialist turned wide receiver Evan Hlavacek put on a scoring clinic as the Firebirds (4-5) captured a key road victory to open up the second half of the regular season over their Central Division rivals the Dallas Desperados (5-4), 62-55 at Reunion Arena Saturday night. Hlavacek scored four touchdowns, including a 56-yard kickoff return for a touchdown during the Firebirds' first victory since week three of the regular season. With the win the Firebirds improved to 2-0 in Central Division play.

With Hlavacek and rookie offensive Jeremy McDaniel making noise throughout the contest, in the end it was eight-year veteran "Touchdown" Eddie Brown who waited until the most crucial point of the game to make his presence felt. In a tie game with less than ten seconds remaining quarterback Jose Davis aired it out and found Brown in the endzone for the game-sealing score. Brown climbed the ladder in the corner of the endzone for a 28-yard touchdown reception, giving the ‘Birds the win.

Davis, the game's most valuable player, made his second start in three weeks completing 20-of-37 pass attempts for 238 and four touchdowns in leading the ‘Birds to their fourth win of the season. McDaniel led the Firebirds in receiving for the third time in as many weeks with seven catches for 68 yards. Brown added seven catches for 61 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Hlavacek finished the game with four catches for 82 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned six kickoffs for 138 yards and a touchdown before being named Ironman of the contest.

Dallas quarterback Jim Kubiak continued his strong play completing 24-of-35 passes for 338 yards and seven touchdowns in a losing effort. Kubiak's favorite target was WR/DB Will Pettis who caught eight balls for 116 yards and three scores.

The Firebirds got on the board first after marching 37 yards on five plays jumping out to an early 7-0 lead. Davis found Hlavacek, who started on the offensive side of the ball for the second week in a row, streaking down the sideline for a 27-yard touchdown reception behind a steady flock of ‘Birds blockers. The score was Hlavacek's first receiving touchdown on the season. The Desperados quickly responded on their second play from scrimmage when Pettis took a screen pass from Kubiak 29 yards to the house, tying the game early at seven a piece.

Trailing by three in the second quarter, the Firebirds were able to build a first half lead on a pair of Dallas turnovers. Indiana's Leroy Thompson recovered a fumbled snap from Kubiak midway through the period giving the Firebirds possession at the Dallas 16 yard-line. The Firebirds took advantage of the turnover when Davis scored on a keeper from four yards out, recapturing the lead for the Firebirds. The ‘Birds quickly added to their lead after forcing another Desperado turnover. Dallas fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which was recovered by Indiana's OL/DL Hugh Hunter at the Dallas one yard-line. Thompson eventually scored from one-yard out giving the ‘Birds an eleven-point lead late in the first half. The Firebirds took a lead into halftime for the first time since week three at home versus Chicago.

Trailing by seven early in the fourth quarter, Indiana's Davis hooked up with Hlavacek for the third time in the contest, knotting the score at 41. Hlavacek broke free across the middle of the field, made the catch and muscled his way in the endzone despite would-be Dallas tacklers. Indiana re-gained the lead after forcing Dallas' third turnover of the game. With quarterback pressure from OL/DL Van Tuinei, WR/LB Drew O'Connor picked off an arrant pass from Kubiak, and returned the ball 25 yards for a touchdown. The pick was only the sixth interception thrown by Kubiak on the season.

The Desperados were able to gather a score of their own on their ensuing possession when Kubiak found WR/LB Andy McCullough on a timing pattern from five yards out in the corner of the endzone. However, kicker Jason Wells missed his second extra point of the game holding the Firebirds advantage late in the contest.

The Firebirds are back in action next Saturday night when their Central Division foes the Grand Rapids Rampage come into Conseco Fieldhouse for the team's second of three consecutive divisional games. The game can be heard on the Firebirds' Radio Network, which includes ESPN Radio 950 AM, WPZZ 95.9 "The Point", ESPN Radio 1130 (Brazil), and ESPN Radio 1300 (Terre Haute).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 30, 2003


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