Firebirds Win Second Preseason Contest
January 22, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - In a final tune-up before the start of the regular season, the Indiana Firebirds defeated the Chicago Rush 35-31 in a preseason scrimmage at the Chicago Bears practice facility in Lake Forest, IL.
The Firebirds scored early when Raymond Philyaw connected with Eddie Brown on a 12-yard pass, giving the 'Birds a 7-0 lead. After the Rush turned the ball over on downs, the Firebirds responded with another Philyaw touchdown pass, this time a 6-yard toss to Shawn Foreman.
Trailing 14-0, the Rush responded with three straight scores, including two touchdown passes by Chad Salisbury, giving Chicago a 22-14 lead. On the Firebirds next possession, Craig Whelihan marched the Birds the length of the field and capped off the drive with a four-yard scamper, putting Indiana within one point.
The Rush scored the next nine points, including a safety, when QB David Priestley was sacked in the endzone. After the free kick, Indiana's Greg Williams and Hugh Hunter forced a fumble which led to 38-yard touchdown pass from Whelihan to rookie Terrance Blackwell. Trailing 31-28, the Firebirds drove the length of the field before Sunungura Rusununguko ("Gogo") rushed it in from one-yard out, sealing the victory for the 'Birds.
Philyaw and Whelihan were both impressive in the victory. Philyaw connected on 5-of-7 passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns while Whelihan was 4-of-5 for 77 yards and two scores (one on the ground). Drew O'Connor led all Firebirds receiver with four catches for 32 yards. Brown and rookie Brian Alford (Purdue) each chipped in with three catches for 27 and 36 yards respectively, while Blackwell had two grabs for 49 yards and a touchdown.
The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. The network will broadcast 70 games next season, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. 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. 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.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 22, 2003
- Firebirds Win Second Preseason Contest - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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