Hlavacek Named Ironman of the Week
April 1, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Firebirds' wide receiver/defensive back Evan Hlavacek has been named the Arena Football League's Ironman of the Week following his performance in Saturday night's 62-55 win over the Dallas Desperados. This marks the second time Hlavacek has garnered an AFL weekly honor during his four-year career.
Playing in only his second game on both sides of the ball, Hlavacek ignited the Firebirds offensive attack with four catches for 82 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned six kickoffs for 138 yards (including a 56-yard return for a touchdown), two total tackles and 230 all-purpose yards. The return for a touchdown was his fourth on the season.
If you combine offense, defense, and special teams, I don't think that I have ever seen a performance quite like Evan's in Dallas," said Firebirds' head coach Mike Dailey. "I have seen some guys have great individual performances on the offensive side of the ball, some great defensive performances, and some great special teams performances, but to have all three was pretty impressive and I certainly believe he deserved to be Ironman of the Week."
Hlavacek has made his presence felt in all facets of the game this season. Through nine games, he leads the Indiana defense with 39 tackles and nine pass deflections. He has also established himself as one of the top return men in the AFL, having returned 36 kickoffs (T-6th in League) for 797 yards (7th in AFL) and four touchdowns (T-1st in League).
Hlavacek and the Firebirds return to action for their only Saturday night game of the season when they welcome their Central Division rivals, the Grand Rapids Rampage, to Conseco Fieldhouse. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 317-239-5151 and firebirds.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 1, 2003
- Buffalo Destroyers Game Notes - Buffalo Destroyers
- Detroit Fury Game Notes - Detroit Fury
- Hlavacek Named Ironman of the Week - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- San Jose SaberCats Game Notes - San Jose SaberCats
- Grand Rapids Rampage Game Notes - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Georgia Force Game Notes - Georgia Force
- L.A.'s Tony Graziani named AFL 'Offensive Player of the Week' - Los Angeles Avengers
- AFL and NBC Pay Tribute to Military Forces and Families at Desperados Game - AFL I
- Chicago Rush Game Notes - Chicago Rush
- AFL Honor Players of the Week - AFL I
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