Indiana Firebirds Game Notes

April 22, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (5-7) vs. Buffalo Destroyers (4-8)
Date: April 26, 2003
Kickoff: 6:00 pm
Site: HSBC Arena (18,457)
Officials: Tom McCabe – Referee, Thomas Laverty – Umpire, Brent Durbin – Head Linesman, Bob McElwee – Line Judge, James Anderson – Back Judge
Television: UPN Indiana (Ari Wolfe and Charles Arbuckle)
Radio: Firebirds' Radio Network: ESPN RADIO 950 AM, WPZZ 95.9 FM, ESPN Radio 1130 AM, & ESPN Radio 1300 AM (Rob Blackman and Jacob VanRyn).
Series Record: Indiana leads 3-1
Last Meeting: June 10, 2000: IND 48 – BUF 51 (OT)
Coaches: Mike Dailey (5-7 2003, 62-43 Overall) Ron Selesky (4-8 2003, 4-8 Overall)

THE STAKES:.A win would bring Indiana back to within one game of .500 and would keep the team from falling three games under the .500 mark for the first time since the 1993 season. A loss for Buffalo would drop the team to 4-9 on the season, which would be the Destroyers' most loses since the 2000 season.

THE SERIES: The Firebirds and Destroyers have met four times prior to Saturday's meeting in Buffalo with the ‘Birds owning a 3-1 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers. This weekend's contest will be the first meeting between the two franchises in three years with the last series meeting coming on June 10, 2000 when the Destroyers outscored the Firebirds, 51-48 in overtime. Firebirds' fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson scored from one-yard out to even the score at the end of regulation before Destroyers' kicker Mike Black connected on a game-winning 27-yard field goal midway through the extra period. Prior to the loss, the Firebirds had claimed three consecutive games over the Destroyers.

THE IFS...

If INDIANA Defeats BUFFALO, it would...

- Give the Firebirds its fourth win in five meetings with the Destroyers
- Give Indiana a 3-0 record versus Eastern Division opponents
- Give Indiana its fourth road win of the season
- Give Indiana a tighter grasp on a playoff spot

HEAD COACHES

Mike Dailey (62-43, 7th year): Mike Dailey is in his seventh season as head coach of the Indiana Firebirds. Last season Dailey led the Firebirds to a 7-7 record and a berth in the post-season for the fifth time in six seasons. Dailey is the Firebirds' all-time winningest coach posting a 62-43 record (including playoffs) in six-plus season as head coach of the Firebirds. Dailey led the Firebirds to a franchise-best 14 wins and first-ever ArenaBowl championship during the 1999 season. He joined the Firebirds prior to the 1992 season, spending five seasons as an assistant coach before being named head coach in 1997. Dailey began his Arena Football coaching career with the Washington Commandos where he served as offensive and defensive line coach. Prior to the AFL, Dailey worked as an Assistant Coach at Towson State University and was the Offensive Coordinator at Montgomery College-Rockville (MD).

Ron Selesky (4-8, 1st year): Ron Selesky is in his first year as a head coach in the Arena Football League, however has extensive AFL coaching experience. Selesky was named the Destroyers' head coach this past offseason after serving as the Tampa Bay Storm's assistant head coach/director of player personnel. In 2002 Selesky was the af2 Coach of the Year while directing the Albany Conquest to the Northeast Division Championship and a 13-3 regular season record. Before joining the Conquest, Selesky spent a year with the Louisville Fire, leading them to a 6-10 record. In 2000, he served as director of player personnel and assistant coach for the Carolina Cobras. From 1997-1999, Selesky was an assistant coach and director of player personnel in Tampa Bay during his first stint with the Storm. Prior to coaching, Selesky spent time as a scout for ProQuest Management (1995-97) and played for the Minnesota Vikings (1987).

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Head Coach Mike Dailey on last week's game: "We really played hard on Saturday. San Jose is a great football team, they are the defending champions, and it is always hard to play on the road regardless of who you are playing. We are certainly not satisfied and we would obviously like to win those close games, but we did play hard against a really good football team so that is encouraging."

Coach Dailey on Saturday's game in Buffalo: "Well, we along with Buffalo are both fighting to be one of the twelve teams that make the playoffs as the season winds down, so it is definitely going to be an important game for both clubs. I think that the key is going to be trying to execute in all phases of the game. Last week we played well, but did not put together a complete game and that is what we are going to need to do to come away with a win on Saturday. "

INDIANA FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK

The Firebirds dropped its seventh game of the season to the San Jose SaberCats in a high scoring affair, 71-73 last Saturday night in San Jose. Trailing by eight with less than a minute remaining, Indiana quarterback Raymond Philyaw hooked up with offensive specialist Jeremy McDaniel on a 18-yard touchdown reception, bringing the ‘Birds to within two points with eleven seconds remaining. However, Philyaw's two-point pass attempt was out of McDaniel's reach, sealing the win for San Jose. Philyaw completed 25-of-37 passes for 345 yards and tied a season-high with eight touchdowns in a losing effort. In his first game in a Firebirds uniform, wide receiver/defensive back Brian Alford led the ‘Birds in receiving with six catches for 148 yards and three touchdowns. After missing the Dallas game with a groin injury, Evan Hlavacek returned to Indiana's starting lineup, catching four balls for 61 yards and added two touchdowns. The 71-point offensive output was the most points the Firebirds' offense has produced since week 10 of the 2001 season when the team was defeated by the Grand Rapids Rampage, 80-74.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK

The Firebirds return home for its final regular season home game of the year next Sunday, May 4th when the Georgia Force visit Conseco Fieldhouse. It will be the two team's first-ever meeting.

2002 REVIEW

The Firebirds entered the 2002 season hoping to build on an impressive 2001 season where the team advanced to the Arena Football League's semi-finals. The ‘Birds ended the season with a 7-7 record and made it to the post season for the eleventh time in thirteen seasons despite early season injuries to key players such as Eddie Brown, Evan Hlavacek, and Cornelius Coe. The Firebirds won three out of their last four games to fight their way into the playoffs, but fell short during the first round in a fiercely contested battle with the expansion Dallas Desperados, falling 47-46. With FB/LB Leroy Thompson earning Built Ford Tough Man of the Year and the emergence of First-Team All-Arena selection, OL/DL Chris Snyder, the ‘Birds have their eyes set on returning to Championship form.

FAMILIAR FACES

Current Destroyers offensive/defensive lineman Mark Valvo was a member of the Firebirds from 1993-2002 and finished his career with the Firebirds as the team's most tenured player in franchise history. Buffalo wide receiver/linebacker Cornelius White was with the Firebirds during the 1999 season. Buffalo offensive/defensive lineman Steve Scifres saw action in one game with Indiana during the 2002 season. Buffalo offensive/defensive line coach Jerome Brown played for the Firebirds from 1994-1997. Firebirds' offensive/defensive lineman Jason Padgett and Destroyers' offensive/defensive lineman Donovan Arp were teammates at the University of Louisville. Indiana wide receiver/defensive back Greg Williams and Buffalo's Scifres were teammates on the San Francisco Demons of the XFL in 2001. Firebirds' wide receiver/linebacker Shawn Foreman and Destroyers' offensive specialist Jarrail Jackson were teammates with the Oklahoma Wranglers during the 2001 season. Indiana kicker Clay Rush and Buffalo offensive/defensive lineman Elliot Fortune were teammates with the New York Dragons in 2002. Indiana fullback/linebacker Rich Young and offensive/defensive lineman Hugh Hunter were teammates of Buffalo's Fortune with the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2001.

LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD

Since quarterback Raymond Philyaw has returned to the starting lineup, the Firebirds' offense has returned to its early-season form, scoring at a dizzying pace. Last week in San Jose, Philyaw and the Indiana offense had its most impressive showing of the season going up against the number one-ranked scoring offense in the AFL. The ‘Birds put 71 points on the board, which was the team's most points scored since week 10 of the 2001 season in a loss to the Grand Rapids Rampage, 80-74. Indiana's ten team touchdowns and 355 total offensive yards were also season highs.

UNPICKABLE

Raymond Philyaw has thrown for 1,384 yards and 27 touchdowns while also rushing for 70 yards and six scores in seven games of action this season. Since his return from injured reserve in week ten, Philyaw has thrown for 715 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine quarters of play. However, his most impressive stat is the fact that in 177 pass attempts this season, Philyaw has not thrown an interception. The interception-less streak dates back to last season with his last interception thrown versus the Dallas Desperados during the first round of the 2002 postseason. In all, Philyaw has not thrown an interception in his last 195 pass attempts and has thrown 29 touchdowns in the process

THE DIFFERENCE MAKER

With Raymond Philyaw starting at quarterback for Indiana this season, the Firebirds have averaged 57.5 points per game in his six starts and have accumulated a 4-2 record. In six games where Philyaw was not the starter, the ‘Birds have averaged only 37.3 points per game with a 1-5 record.

WELCOME TO THE AFL

Rookie wide receiver/defensive back Brian Alford took full advantage of his opportunity in the spotlight last week in San Jose after being signed from the team's practice squad earlier in the week. In his first game in a Firebirds uniform and first game in the Arena Football League, the Purdue graduate had six catches for a team-high 148 yards and three touchdowns. His 148 yards receiving were the most of any Firebirds receiver this season.

GOING DEEP

Raymond Philyaw had eight touchdown passes last week versus San Jose, four of which were for 30 yards or more. Rookie Brian Alford was on the receiving end of two of the longest pass plays for the ‘Birds this season when Philyaw teamed up with him for a 43-yard touchdown and a 45-yard touchdown. The 45-yarder tied the team's longest pass play from scrimmage for a TD and was Philyaw's longest touchdown pass of the season. Former Firebird quarterback Craig Whelihan hooked up with wide receiver/defensive back Terrance Blackwell for a 45-yard touchdown in week four versus the Arizona Rattlers. ALL HE DOES IS CATCH TOUCHDOWNS

Indiana wide receiver/linebacker Shawn Foreman has caught two passes this season for the Firebirds. What is noteworthy is the fact that both have been for a touchdown. Foreman caught one pass for a 19-yard touchdown in week 11 versus Dallas and added one catch for a 34-yard touchdown last week in San Jose, meaning 100 percent of his pass receptions have gone for touchdowns.

STAT STUFFER

Indiana wide receiver/defensive back Evan Hlavacek has quietly become the Firebirds' best all-around player as the 2003 season has played out. After sitting out the Dallas game two weeks ago, Hlavacek returned to the starting lineup last week in San Jose catching four balls for 61 yards and two touchdowns while returning four kickoffs for 129 yards including a 55-yard return for a touchdown, which was his fifth of the season. Defensively, he was the team's second-leading tackler with three solo tackles during the contest. In eleven games this season, Hlavacek leads the Firebirds with 46 kick returns for 1,066 yards and five touchdowns, is second on the team with 45.5 tackles, is fifth on the team (active) with 191 receiving yards, and is tied for second with five receiving touchdowns in only four games starting on the offensive side of the ball.

A FAMILIAR PLACE

With the Firebirds' loss last week to the SaberCats, the team dropped to 5-7 on the season and may have to fight for a playoff spot as the season winds down. It is a familiar situation for Head Coach Mike Dailey and his team as the ‘Birds found themselves in a very similar situation a year ago. Last season the Firebirds carried an identical 5-7 record through twelve weeks of play, staring an early offseason in the face. However, Indiana was able to win its last two games of the season and fight its way into the playoffs. Fortunately for the Firebirds, the League has gone to a 16-game format which means the ‘Birds have two additional games to work with to secure a spot in the 2003 postseason.

WHEN ON TOP, STAY ON TOP

When the ‘Birds reach an early lead, the team will most likely come out on top. When the Firebirds take a lead into halftime, they are 5-2. However, when trailing at halftime, the Firebirds are winless at 0-5. ROAD SWEET ROAD

The Firebirds have found success on the road this season, however have struggled in the friendly confines of Conseco Fieldhouse. The ‘Birds currently have a 3-2 record on the road averaging 60.4 points per game during the team's five road contests. Indiana has a 2-5 record at home while averaging 38.1 points per contest. Three of the Firebirds' final four games are on the road this season, including Saturday's game in Buffalo. THIRD QUARTER NO SHOW

The Firebirds have yet to record a come-from-behind victory this season in twelve games played. Indiana is 0-5 when trailing at halftime and 0-6 when trailing after the third quarter. This may be a result of Indiana's inability to put points on the board in the third quarter. The Firebirds have put up a goose egg during the third quarter in three games this year and for the season the Firebirds have been outscored 133-91 during the third quarter.

WHAT A RUSH

Firebirds' kicker Clay Rush missed four extra point attempts during the first two games of the season. In the following ten games Rush has missed only five extra point attempts and has currently made 38 out of his last 40 attempts. Entering this week's play, Rush is fourth in the Arena Football League having connected on 87.5 percent of his extra point attempts (63-72). In addition, Rush has made a League-best 16 field goals on the season as the Firebirds currently rank second in the League with 111 points scored via the kicking game.

MIXING IT UP

Head Coach Mike Dailey and his staff decided to shake up Indiana's starting lineup in recent weeks, which is a trend that could continue for the foreseeable future. The most notable change has come at the at the jack-linebacker position, which is now occupied by Eddie Brown who has made a career for himself as an offensive specialist. Brown started on the defensive side of the ball for the first time in his eight-year career in week eight versus Tampa Bay. Rookie Jeremy McDaniel has replaced Brown at OS and has led the team in receiving in three out of the last five games. Adding to the shuffle, three-year veteran Evan Hlavacek now finds himself as a WR/DB, stepping out of his conventional role as a DS for the ‘Birds. Though it is tough to do in the middle of the season, with injuries to key players it is necessary for Coach Dailey to shift his lineup around to find a winning combination.

UNFAMILIAR FOES

When the Firebirds travel to Buffalo to face the Destroyers on Saturday, it will mark the first meeting between the two franchises since the 2000 season and will be the first meeting since the ‘Birds moved from Albany to Indiana. The two teams may not be very familiar with one another as the Firebirds have 12 active players that have never played a game versus Buffalo.

FIREBIRDS LOVE NEW YORK

The Firebirds currently have a 7-3 record versus New York teams over the course of the team's fourteen-year history and have a 2-0 record versus New York teams since moving from Albany to Indiana for the 2001 season.

STILL GOING...

Firebirds' OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown has played in a record 135 consecutive games entering this week's meeting with Buffalo, all which have been in a Firebirds' uniform. Moore-Brown has not missed a game in his eight-year career.

2003 PLAYOFF PICTURE

If the playoffs started today Indiana would be in the playoffs for the thirteenth time in franchise history as an eleven-seed and would meet the Georgia Force in the first round of the postseason. The Los Angeles Avengers are currently the League's top-seeded team and would receive a first round bye along with Tampa Bay, San Jose, and Orlando. Of the twelve teams that advance to the AFL postseason, the top seed owns home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and the right to host ArenaBowl XVII.

‘BIRDS BLITZ

Join Firebirds' General Manager Joe Hennessy and play-by-play man Ari Wolfe every Wednesday night from 6-7 pm for ‘Birds Blitz, a weekly variety show broadcast on ESPN Radio 950 AM, covering the Firebirds, the Arena Football League, and recent happenings around the world. The show is located at Moon Dog Tavern between Allisonville Road and Keystone.

PLAYERS/MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

INDIANA FIREBIRDS

WR/LB "Touchdown" Eddie Brown: Eddie has had one of the most successful careers in AFL history. A five-time scoring champion, Brown is the AFL's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (301), receptions (930), and receiving yards (12,473). Brown eclipsed 2,000 points for his career in week-four versus Arizona and passed Barry Wagner in week five versus Colorado to become the League's all-time leader in receiving yards. Became the only player in League history to record over 300 receiving touchdowns two weeks ago versus the Desperados.

QB Raymond Philyaw: Ray is in his fourth season with the Firebirds as the team's second most accurate quarterback in franchise history (63.2%). Philyaw has quickly ascended to third in team history in virtually every passing category. Currently ranks third in pass attempts (1,044), completions (657), yards passing (8,113), and passing touchdowns (153).

FB/LB Leroy Thompson: Leroy is coming off his best season as a pro. In 2002, Thompson rushed the ball 37 times for 118 yards and ten touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 21 tackles and six sacks on his way to being named the Arena Football League's Built Ford Tough Man of the Year.

OL/DL Hugh Hunter: Had best season as a pro in 2002 in his first season as a Firebird, recording personal bests in tackles with 19 and finished the year tied for a team-high 6.5 sacks with fellow lineman Chris Snyder. He has continued his success on the defensive line this year leading the team with 4.5 sacks (3rd in AFL).

BUFFALO DESTROYERS:

DS Dwaine Carpenter: Second-year defensive specialist who has emerged as one of the top young defensive players in the Arena Football League. Entering this week's play, Carpenter leads the Destroyers with 62 tackles (5th in AFL), five interceptions (T-5th in AFL), and 17 pass deflections (T-4th in AFL)

OS Gunnard Twyner: In his first season with the Destroyers, Twyner leads Buffalo's aerial attack with 49 catches for 745 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 15.2 yards per catch (3rd in AFL).

INDIANA'S OFFENSE VERSUS BUFFALO'S DEFENSE Since quarterback Raymond Philyaw has returned to the starting lineup, Indiana's offense has once again become one of the best in the League. In Philyaw's two starts since his return from IR, the ‘Birds have averaged 66 points, nine touchdowns, 317.0 yards passing, and 333.5 total offensive yards per contest. However, Indiana will run into a stiff Buffalo defense on Saturday that currently ranks fourth in the AFL in scoring defense (46.8), second in total defense (246.8 yd/g) and is tied for third in the League with 16 interceptions as a team this year.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 22, 2003


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