Indiana Firebirds game notes

Published on February 2, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (0-0) vs. Columbus Destroyers (0-0)
Date: February 7, 2004
Kickoff: 7:00 pm
Site: Conseco Fieldhouse (16,060)
Officials: Tom McCabe (referee), Matt Jordan (Umpire), Neil Brunner (Head Linesman), Bob McElwee (Line Judge), Joe Duncan (Back Judge)
Television: NA
Series Record: Indiana Leads 3-2
Last Meeting: April 26, 2004: BUF 36 – IND 35
Coaches: Steve DeBerg(1st Season, 0-0)
Earle Bruce(1st season with Destroyers, 13-23 overall)

RADIO:
Firebirds' Radio Network: ESPN RADIO 950 AM, WPZZ 95.9 FM, ESPN Radio 1130 AM, & ESPN Radio 1300 AM (Ari Wolfe and Rob Blackman).

THE FIREBIRDS:

Indiana is looking to rebound from a 6-10 season. 2003 was the first time in six years the Firebirds missed post-season play. New head coach Steve DeBerg is only one of many key acquisitions for Indiana. Kevin Daft, San Jose's back-up in 2003, was named the starter by DeBerg, after beating out af2 Player of the Year Tony Zimmerman and free agent Adrian McPherson. OS Mike Horacek joins the Firebirds, after being one of the top receivers in the league over the past few seasons, leading the AFL in receptions (135) in 2003. Leroy Thompson resigned with the Firebirds in the off-season, and the AFL's 2nd all-time leading rusher will once again guide the Indiana ground game. Indiana hopes to improve on a Defensive unit that was ranked 11th in points allowed last season.

THE IFS...

If INDIANA Defeats COLUMBUS, it would...

• Break the Destroyers two-game winning streak over Indiana.
• Give Indiana its second consecutive home opener victory.
• Give Indiana its second consecutive season opening win.
• Snap the Firebirds 1-game losing streak dating back to last season.

If COLUMBUS Defeats INDIANA, it would...

Be the first franchise victory for Columbus
Give Destroyers their third straight win over Indiana
Get the Destoyers (1-0) out a good start in the Eastern Division

THE DESTROYERS:

It is a year of firsts for the Destroyers, as new head coach Earle Bruce leads the team in their first season in Columbus. The Buffalo Destroyers struggled offensively and on special teams in 2003, however their team defense was ranked fourth overall in the AFL. The Destroyers finished last season with a 5-11 record. Key players for the Destroyers include; OL/DL Wilkie Bazile, DS JoJo Polk, and WR/DB Cornelius White. The Destroyers lost their final three games of the 2003 season, after beating Indiana in week 13.

Steve DeBerg (0-0, 1st year): Steve DeBerg is in his first season as Firebirds head coach. DeBerg played 18 seasons as a quarterback in the NFL, ranking as one of the all-time greats in many offensive categories.

DeBerg served as quarterback's coach for the Atlanta Falcons in 1999, and the New York Giants in 1996. In 2001 he opened a quarterbacks training camp for top college quarterbacks. DeBerg tutored NFL starting quarterbacks Byron Leftwich (Jacksonville), Quincy Carter (Dallas), and Rex Grossman (Chicago). DeBerg played for seven teams, passing for over 34,000 yards and 196 touchdowns.

Earle Bruce ( , 5th year, 1st with Destroyers): Earle Bruce was named the fourth head coach in Destroyer history. Bruce is also serving as the team's general manager. Bruce had stints as head coach of the Cleveland Thunderbolts (1993-1994), and St. Louis Stampede (1994-1995), compiling a 13-23 record. Bruce is best known in the Columbus region for succeeding Woody Hayes at Ohio State University and compiling an 81-26-1 record at OSU. Bruce was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in August. His coaching career began during his sophomore year at Ohio State, when an injury forced him to end his playing days. Coach Woody Hayes immediately added Bruce to his staff. Bruce has a wife, Jean, four daughters, and seven grandchildren.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS INJURY REPORT:

Player Pos Injury Status
Van Tuinei OL/DL Knee Short-Term IR
Greg Krause OL/DL Knee Short Term IR
Anthony Herron OL/DL Shoulder Short Term IR

THE SERIES:

The Indiana Firebirds have a 3-2 record against the Destroyer franchise. All contests came when the Destroyers were located in Buffalo. The Destroyers have won the last two meetings, including a 36-35 victory last season in Buffalo.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK

This is the first game of the season for the Firebirds. The Firebirds went 6-10 last season, narrowly missing a postseason berth. The Firebirds have made the postseason in five of the last six seasons.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK

The Firebirds go on the road for the first time, traveling to New Orleans. The teams did not play last season. Kickoff is at 3:00 in the afternoon, and the game will be televised on NBC. The New Orleans VooDoo went 6-9 last season.

QUOTE ME

Firebirds FB/LB Leroy Thompson on...

Rookies: "I advise them that it is a game of controlled violence. You can't put it all into every play because you play offense, defense, and special teams." Rushing in the AFL: "I think running the ball can have a big effect on the game, but it is not used as much as it should be."

Returning to Indiana to play for Coach DeBerg: "My family is in Indiana, and I've made a lot of great friends in the community here. I really wanted to be a part of something new with Coach DeBerg. He also promised me that I will lead the league in rushing."

2003 REVIEW

Injuries plagued the Firebirds in 2003, keeping them out of the postseason for the first time in six seasons. Indiana lost quarterback Raymond Philyaw and WR/LB Brett Bech for significant periods of the season. Despite the turmoil, the Firebirds nearly slid into the postseason, being eliminated by a 46-43 overtime loss at Chicago on the final weekend of the season. Some Firebirds gave fans lots of reasons to have hope in 2004; including Kicker of the Year Clay Rush; and All-Iron Man Team members Evan Hlavacek, and Rich Young. Wide Receive Eddie Brown led the team in receptions with 90, and played defense for the first time in his career, recording 18.5 tackles.

READY TO RUN

New Firebirds Head Coach Steve DeBerg was able to convince free agent FB/LB LeRoy Thompson to return to the Firebirds, telling the veteran that he would have a very good chance to lead the league in rushing. Thompson is the 2nd leading rusher in AFL history, and the 2002 Built Ford Tough Iron Man of the Year. Thompson is back for his 9th season with Indiana.

PLENTY OF ARMS

The Firebirds went into training camp with three quarterbacks capable of seeing significant minutes on the turf this season. Kevin Daft has looked impressive at training camp and was named the starter, but he will have to fight off former Florida State standout Adrian McPherson, and 2003 af2 Player of the Year, Tony Zimmerman, for minutes down the stretch. The Firebirds struggled at the quarterback position last season following an injury to starter Raymond Philyaw.

HORACEK JOINS RECEIVERS

Mike Horacek, arguably the most dominant receiver in the AFL over the past two years will join the Firebirds receiving corps. Horacek was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2000, had 118 receptions in 2002, and 126 receptions in 2003. He played last season with Las Vegas. Terrill Shaw 5th 113

INDY'S IRONMEN

The Indiana Firebirds have been defined by their Iron Men the past few seasons. The Built Ford Tough Iron Man of the Year in 2002 LeRoy Thompson is back for his ninth season with the Firebirds. In 2003 Evan Hlavacek, and Rich Young were named to the All Iron Man team.

DEBERG'S DEBUT

After 18 successful seasons as an NFL quarterback, Firebirds coach Steve DeBerg will have a new type of challenge as a head coach. DeBerg is one of the most respected quarterback minds in the game, serving as quarterback coach for the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants, and tutoring among others, Byron Leftwich, Rex Grossman, and Quincy Carter. DeBerg is the fourth head coach in Firebirds history.

MCPHERSON THE FIREBIRD

Former Florida State quarterback Adrian McPherson, signed a free agent contract with the Firebirds this offseason.

McPherson, a highly regarded quarterback prospect, put up dynamic numbers in two seasons at FSU. The opportunity to study under Coach DeBerg drew McPherson to Indiana.

NEWEST BIRD

Indiana acquired 6'3, 300lbs center/nose guard Doug Lytle from the LA Avengers in a trade on February first. The four-year AFL veteran played 15 games for Dallas last season. Indiana sent rookie DB Robert Bean to LA to complete the deal.

CLAY CAN KICK

Firebirds kicker Clay Rush led the league in scoring by a kicker. He also ranked among league leaders in Field Goal percent and PAT percent.

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL

When the Firebirds struggled last season, they failed to protect the football. During a five game losing streak they turned the ball over 14 times and lost the turnover battle in four of those five games. To regain the success the Firebird franchise has enjoyed, the team will have to avoid turnovers in 2004.

OPENING NIGHT SUCCESS

The Firebirds are hoping to win their second consecutive opening night game. Last season the ‘Birds knocked off the Detroit Fury on the road to start the season. Indiana was a perfect 7-7 in the red zone en route to a 66-57 victory.

STREAKS HURT BIRDS

In 2003 the Firebirds season was a tale of two teams. The Firebirds started the season 3-0, including 2 road victories. Unfortunately, Indiana faltered, with losing streaks of five and three games as the year progressed. The firebirds hope to be more consistent in 2004 under Coach DeBerg.

FEBRUARY SUCCESS

The Firebirds hope to continue the success they enjoyed last February, when they went three and one. Indiana showed a lot of potential with the strong February last season, until injuries and turnovers plagued the season.

HOME SWEET HOME?

The Firebirds hope to turn around a disturbing trend from 2003. Indiana struggled with a 2-6 record in front of the Indiana fans at Conseco Fieldhouse. Impressively, Indiana fought to a .500 record of 4-4 away from home.

KEY MATCHUP:

INDIANA RECEIVERS VERSUS COLUMBUS SECONDARY: Indiana added three quarterbacks capable of playing big minutes and big play wide receivers such as Mike Horacek in the off-season.

With LeRoy Thompson back running the ball for Indiana, the key to the offense is a viable air attack, to match Thompson's ground game. Defensively the Destroyers excelled last season, ranking second in the AFL in total defense. The secondary will have to improve upon the 74 touchdown passes allowed last season, if the Destroyers will contend. The Destroyers struggled offensively last season ranking near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories. Unless there is a major rebound offensively, the defensive unit will have to hold down opponents.

‘BIRDS BLITZ

Join ESPN RADIO 950's Rob Blackman every Wednesday night from 6-7 pm for ‘Birds Blitz, a weekly variety show broadcast on the entire Indiana Firebirds Radio Network, covering the Firebirds, the Arena Football League, and recent happenings around the world.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

INDIANA FIREBIRDS:

FB/LB Leroy Thompson: In 2002 Leroy had his best season as a pro. 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. Last season, LeRoy led the Firebirds in rushing for 167 yards on 53 carries.

DS Evan Hlavacek: Defensive specialist named to the AFL All-Iron Man team in 2003. Led Firebirds in 2000 with 98 tackles. Ranked 9th in AFL in All- Purpose yards in 2003 (134.9/game).

OL/DL Chris Snyder: First team All-Arena in 2002. Totaled 11.5 sacks and 49 tackles through four years in the AFL.

OS Mike Horacek: Led the AFL with 126 receptions in 2003, with Las Vegas. Ranked among league leaders in points, and receiving yards. Led the AFL with 118 receptions in 2002. Named AFL "Offensive Player of the Year" in 2000.

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS:

OL/DL Wilkey Bazile: Acquired by Columbus after spending the 2003 season with Las Vegas. DS JoJo Polk: Had 86.5 tackles in 2003 setting the Destroyers single-season record, and ranking fifth in the league. Missed six games due to injury in 2002 with Grand Rapids, and recovered to finish second on the team with 42 tackles.

WR/DB Cornelius White: Led Destroyers with 63 receptions in 2003. Ranked second on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. Was named Iron Man of the game in the first two weeks of the season. Played in two games for the Chicago Rush in 2002.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 2, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central