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Indiana Firebirds game notes

February 25, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (0-3)
vs. Chicago Rush (3-0)
Date: February 29, 2004
Kickoff: 3:00 pm (EST)
Site: TruGreen Field at Conseco Fieldhouse (14,559)
Officials: Referee: Jerome Boger; Umpire: Rick Nelson;
Head Linesman: Rusty Spindel; Line Judge: Dennis Lipski; Back Judge: Rich Wilborn
Series Record: 3-3
Last Meeting: The Rush defeated the Firebirds 46-43 in overtime to close out the 2003 season. The loss kept the Firebirds out of postseason play.
Coaches: Steve DeBerg (1st Season, 0-3)
Mike Hohensee (11th Season, 70-64; 5th season with Rush , 26-19)

AFL ON NBC: WTHR-13 (Indianapolis)

RADIO:
Firebirds' Radio Network: ESPN RADIO 950 AM, WIJY 95.9 FM, ESPN Radio 1130 AM (Brazil, IN), & ESPN Radio 1300 AM (Terre Haute, IN) (with Rob Blackman and Barry Krauss). WEBCAST: www.espn950.com

THE FIREBIRDS:
The Firebirds look to regroup after starting the season with three consecutive losses. Indiana has looked impressive at times, losing the games by a combined total of 16 points. The defense has been rock solid, holding opponents to 54, 41 and 34 points in each of the first three games. Offensively, three different quarterbacks have taken snaps for the Firebirds, most recently rookie Adrian McPherson. McPherson replaced Tony Zimmerman Monday night in Detroit and finished the game as the team's quarterback. OS Mike Horacek joined 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. He has been the most consistent receiving threat for the offense thus far in 2004, catching 21 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Leroy Thompson once again guides the Indiana ground game, but has received help from FB/LB Jeff Cogell (32 yds, 2 TD) and McPherson (55 yds, 1 TD) in moving the ball on the ground.

THE RUSH:
Chicago is out to a quick start in its fifth season in the league. Chicago looks like a favorite in the Central Division under 11th year head coach Mike Hohensee. Former Indiana quarterback Raymond Philyaw guides the Chicago offensive attack. Chicago has had a balanced offensive attack with the running game of Bob McMillen and Jamie McGourty. Top receiver Lindsey Fishman ranks among league leaders in points, receiving yards, and yards from scrimmage. The Defensive unit ranks first in the league in yards allowed, at just over 176 a game.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS (0-3)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
2/7 COLUMBUS 7:00 L 54-48 0-1
2/14 at New Orleans 3:00 L 41-40 0-2
2/23 at Detroit 7:30 L 34-25 0-3
2/29 CHICAGO 3:00
3/6 At Orlando 7:30
3/14 at Austin 3:00
3/20 GEORGIA 7:00
3/26 GRAND RAPIDS 7:30
4/3 at Colorado 3:00
4/11 CAROLINA 2:00
4/17 at Grand Rapids 6:30
4/25 ARIZONA 2:00
5/2 at Las Vegas 2:00
5/8 DETROIT 7:00
5/16 COLORADO 2:00
5/23 At Chicago 2:00

CHICAGO RUSH (3-0)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
2/8 GRAND RAPIDS 3:00 W50-30 1-0
2/14 At New York 3:00 W56-54 2-0
2/22 Colorado 3:00 W65-35 3-0
3/29 At Indiana 3:00
3/7 At Philadelphia 12:00
3/21 ORLANDO 12:00
3/28 DETROIT 3:00
4/4 At Las Vegas 6:00
4/11 TAMPA BAY 3:00
4/16 At San Jose 9:30
4/25 LOS ANGELES 3:00
5/2 At Detroit 3:00
5/8 At Grand Rapids 7:30
5/16 DALLAS 3:00
5/23 INDIANA 3:00
5/20 At Colorado 4:00

COACHES:
Steve DeBerg (0-3, 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.

Name Years Record
Steve DeBerg 2004 0-3
Mike Dailey 1997-2003 63-44
Mike Hohensee 1994-1996 30-14
Rick Buffington 1990-1993 19-24

Mike Hohensee (11th season 71-64): Mike Hohensee is a long time veteran of the AFL. He has served as a coach in the league for 12 years, 11 as a head coach, and the past five with Chicago. Hohensee is the first coach in Rush history. He is one of only six head coaches to record at least 70 victories over his career (includes playoffs).Teams coached by Hohensee have reached the playoffs seven times in his 10 completed seasons. Chicago has been to the postseason the past three years, and won the 2002 Central Division Championship. Was the head coach of the Albany Firebirds from 1994-1996 compiling a 30-14 record and three divisional championships. Hohensee also had head coaching stints with the Washington Commandos (1990), Anaheim Piranhas (1997), and the New England Sea Wolves (1998-1999). Hohensee turned 43 last Sunday and he and his wife, Deborah have three children; Chadd, Cayla, and Michael Jr.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS INJURY REPORT:

Player Pos Injury Status
Van Tuinei OL/DL Knee Probable
Doug Lytle OL/DL Knee Doubtful
Greg Krause OL/DL Knee Doubtful
Anthony Herron OL/DL Shoulder Doubtful
Kevin Daft QB Neck OUT
Kerry Brown WR/LB Thumb OUT

THE SERIES:
The Firebirds and Rush are 3-3 in head-to-head meetings all-time. The series is growing more intense by the game, as Indiana will look to gain revenge on the team that kept them out of the postseason with a 46-43 loss in overtime last season. Despite the revenge factor, it should be a friendly rivalry, with five former Firebirds playing significant minutes for Chicago this season.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR February 17th THROUGH February 23rd
Start End
Wed. February 25, 2004 11:15am 1:15pm

Thurs. February 26, 2004 11:15am 1:15pm

Fri. February 27, 2004 11:15am 1:15pm

Sat. February 28, 2004 WALK THRU TBA

Sun. February 29, 2004 3:00pm Kickoff!!

All practices are held at the SportsZone (6601 Coffman Road, Indiana polis, IN 46268). Media are encouraged to get interviews 15 minutes prior to, or following, each practice session.

FIREBIRDS RECORD IN 2004 WHEN:
At Home...............................................0-1
On the Road..........................................0-2
Vs. National Conference..........................0-3
Vs. American Conference........................0-0
Vs. Southern Division.............................0-1
Vs. Eastern Division...............................0-1
Vs. Western Division..............................0-0
Vs. Central Division...............................0-1
Score First............................................0-2
Lead After 1st Quarter.............................0-0
Trail After 1st Quarter.............................0-2
Lead After 2nd Quarter............................0-1
Trail After2nd Quarter............................0-2
Lead After 3rd Quarter............................0-1
Trail After 3rd Quarter............................0-2
Overtime Games....................................0-0
On NBC...............................................0-1
Win Turnover Battle...............................0-2
Lose Turnover Battle..............................0-1
Score Over 50 Points..............................0-0
Score Over 60 Points.............................0-0
Allow Under 40 Points...........................0-1
Allow Under 30 Points...........................0-0

Firebirds Drop Defensive Struggle in Detroit
The Indiana Firebirds lost a tightly contested defensive struggle, 34-25, to the Detroit Fury Monday night in front of 8,219 fans at the Palace at Auburn Hills.

Rookie QB Adrian McPherson made his AFL debut, sharing duties with Tony Zimmerman in the first half before leading the Firebirds for the rest of the game after halftime. On his first career possession, the 20-year old phenom ran twice, totaling 37 yards and culminating in his 7-yard touchdown run.

The Firebirds got four Detroit turnovers in the first half, but could only turn them into 13 points, trailing 14-13 at the half. Detroit QB, and Baby Ruth Real Deal Player of the Game, Andy Kelley hit David Hill from 37 yards out on the first play of the game, jumping out to a early seven point lead. Evan Hlavacek then recovered a Clay Rush missed field goal attempt, getting the Firebirds the ball inside the Fury five yard line. Jeff Cogell's two-yard run got the Firebirds even 7-7.

Turnovers plagued the remainder of the first half. Indiana's Brett Bech stripped the ball out of the hands of Hill, getting possession back for the Firebirds. The offense would be stalled, but when Detroit got the ball back Kelley was picked off by Anthony Derricks in the endzone. On came McPherson to get the 'Birds the lead back, but Rush's PAT attempt failed, leaving the score 13-7. Kelley (24-for-36, 264 yards 3 TD) ended the half with a 1-yard touchdown run and got the Fury on top 14-13 at the intermission.

The third quarter was all Fury. A Mark Lewis 23-yard field goal combined with a Jeff Russell 9-yard scoring catch got Detroit a 24-13 lead entering the final quarter of play. In the fourth quarter, McPherson would hook up with Mike Horacek (10 catches for 144 yards) and US Army Ironman of the Game Brett Bech each for scores, but Kelley answered with two touchdown passes of his own, keeping the Fury ahead for good.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK
The Firebirds will take to the road for a two-game road trip, at Orlando (3/6) and at Austin (3/14). The Orlando Predators (0-2) have been struggling so far this season, but will look to get on track this week against Carolina. The Firebirds defeated the Orlando Predators in 1999 to win their first and only ArenaBowl Championship.


QUOTE ME
Firebirds Head Coach Steve DeBerg on...
Playing Adrian McPherson: "I just planned on playing him in the second quarter. I kind of had a good feeling what was happening with him."




GAME AWARD WINNERS:
Game - Opponent U.S. Army Ironman Baby Ruth Offensive Player ADT Defensive Player
2/7 - COL Sedrick Robinson (COL) Brett Bech Anthony Derricks
2/14 - NOV B.J. Cohen (NOV) John Fitzgerald (NOV) Chris Pointer (NOV)
2/23 – DET Brett Bech Andy Kelly (DET) Ron Carpenter (DET)



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-IronMan team member Evan Hlavacek.

FIREBIRDS AMONG 2004 LEADERS
Rushing Yards:
QB Adrian McPherson 3rd in AFL (55 yards)
FB/LB Jeff Cogell T-7th in AFL (32 yards)
FB/LB Leroy Thompson 10th in AFL (30 yards)
Receptions:
OS Mike Horacek T-7th in AFL (21 receptions)
Receiving Yards:
OS Mike Horacek 8th in AFL (268 receiving yards)
Total Yard from Scrimmages:
OS Mike Horacek 8th in AFL (268 total yards)
Kick Return Average:
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek 10th in AFL (20.5 yards/return)
Fumble Recoveries:
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek T-2nd in AFL (2)

TRIPLE-THREAT HLAVACEK
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek's TD Tracker...

Rec. TD Rush TD Return TD Total TD
1 0 2 (FR,KO) 3

OFFENSIVE LEAGUE RANKS (OUT OF 19):
CATEGORY INDIANA CHICAGO
Yards/Game 17 8
Rushing Yards/Game 2 1
Passing yards/Game 17 15
First Downs/Game 15 4t
3rd Down Efficiency 14 1
4th Down Efficiency 8 1t
Kickoff Return Average 8 12
Points/Game 17 2
FG % 14t 1

FAMILIAR FACES
Much of the Chicago Rush's early season success can be credited to Former Firebirds. Chicago has four players who played for the Birds last season. QB Raymond Philyaw has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. One of his primary targets has been OS Jeremy McDaniel with 14 receptions for 128 yards. WR/DB Donnie Caldwell is among Rush team leaders in tackles, but may be gone for the season with an ACL tear and OL/DL John Sikora has helped anchor the offensive line...Chicago Head Coach Mike Hohensee was the Firebirds head coach from 1994-96...three players on the Rush, Sikora, Philyaw, FB/LB Jamie McGourty all won ArenaBowl rings with the Firebirds in 1999...WR/LB DeJuan Alfonso played with the Firebirds in 2002.

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 all-time leading rusher in Firebirds history and the 2002 Built Ford Tough Iron Man of the Year. The Firebirds currently have three players in the AFL top ten in rushing yards. QB Adrian McPherson ranks 3rd with 55 yards, FB/LB Jeff Cogell is tied for 7th with 32 yards and Thompson rounds out the top ten with his 30 yards.

2004 AFL Leading Rushing Statistics
RUSHING TD'S YARDS
1.Dan Curran –NOVD 4 49
2. Bob McMillen – CHI 1 43
3. Adrian McPherson 1 55
T-7. Jeff Cogell 2 32
10. Leroy Thompson 2 30

THOMPSON SETS RECORD
With 29 yards rushing in week one, Leroy Thompson became the Firebirds all time leading rusher. Thompson who has been with the franchise since 1996 has 804 career rushing yards. The record was held by Chad Dukes, who had 803 rushing yards between 1996 and 1998 for the Firebirds. With his next touchdown Thompson will move into a tie for fourth place with Nelson Garneron the Firebirds all-time leading scorers list.

Firebirds All-Time Leading Rushers
RUSHING YARDS
Leroy Thompson 805
Chad Dukes 803
Rodney Smith 311
Tim Brown 245
Eddie Brown 204

Firebirds All-Time Scoring Leaders
SCORING POINTS
Eddie Brown 2,070
Greg Hopkins 668
Fred Gayles 500
Nelson Garner 344
Leroy Thompson 338

PLENTY OF ARMS?
It appeared that the Firebirds went into training camp with three quarterbacks capable of seeing significant minutes on the turf this season. Kevin Daft was named the starter, but a week one injury has sidelined him indefinitely. Standout Florida State QB Adrian McPherson was not eligible to play in week two, forcing Indiana to sign 2003 AF2 Rookie of the Year Johnnie Turman to back-up 2003 af2 Player of the Year, Tony Zimmerman. Last season, the Firebirds struggled at the quarterback position following an injury to starter Raymond Philyaw. McPherson played the entire second half in week three. If he gets the start against Chicago it will mean the Firebirds have started three different quarterbacks in four games.

HORACEK JOINS RECEIVERS
Mike Horacek, arguably the most dominant receiver in the AFL over the past two years has joined 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. Horacek exploded in week three catching 10 passes for 144 yards (4th highest in AFL this season) and one touchdown.

INDY'S IRONMEN
The Indiana Firebirds have been defined by their Iron Men the past few seasons. The Built Ford Tough Man of the Year in 2002, Leroy Thompson, is back for his ninth season with the Firebirds. Rookie FB/LB Jeff Cogell won the same award in af2 that season and in 2003 Evan Hlavacek, was named to the All IronMan team.

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL
The Firebirds suffered in week one from two fourth quarter interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Conversely in week three, Indiana forced four Detroit turnovers, but could only manage 13 points off of them. The Firebirds are currently +2 on the season in turnover ratio, ranking them T-6th in the AFL. During a five game losing streak last season, 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 during this critical stretch run.

RED ZONE = POINTS:
Through the first two weeks of the season, Indiana was tied with the Austin Wranglers for first in red zone efficiency. After this past week they now rank T-5th. The Firebirds have scored touchdowns on five out of the six possessions they have had inside the red zone (83.3%).

BIRDS OFF THE NETS
Firebirds DS and return man Anthony Derricks put up impressive numbers in week one. Derricks is currently 18th in the AFL in kickoff return average at 18.1 yards per return, slightly behind teammate Evan Hlavacek who is 10th with 20.5 yards/return. Hlavacek added a return touchdown at New Orleans. Hlavacek now has 10 career kickoff returns for touchdowns, while Derricks brings his 16 career return scores to the team for 2004.

Returns No. Yards Avg TD
1. Sedrick Robinson – CLB 6 192 32 2
2. Tyronne Jones - PHI 3 85 28.3 1
3. Charlie Davidson - AUS 2 51 25.5 0
4. Rashied Davis - SJS 5 127 25.4 0
9. Evan Hlavacek - IND 6 126 21 1
12. Anthony Derricks - IND 5 103 20.6 0
‘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. The show is located at Daddy Jack's Restaurant on 96th and Meridian. The public is invited to attend.

KEY MATCHUP:
INDIANA DEFENSE VERSUS CHICAGO OFFENSE: The Firebirds defense has gotten increasingly more efficient since the season began. In week one versus Columbus they surrendered 54 points, but have since given up less each game (41 @ New Orleans, 34 @ Detroit). Chicago brings the number one rushing offense and a line that has yet to give up a single sack this season.


PLAYERS TO WATCH:

INDIANA FIREBIRDS:
QB Adrian McPherson: 20-year old rookie QB Adrian McPherson made his AFL debut Monday night in Detroit. On his first ever play he ran 24 yards for a first down and on his next carry went 13 yards for his first ever touchdown. He finished the game with 55 rushing yards on seven carries. Passing, he completed 13-of-20 pass attempts for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

WR/DB Evan Hlavacek: Hlavacek is once again showing that he is a true IronMan in the AFL. After leading the Firebirds with six receptions against New Orleans, he recovered a critical fumble in Detroit, while catching one pass for nine yards and returning two kicks for 38 yards. Thus far through three games, Hlavacek has scored via a reception, kickoff return and a fumble recovery.

OS Mike Horacek: Horacek, the 20002 AFL Offensive Player of the Year, broke out of his shell Monday night in Detroit catching 10 passes for 144 yards and one touchdown. The performance moved Horacek into the top ten in all league receiving categories.

Chicago Rush:

QB Raymond Philyaw: Philyaw, a four-year member of the Firebirds, is currently the 6th rated passer in the AFL (121.0 QB rating). He has thrown 10 touchdown passes and is one of just five starters in the league yet to be intercepted. He has also ran the ball 16 times for 21 yards and five touchdowns.

FB Bob McMillen: McMillen, a 10-year veteran of the AFL, leads a ground attack that is ranked #1 in the league. As a team, the Rush are averaging almost 50 yards a game on the ground. McMillen has chipped in with 43 yards and one touchdown. Defensively he has recorded one assisted tackle.

WR/LB Lindsey Fleshman: Fleshman leads the Rush with 15 receptions for 219 yards and four touchdowns. He has also returned a kickoff for a touchdown and rushed for one. The 3rd year member of the Rush is quickly becoming a candidate for Ironman of the Year. Watch for the battle between Fleshman and Indiana's Evan Hlavacek down the stretch.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 25, 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.

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