Indiana Firebirds game notes

March 2, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (0-4)
at Orlando Predators (1-2)
Date: March 6, 2004
Kickoff: 7:30 pm (EST)
Site: TD Waterhouse Centre (13,692)
Officials: Referee: Craig Wrolstad; Umpire: Rick Lowe; Head Linesman: Rod Pearson; Line Judge: Rusty Baynes; Back Judge: Scott Helverson
Series Record: 8-8
Last Meeting: The Predators defeated the Firebirds, 46-38, in Orlando on March 10, 2003.
Coaches: Steve DeBerg (1st Season, 0-4)
Jay Gruden (6th Season, 44-25)

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 four consecutive losses. Indiana has looked impressive at times, losing the games by a combined total of 19 points. The defense has been rock solid, holding opponents to 54, 41, 34, and 49 points in each of the first four games. Offensively, three different quarterbacks have taken snaps for the Firebirds, most recently rookie Adrian McPherson. McPherson got his first start on Sunday in a 49-46 loss to Chicago. McPherson put up an impressive line (16-30, 236 yards, 4 touchdowns), as the Firebirds nearly stunned the undefeated Rush. The Firebirds also appear to have developed depth at the receiver position. OS Mike Horacek, the 2003 league leader in receptions, has to compete for catches with long-time Firebird Evan Hlavacek, and young receivers Brett Bech and Anthony Hines. Leroy Thompson (58 yards, 2TD) once again guides the Indiana ground game, but has received help from FB/LB Jeff Cogell (42 yds, 2 TD) and McPherson (78 yds, 3 TD) in moving the ball on the ground. Three of Indiana's four losses have been decided in the last minute of action.



THE PREDATORS:
The Orlando Predators are off to a slow start in the Southern Division. Led by 6th-year Head Coach Jay Gruden, Orlando has been one of the most successful franchises in AFL history. The Predators opened the season with a loss to defending Arena Bowl champion Tampa Bay, but looked more impressive in a win over Carolina, and an overtime loss against Austin. Orlando appeared in the National Conference title game last year, falling to Tampa Bay 60-50. QB Joe Hamilton has looked impressive early this season. Receivers Corey Fleming and James Bowden appear to be Hamilton's favorite targets, and the biggest threats for Orlando, offensively.
INDIANA FIREBIRDS (0-4)
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 L 49-46 0-4
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
ORLANDO PREDATORS (1-2)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
2/8 At Tampa Bay 3:00 L52-41 0-1
2/13 AUSTIN 7:30 L49-48 0-2
2/28 At Carolina 7:30 W59-43 1-2
3/6 INDIANA 7:30
3/12 GEORGIA 7:30
3/21 At Chicago 12:00
3/27 LAS VEGAS 7:30
4/4 At Columbus 12:00
4/9 NEW ORLEANS 7:30
4/18 At Georgia 3:00
4/25 DALLAS 3:00
5/2 TAMPA BAY 12:00
5/9 At New Orleans 3:00
5/16 At Austin 3:00
5/23 NEW YORK 3:00
5/30 At Los Angeles 3:00
COACHES:
Steve DeBerg (0-4, 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 0-4
Mike Dailey 1997-2003 63-44
Mike Hohensee 1994-1996 30-14
Rick Buffington 1990-1993 19-24

Jay Gruden (44-25, 6th year): Jay Gruden is in his 6th season as Predators head coach, having compiled a 44 - 25 record, and two Arena Bowl Championships. Gruden's only Arena Bowl loss as a coach came in 1999, when his Orlando Predators fell to the Firebirds, 59-48 (then in Albany). Gruden is returning to the coaches' box in 2003, after choosing to return to the field as a player in 2001. As the Predator quarterback in 2002, Gruden posted a 10-0 record, passing for 49 touchdowns and only two interceptions. In six seasons as quarterback for Tampa Bay, Gruden won four championships, passing for over 15,000 yards and 280 touchdowns. Gruden served as Offensive Coordinator for the Nashville Kats in 1996, before becoming the youngest head coach in the league, when he too over the helm in Orlando in 1997. Gruden is the brother of John Gruden, the head coach of the 2003 Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jay Gruden also serves as an offensive assistant for the Bucs. Gruden's father, Jim, also has a strong NFL background as a long-time assistant coach and scout for San Francisco and Tampa Bay.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS INJURY REPORT:

Player Pos Injury Status
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 Predators are two of the more storied AFL franchises. In 16 meetings between the squads, each side has tallied eight victories and eight defeats. The Predators won the most recent meeting 46-38 in a game played in Orlando last season. The most memorable meeting between these two franchises came in the 1999 Arena Bowl Championships, with the Firebirds prevailing 59-48 to win their first AFL title.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR March 2nd THROUGH March 6th
Start End
Tue. March 2, 2004 11:15am 1:15pm

Wed. March 3, 2004 11:15am 1:15pm

Thurs. March 4, 2004 11:15am 1:15pm

Fri. March 5, 2004 Travel to Orlando

Sat. March 6, 2004 7:30 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...............................................0-2
On the Road..........................................0-2
Vs. National Conference..........................0-3
Vs. American Conference........................0-1
Vs. Southern Division.............................0-1
Vs. Eastern Division...............................0-1
Vs. Western Division..............................0-0
Vs. Central Division...............................0-2
Score First............................................0-2
Lead After 1st Quarter.............................0-0
Trail After 1st Quarter.............................0-3
Lead After 2nd Quarter............................0-2
Trail After2nd Quarter............................0-2
Lead After 3rd Quarter............................0-2
Trail After 3rd Quarter............................0-2
Overtime Games....................................0-0
On NBC...............................................0-2
Win Turnover Battle............................0-2
Lose Turnover Battle..............................0-2
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 Fall to Rush in Thriller, 49-46
Adrian McPherson set the tone early on, finding Evan Hlavacek on the Firebirds' second offensive play of the game for a 40-yard touchdown. The "Birds however could not find an answer for Rush WR/LB Etu Molden, who scored four touchdowns, including a late fourth quarter onside kick return for a score as the Firebirds fell at home, 49-46.

McPherson (16- 30-0-236) was impressive in his first-ever AFL start, electrifying fans with touchdown completions of 40 and 36 yards to Evan Hlavacek (3 catches for 85 yards, 2 TD) at the beginning of the first and third quarters respectively en route to being named the Baby Ruth Real Deal Player of the Game. He was given plenty of time by his offensive line, which provided enough protection for him to run nine times for 23 yards and two touchdowns.

Raymond Philyaw looked efficient against his former team, completing 16-of-23 passes for 161 yards and 4 TDs. He established a connection with Molden early on, finding him six times for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

The Rush were nearly done in by their poor play on special teams, as kicker Keith Gispert missed a field goal and two extra points, one of which was blocked by OL/DL Charlie Cook. The Rush also converted only one of three two-point conversions, however it was Philyaw's completion to Molden in the back of the end zone following Molden's kickoff return for a touchdown that sealed the game for the Rush, giving them a 49-46 lead from which they wouldn't look back.

The Firebirds got one last chance after the final return and conversion. After driving to their own 24 Indiana faced a fourth-and-5. However, McPherson was able to find WR/LB Brett Bech (5 catches for 49 yards, 1 TD) who scampered ten yards for a first down at the Chicago 16 with only eight seconds remaining. McPherson then found Anthony Hines (5 catches for 58 yards, 1 TD) at the Chicago 15, but time expired before Indiana could get off another play.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK
The Firebirds will stay on the road, traveling to Austin, to face the Wranglers on Sunday March 14th. The Wranglers are off to a 2-1 start in their first season in Austin.


QUOTE ME
Firebirds FB/LB Leroy Thompson on...
Last Week's Loss: " It is really tough and you really don't realize it until after the game is over.We played a good 3-0 Chicago team, but I think we outplayed them most of the game. I keep telling everyone that you have to play your toughest in the fourth quarter to win the game."

Firebirds K Clay Rush on...
The Season Thus Far: "We just have to keep getting better every week. We just haven't been catching the breaks this year. We have a great coaching staff and I know we'll get better."



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)
2/29 - CHI Etu Molden (CHI) Adrian McPherson Leroy Thompson


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 (78 yards)
FB/LB Leroy Thompson 4th in AFL (58 yards)
FB/LB Jeff Cogell 9th in AFL (42 yards)
Kick Return Average:
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek 12th in AFL (19.9 yards/return)
Fumble Recoveries:
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek T-2nd in AFL (2)
Leading Scorers (Kickers):
K Clay Rush T-8th in AFL (27 points)

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

Rec. TD Rush TD Return TD Total TD
3 0 2 (FR,KO) 5

OFFENSIVE LEAGUE RANKS (OUT OF 19):
CATEGORY INDIANA ORLANDO
Yards/Game 15 2
Rushing Yards/Game 1 13
Passing yards/Game 17 2
First Downs/Game 13 7
3rd Down Efficiency 14 7-T
4th Down Efficiency 8-T 13-T
Kickoff Return Average 9 19
Points/Game 18 9
FG % 9-T 4-T


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 78 yards, and Thompson ranks fourth with his 58 yards, and FB/LB Jeff Cogell is tied for 9th with 42 yards.

2004 AFL Leading Rushing Statistics
RUSHING TD'S YARDS
1.Dan Curran –NOVD 8 96
2. Bob McMillen – CHI 3 94
3. Adrian McPherson 3 78
4. Leroy Thompson 2 58
9. Jeff Cogell 2 42

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 833 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 Garner on the Firebirds all-time leading scorers list.

Firebirds All-Time Leading Rushers
RUSHING YARDS
Leroy Thompson 833
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

ADRIAN'S OFFENSE
In four weeks, the Firebirds have started three different quarterbacks. With a strong showing against Chicago (16-30, 236 yards, 4 TDs) it appears as if Adrian McPherson has ended any quarterback controversy, at least for the time being. Opening day starter Kevin Daft was impressive, but an injury forced him out of the game against Columbus, and Daft has not seen the field since. af2 Offensive Player of the Year in 2003 Tony Zimmerman, replaced Daft, and despite showing signs of brilliance, struggled at times. McPherson will start for the Firebirds in Orlando.

DOUBLE-THREAT
QB Adrian McPherson ranks among the league leaders in rushing, despite only seeing action in two of Indiana's first four games. McPherson has rushed for 78 yards and three touchdowns. The 20-year old rookie has also shown the ability to be a great passer completing 29 of 50 passes with 6 touchdowns and one interception, for 408 yards.

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
In past seasons, the Indiana Firebirds have been defined by their Iron Men. 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. Through four games this season, only one Firebird has been named as the U.S. Army Ironman of the game. That honor went to Brett Bech in Week Three against Detroit.


RECORD BOOK
Entering Week Five the following players are within reach of moving up the team record book...
FB/LB Leroy Thompson:
§ Touchdown ties him for fourth with Nelson Garner on points list with 344.
§ Three sacks tie him for fourth in team history (currently has 12.0 sacks)
OL/DL Chris Snyder:
§ Two sacks tie him for fourth in team history (currently has 13.0 sacks)
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek:
§ Two kickoff returns(currently has 106) tie him for third in team history with Van Johnson .

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 +1 on the season in turnover ratio, ranking them T-7th 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 STRUGGLES:
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 12th. After scoring touchdowns on their first five red zone opportunities, The Firebirds have managed just three touchdowns on their last six chances.

BIRDS OFF THE NETS
Firebirds DS and return man Anthony Derricks put up impressive numbers in week one. Derricks is currently 21st in the AFL in kickoff return average at 18.0 yards per return, slightly behind teammate Evan Hlavacek who is 12th with 19.9 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. Rashied Davis – SJS 11 332 30.2 2
2. Sedrick Robinson – CLB 10 264 26.4 2
3. Steve Smith – GRA 23 587 25.5 2
12. Evan Hlavacek – IND 12 239 19.9 1
21. Anthony Derricks - IND 10 180 18.0 0

‘BIRDS BLITZ
Join ESPN RADIO 950's Rob Blackman this Wednesday night from 5-6pm 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.

The Indiana Firebirds would like to nominate the following players for AFL Player of the Month Awards for the month of February.

US ARMY Ironman of the Month WR/DB Evan Hlavacek:
Hlavacek, a 2003 All-Ironman team member, has been one of the lone bright spots for the (0-4) Indiana Firebirds this season. In four games he has caught 11 passes for 163 yards, including three touchdowns. Last week vs. Chicago Hlavacek hauled in three passes for a game-high 85 yards and two touchdowns of 35+ yards. The 4-year AFL veteran has also returned 12 kickoffs for 239 yards (19.9 avg.), including a 56-yard return for a touchdown against New Orleans in week two. He is the team's leading scorer (30 pts) and ahs scored three different ways through four games (rec, ret, fumble recovery). Hlavacek recovered a kickoff against Columbus in week one for his first touchdown of the season, and has chipped in with 7.5 total tackles and two fumble recoveries on defense.

Rookie of the Month QB Adrian McPherson:
McPherson, a 20-year old rookie, saw action in just two games this month but showed the abilities to become an impact player on the AFL for the rest of the 2004 season. Getting his first start last week against the first-place Chicago Rush (4-0), McPherson accounted for six touchdowns (2 rush, 4 pass) and almost led the Firebirds to the upset in his professional debut. He finished the game 16-of-30 for 236 yards without an interception, while picking up 23 rushing yards on nine carries. In week three at Detroit McPherson saw his first game action since Florida
State in 2002. In limited action he picked up 55 rushing yards (2004 AFL single-game high), including a 13-yard touchdown run, while completing 13-of-20 pass attempts for 172 yards and two touchdowns. McPherson also set an AFL single-game high with 12 carries in less than two games of action, the rookie phenom has accounted for nine touchdowns and is currently 3rd in the league in rushing yards (88).

KEY MATCHUP:
FIREBIRDS QB ADRIAN MCPHERSON VERSUS ORLANSO DEFFENSE: McPherson will once again be the key to a Firebirds offense, which has yet to score 50 points in a game this season. The young rookie, will look to build upon an impressive performance in week four. With the Firebirds defense looking strong this season (44.5 points per game allowed), the offensive unit will have to raise their game. McPherson will also be a threat to rush the ball against Orlando, as he ranks among the top rushers in the game.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS:
QB Adrian McPherson: 20-year old rookie QB Adrian McPherson made his first AFL start Sunday against Chicago. In just two games this season, McPherson has already made an impression on the league. McPherson has compiled impressive passing statistics; completing 29 of 50 passes for 6 touchdowns, 408 yards and an interception. Unfortunately for opponents, passing is only half of the story. McPherson is also a top rusher in the league, rushing for 78 yards and three more touchdowns on only 16 carries.

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. Last week, Hlavacek recorded two touchdown receptions of over 35 yards en route to a three reception, 85 yard day. Hlavacek has scored via a reception, kickoff return and a fumble recovery in 2004.

FB/LB Leroy Thompson: Thompson is again demonstrating why he is one of the games top Ironmen. Thompson ranks among league leaders in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns with 58 yards and two scores. Thompson has also made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball, earning ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors in last week's loss to Chicago.


FB/LB Leroy Thompson: Thompson is again demonstrating why he is one of the games top Ironmen. Thompson ranks among league leaders in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns with 58 yards and two scores. Thompson has also made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball, earning ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors in last week's loss to Chicago.
while catching one pass for nine yards and returning two kicks for 38 yards. Last week, Hlavacek recorded two touchdown receptions of over 35 yards en route to a three reception, 85 yard day. Hlavacek has scored via a reception, kickoff return and a fumble recovery in 2004.

FB/LB Leroy Thompson: Thompson is again demonstrating why he is one of the games top Ironmen. Thompson ranks among league leaders in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns with 58 yards and two scores. Thompson has also made his presence known on the defensive side of the ball, earning ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors in last week's loss to Chicago.



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


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