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Indiana Firebirds game notes

April 28, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (6-6)
at Las Vegas Gladiators (4-7)
Date: May 2, 2004
Kickoff: 2:00 pm (Central Time)
Site: Thomas and Mack Center (16,606)
Officials: Referee: Bill McCabe; Umpire: Rick Lowe
Head Linesman: Royce Cooley; Line Judge: R.G. Detillier
Back Judge: Jimmy Buchanan
Series Record: The series is tied at 5-5
Last Meeting: The Firebirds fell to the then-New Jersey franchise, 62-61, in overtime in 2001.
Coaches: Mike Wilpolt (1st Season, 6-1)
Frank Haege (3rd Season 21-20)

TV/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:
For the first time under coach Wilpolt, Indiana is coming off a loss. Indiana fell to Arizona last week, 46-43, snapping the longest winning streak of the AFL season at six games. The loss was also the first time in the past seven games that Indiana lost the turnover battle, and featured QB Adrian McPherson’s first interception pass in that time span. Despite the loss, Indiana is well positioned in the AFL playoff race, trailing four teams by only ½ a game for the final spot. McPherson was impressive once again last Sunday completing 16 of 24 passes for 248 yards, 5 touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for his 15th touchdown of the year on the ground. Even in their early season losing streak Indiana looked impressive, losing three games by a combined total of 9 points. The defense has been rock solid, ranking in the top ten in the league in scoring throughout the 2004 season. The Firebirds also appear to have developed depth at the receiver position. OS Mike Horacek, who has missed significant time with an injury has watched long-time Firebird Evan Hlavacek, young receivers Brett Bech, Anthony Hines (13 receptions for 196 yards 4/3 at Colorado), Jordan Younger, and newcomer Andy McCullough (4 receptions for 77 yards and 2 touchdown 4/25 vs. Arizona) dazzle opponents. Leroy Thompson (91 yards, 3TD) once again guides the Indiana ground game, but has received help from McPherson (155 yds, 15 TD) in moving the ball on the ground. Anthony Derricks leads the Indiana defense with 64 tackles. Ricky Hall leads all linemen with 18.5 tackles.

THE GLADIATORS:
The Las Vegas Gladiators are off to a 4-7 start, after two consecutive post-season appearances. Clint Dolezel has been impressive as the Gladiators QB, completing 263 of his 393 passes for over 3000 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Dolezel’s favorite target has been OS Marcus Nash, who has surpassed 100 receptions and 1200 receiving yards. Marvin Taylor leads the defense with 45.5 tackles, and has recorded 5 interceptions. With remaining games against Philadelphia (5-6), Los Angeles (6-4) and San Jose (9-2), a loss could end all post-season hopes for the Gladiators in 2004.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS (6-6)
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 L50-38 0-5
3/14 at Austin 3:00 W64-41 1-5
3/20 GEORGIA 7:00 W73-36 2-5
3/26 GRAND RAPIDS 7:30 W45-42 3-5
4/3 at Colorado 3:00 W45-42 4-5
4/11 CAROLINA 2:00 W65-31 5-5
4/17 at Grand Rapids 6:30 W67-49 6-5
4/25 ARIZONA 2:00 L46-43 6-6
5/2 at Las Vegas 2:00
5/8 DETROIT 7:00
5/16 COLORADO 2:00
5/23 At Chicago 2:00

LAS VEGAS GLADIATORS (4-7)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
2/6 At Colorado 9:00 L43-42 0-1
2/14 LOS ANGELES 3:00 L62-55 0-2
2/22 At Grand Rapids 3:00 W51-14 1-2
2/29 NEW ORLEANS 3:00 W50-30 2-2
3/7 At Georgia 12:00 L55-40 2-3
3/14 ARIZONA 6:00 W65-64 3-3
3/20 At San Jose 10:30 L79-62 3-4
3/27 At Orlando 7:30 L60-43 3-5
4/4 CHICAGO 5:00 L57-55 3-6
4/10 At Arizona 9:00 L80-63 3-7
4/25 DETROIT 2:00 W60-34 4-7
5/2 INDIANA 2:00
5/8 At Philadelphia 6:30
5/16 San Jose 2:00
5/22 At Los Angeles 9:30
5/30 COLUMBUS 3:00
* Times are Indiana Time

COACHES:
Mike Wilpolt (6-1, 1st year): Mike Wilpolt was named head coach of the Firebirds on March 10, 2004, following the team’s (0-5) start. He has been with the organization coaching defensive backs for the past six years, the last five he also served as the team’s defensive coordinator. In his first season with the Firebirds, Wilpolt coached the special teams and helped them to a 1999 ArenaBowl Championship. In 2002, his defense had a breakthrough season, leading the league in red zone defense (74.4%) and ranking 2nd in points allowed (46.1) and interceptions (21). Wilpolt played four years in the AFL as a defensive specialist with the Charlotte Rage (1992), Las Vegas Sting (1994-95) and the Anaheim Piranhas (1996). During his time with Anaheim, Wilpolt held a then league record for tackles with 16 in one game.

Name Years Record
Mike Wilpolt 2004 - 6-1
Steve DeBerg 2004 0-5
Mike Dailey 1997-2003 63-44
Mike Hohensee 1994-1996 30-14
Rick Buffington 1990-1993 19-24

Frank Haege (21-20, 3rd Year): Frank Haege is in his third season as head coach of the Las Vegas franchise. Prior to arriving with the team, the Gladiators had never qualified for the postseason, but have reached that accomplishment the past two seasons under Haege. In addition to head coaching duties, Haege is the teams offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and wide receiver coach. Haege posted a 37-1 record in two seasons as head coach of the Quad City Steamwhellers (af2), including a perfect season and two af2 championships. Haege’s AFL experience includes time as an assistant with New Jersey (1997-1999), Minnesota (1996), and Milwaukee (1994).

INDIANA FIREBIRDS INJURY REPORT:
Player Pos Injury Status
Doug Lytle OL/DL Knee Doubtful
Mike Horacek OL/DL Knee Doubtful
Kevin Daft QB Neck OUT
Kerry Brown WR/LB Thumb OUT

____________________________________________

THE IF’S:
If INDIANA beats Grand Rapids it would…
- Give Indiana seven wins in the last 8 games.
- Give the Firebirds their fourth consecutive road win
- Give Indiana the series advantage over Las Vegas 6-5.
- Give Head Coach Mike Wilpolt his seventh career win.

If LAS VEGAS beats Indiana it would…
- Be the second consecutive win for Las Vegas
- Be the fourth home win of 2004
- Be the second straight win over the Firebirds

THE SERIES:
This is the 11th meeting between the two franchises, but the first since the Gladiators moved to Las Vegas. The series is split at 5-5, with New Jersey winning the last match-up in 2001, 62-61, in an overtime contest.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR April 27th THROUGH May 2nd
Start End
Tue. April 27, 2004 OFF

Wed. April 28, 2004 10:00am 12:00pm

Thurs. April 29, 2004 10:00am 12:00pm

Fri. April 30, 2004 9:00am 11:00am

Sat. April 1, 2004 Walk Thru 12:00pm
Thomas & Mack Center
Sun. April 2, 2004 2:00PM (CT) KICKOFF

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

FIREBIRDS RECORD IN 2004 WHEN:
At Home………………………………………..3-3
On the Road……………………………………3-3
Vs. National Conference……………………..2-2
Vs. American Conference……………………4-4
Vs. Southern Division………………………..2-2
Vs. Eastern Division………………………….1-1
Vs. Western Division…………………………0-1
Vs. Central Division………………………….3-2
Score First……………………………………..1-2
Lead After 1st Quarter………………………..3-0
Trail After 1st Quarter………………………..3-4
Lead After 2nd Quarter……………………….4-2
Trail After2nd Quarter……………………….2-3
Lead After 3rd Quarter……………………….4-2
Trail After 3rd Quarter……………………….2-3
Overtime Games………………………………1-0
On NBC………………………………………..0-3
Win Turnover Battle………………………….6-2
Lose Turnover Battle………………………...0-4
Score Over 50 Points………………………...4-0
Score Over 60 Points………………………..4-0
Allow Under 40 Points….…………………..2-1
Allow Under 30 Points………………………0-0


Firebirds Bitten by Rattlers at Home, 46-43
Clay Rush’s onside kick with under two minutes remaining was batted out of bounds and the Rattlers were able to successfully able to run out the clock as Arizona held off a late Firebird rally in winning 46-43. The loss snaps Indiana’s franchise-record six-game winning streak and is their first under Coach Mike Wilpolt.

While Arizona jumped out to a 12-point lead after three, the fourth quarter belonged to the Firebirds. Trailing 40-35 with 10 minutes remaining, WR/LB Brett Bech (ADT Defensive Player of the Game) picked off an errant Sherdrick Bonner (Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game) pass at his own 24 and returned it to the Arizona 10.

However, three plays later, the Firebirds found themselves snake-bitten yet again, as Charlie Cook coughed it up at the Arizona 3. Hunkie Cooper recovered the fumble to give Arizona the ball and the momentum with just over eight minutes to play. Five plays later, Bonner hooked up with Orshawa Bryant on a 16-yard completion to give the Rattlers some breathing room at 46-35.

Arizona nearly did themselves in by failing to play disciplined football, committing 13 penalties which cost them 69 yards. However, it was their ability to convert when their backs were against the wall that helped them win their fourth in a row, converting all four of their fourth downs including two Bonner-to-Siaha Burley touchdown connections that sealed the Firebirds’ fate.

Adrian McPherson was solid in the loss, throwing for 248 yards and five touchdowns while rushing five times for 20 yards while tossing his first interception since week 5 against Orlando.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK
The Firebirds will return to Conseco Fieldhouse to battle the Detroit Fury (4-7) on Saturday, May 8th. The two Central Division foes are looking to stay alive in post-season contention.

QUOTE ME
Firebirds WR/LB Brett Bech on…
The end of the winning streak: "They didn't physically whip us, I think we out-mistaked them. We had opportunities to take advantage of their mistakes, and instead we would make a mistake, which stopped our momentum. We almost got back, almost got back, and every time we were right there ready to take over, we'd shoot ourselves in the foot."

Firebirds Head Coach Mike Wilpolt on…
Last Weeks Loss: "When you get them in fourth down, you figure we'd stop them once or twice. But give them credit, they made the plays on fourth down and we did not."
FIREBIRDS AMONG 2004 LEADERS
Quarterback Rating:
QB Adrian McPherson Tied - 6th in AFL (118.1 QB Rating)
Rushing Yards:
QB Adrian McPherson 3rd in AFL (158 yards)
Leading Scorers (Kickers):
K Clay Rush Tied - 5th in AFL (95 points)
Touchbacks on Kickoffs:
K Clay Rush 1st in AFL (36)
Interceptions:
WR/DB Brett Bech 5th in AFL (3)
Sacks:
OL/DL Mike Sutton 12th in AFL (3)
Fumble Recoveries:
FB/LB Leroy Thompson 3rd in AFL (4)
Tackles:
DS Anthony Derricks 3rd in AFL (63.5)
Tackles For a Loss:
OL/DL Ricky Hall 8th in AFL (2)
Passes Defended:
DS Anthony Derricks 3rd in AFL (17)
Forced Fumbles:
WR/LB Brett Bech 1st in AFL (4)

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
3/6 – ORL Jermaine Smith (ORL) Corey Fleming (ORL) Rupert Grant (ORL)
3/14 - AUS Evan Hlavacek Adrian McPherson Bill Duff
3/20 - GEO Jarrod Penright Adrian McPherson Bill Duff
3/26 - GRA Evan Hlavacek Adrian McPherson Cecil Dogette (GRA)
4/3 – COL Kevin McKenzie (COL) Anthony Hines Rashad Floyd (COL)
4/11 - CAR Evan Hlavacek Adrian McPherson Jordan Younger and Mike Sutton
4/17 – GRA Jarrod Penright Adrian McPherson Anthony Derricks
4/25 - ARI Randy Gatewood (ARI) Sherdrick Bonner (ARI) Anthony Derricks

TRIPLE-THREAT HLAVACEK
TD TRACKER:

Rec. TD Rush TD Return TD Total TD
6 0 4 (1FR, 1 MFG, 2KO) 10

DOUBLE-THREAT
QB Adrian McPherson ranks third in the league in rushing with 158 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 20-year old rookie has also shown the ability to be a great passer completing 169 of 279 passes with 41 touchdowns and three interceptions, for 2,302 yards. Those stats are good enough to rank McPherson as the leagues 5th best passer. McPherson recorded a perfect QB rating of 158.3 in the win over Carolina.

READY TO RUN
While the Indiana rushing attack has become more balanced, it remains effective. QB Adrian McPherson has led the ground game with 158 yards and 15 touchdowns. Leroy Thompson is having another stellar season with 91 rushing yards. The Firebirds have added a third threat on the ground in 2004 with Jarrod Penright. Penright has rushed for 69 yards this season. The Firebirds are currently second in the AFL in team rushing.

2004 AFL Leading Rushing Statistics
RUSHING TD’S YARDS
1. Dan Curran – NOVD 16 246
2. Moye-Moore- ORL 6 179
3. Adrian McPherson 15 158
4. Bob McMillen - CHI 13 156
5. Robert Thomas – GEO 8 154

A GREAT FIREBIRD
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 866 career rushing yards. The record was held by Chad Dukes, who had 803 rushing yards between 1996 and 1998 for the Firebirds. Also, with a touchdown on 4/11 in a victory over Carolina Thompson moved into 4th on the Firebirds all-time leading scorers list. Thompson was honored for his accomplishments prior to the March 26 home game against Grand Rapids.

Firebirds All-Time Leading Rushers
RUSHING YARDS
Leroy Thompson 866
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
Leroy Thompson 344
Nelson Garner 344

INSTANT SUCCESS
Rookie quarterback Adrian McPherson has made nine starts for Indiana, and has been named the offensive Player of the Game six times. McPherson has had very strong showings in his rookie campaign (169-279, 2,302 yards, 41 TDs). 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.

SINGLE-GAME LEADERS
The Firebirds top the league in a few individual single-game stats:
- Adrian McPherson’ s 55 rushing yards and 11 carries in a week three loss to Detroit are both AFL season highs.
- Adrian McPherson’s 332 passing yards in a week nine victory over Colorado rank as the 11th best passing performance in the AFL this season.
- Clay Rush’s 59-yard field goal against Austin was the longest successful field goal in the AFL this season. Rush also converted a 57-yard field goal in week ten.
- Anthony Hines 196-yard receiving game against Colorado ranks as the fourth best receiving performance this season.
- Anthony Hines 146-yard receiving effort against Grand Rapids marked the 27th best game in terms of receiving yards, in the AFL in 2004.
- Mike Horacek’s 10-reception 144-yard effort against Detroit in week three was the 29th highest receiving yardage total in the AFL in 2004.

OFFENSIVE LEAGUE RANKS (OUT OF 19):
CATEGORY INDIANA LAS VEGAS
Yards/Game 11 2
Rushing Yards/Game 2 13
Passing yards/Game 15 1
First Downs/Game 16 1
3rd Down Efficiency 11 1
4th Down Efficiency 6 1
Kickoff Return Average 10 16
Points/Game 9 4
FG % 10 6

STARTING OVER
Despite starting the season 0-5, the Firebirds reached the break-even point with a win over Carolina. Indiana is back at even water at 6-6 following the loss to Arizona. The Firebirds remain only a half-game out of the final playoff spot.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Indiana and Georgia made a deal before the Austin game that sent WR/DB Scotty Lindsey from Indiana back to Georgia, where he played the past two years; in exchange for WR/LB Andy McCullough. McCullough is in his third season in the league and caught 96 passes for Dallas last year. In his first action with the Firebirds, McCullough rushed for a touchdown, caught a pass, and assisted on a tackle as the Firebirds beat his former team, Georgia. Against Grand Rapids, McCullough had 6 receptions for 59 yards in a 3-point Firebirds win.

HINES HEROICS
With an injury forcing OS Mike Horacek to the bench, rookie Anthony Hines has excelled. In his first three games at OS Hines has recorded 26 receptions for 398 receiving yards.

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. In the first five games of the season, a Firebird was named “Ironman of the Game” only once. In six consecutive victories, Evan Hlavacek (three times) and Jarrod Penright (twice) have earned that honor for Indiana.

RECORD BOOK
Entering Week Five the following players are within reach of moving up the team record book…
FB/LB Leroy Thompson:
- Three sacks tie him for fourth in team history (currently has 12.0 sacks)
OL/DL Chris Snyder:
- One sack tie him for fourth in team history (currently has 14.0 sacks)

DEFENSIVE LEADERS
While the offense struggled early in the season, the Indiana defense ranks with the AFL’s elite. The Firebirds rank 2nd in points allowed. DS Anthony Derricks has led the unit with 64.5 tackles and OL/DL Ricky Hall leads the line with 18.5 tackles and a sack.

CLOSE CALLS
Indiana was able to squeak by Colorado and Grand Rapids in 45-42 games thanks to a game-winning field goals by Clay Rush. Indiana struggled in close games early in the season, falling three times by a combined total of nine points. The Firebirds previous two victories have been blowouts.

FUN FACTS
The Firebirds previous six-game winning streak was the longest in the AFL this season, and the longest in franchise history… Indiana is ½ game behind 4 teams for the final playoff spot, and only 1 ½ games out of the 4 seed …The Firebirds rank 1st in the AFL in turnover differential at +15…the defense is ranked 5th in combined first downs allowed, 3rd and 4th down percentage…the Firebirds are 4th in lowest percentage of passes thrown intercepted, and 8th in highest percentage of intercepting passes defensively… Indiana ranks 11th in total offense and 13th in total defense…The Firebirds have the #2 scoring defense in the league…Indiana is second in the league in team rushing…Adrian McPherson had thrown 177 consecutive passes without an interception during Indiana’s 6-game winning streak...Head Coach Mike Wilpolt has the best start by a Firebirds head coach at 6-1…McPherson is tied for the #1 ranking among 3rd and 1 rushing, he has converted all three attempts…McPherson is the 6th best 4th quarter passer in the league.

MR. PERFECT
Adrian McPherson has not only been the perfect man to lead the Firebirds offense, but he recorded a perfect quarterback rating in week 11 versus Carolina. McPherson earned the coveted 158.3 rating by completing 13 of 15 passes for 194 yards, 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. McPherson completed his first 11 pass attempts.

BIRDS OFF THE NETS
Firebirds DS and return man Anthony Derricks have put up impressive numbers. Hlavacek is currently 21st in the AFL in kickoff return average at 18.4 yards per return, slightly behind teammate Evan Hlavacek who is 14th with 19.8 yards/return. Hlavacek added a return touchdown at New Orleans and against Carolina, and a MFG return score at Austin. Hlavacek now has 11 career kickoff returns for touchdowns, while Derricks brings his 16 career return scores to the team for 2004.

RISING UP THE STANDINGS
With the ‘Birds resurgence they have propelled themselves into the heart of the playoff race. Indiana is ½ game out of the final spot behind Orlando, New York, Austin, and Dallas. Indiana is only 11/2 games out of the 4th seed, held by Chicago.

‘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 SECONDARY vs. CLINT DOLEZEL
Despite only posting a 4-7 record, Las Vegas is at or near the top of most of the leagues offensive categories, including passing yards per game. Indiana meanwhile, boasts the number two scoring defense in the league. For the defensive unit to continue its success, they must contain Dolezel, who has already passed for 65 touchdowns this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

INDIANA FIREBIRDS:

QB Adrian McPherson:
20-year old rookie QB Adrian McPherson ranks 3rd in the league in rushing with 155 yards and 15 scores, he also has passed for 2,302 yards and 41 touchdowns. McPherson recorded a perfect QB rating in the 4/11 win over Carolina.

WR/DB Anthony Hines:
Anthony Hines has developed into one of the leagues top receiving threats in the past two weeks. At Colorado, Hines recorded 13 receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Against Grand Rapids, Hines had a 146-yard receiving effort.

WR/DBEvan Hlavacek:
Evan Hlavacek has been a true Ironman for Indiana in their return to glory. Hlavacek has been named as the Ironman of the game three times in 2004. In the Carolina victory, Hlavacek caught a touchdown pass, returned a kickoff for a touchdown, and made five tackles.


LAS VEGAS GALDIATORS

QB Clint Dolezel:
Dolezel has completed nearly 67% of his passes for over 3000 yards, and 65 touchdowns. He has led Vegas to the number one passing offense in the league.

OS Marcus Nash:
Nash leads Las Vegas with 104 receptions for over 1200 yards. He has 32 receiving touchdowns in 2004.

DS Marvin Taylor:
Taylor leads the Gladiators with 45.5 tackles and five interceptions. He has also broken up 8 pass plays and has two tackles for a loss.

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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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