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Indiana Firebirds game notes

May 12, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Indiana Firebirds (7-7)
vs Colorado Crush (9-4)
Date: May 16, 2004
Kickoff: 2:00 pm (CT)
Site: Conseco Fieldhouse (14,559)
Officials: Referee: Riley Johnson, Umpire: Paul Frerking, Head Linesman: Darrel Leftwich, Line Judge: Paul Engleberts, Back Judge: Bud McCleskey
Series Record: 1-1
Last Meeting: Indiana defeated the Crush in week nine, 45-42, in overtime at Colorado.
Coaches: Mike Wilpolt (1st Season, 7-2)
Mike Dailey ( 8th Season, 72-50, 1st with Crush 9-4)

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 Indiana firebirds have been a team of streaks all season, and will look to start a season-ending three-game winning streak when they face Colorado this Sunday. Indiana has been defined by the turnover battle all season, especially during their AFL-long 6-game winning streak. Indiana leads the league in turnover ratio, but turned the ball over more than their opponents in two recent losses. With last weeks win, Indiana is positioned into the AFL playoff race, a ½ game from the final spot, behind Los Angeles (7-6) and Orlando (7-6). During the Firebirds winning streak, QB Adrian McPherson did not throw an interception, however he did throw three in the ‘Birds brief two-game losing streak. Despite the interceptions, McPherson has continued to impress in his rookie campaign by completing 204 of 340 passes for 2779 yards, 50 TD's and 5 interceptions. He also is third in the AFL in rushing at 225 yards and 18 touchdowns. 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, along with 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.
THE CRUSH:
The Colorado Crush enters their showdown with Indiana as the first-place team in the central division. The Crush is currently riding their fourth two-game winning streak of the season. Long-time Firebirds coach Mike Dailey is in his first season leading Colorado and has had an immediate impact on a franchise that went 2-14 a year ago. QB John Dutton leads the Crush offense, having completed 63% of his passes for 3312 yards. Dutton has thrown 60 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. Dutton's favorite target has been one of the leagues top receivers, Damian Harrell. Harrell has 89 receptions for 1359 yards and 21 touchdowns. DS Rashad Floyd has been everywhere for Colorado recording 103.5 tackles and 6 interceptions.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS (7-7)
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 L60-38 6-7
5/8 DETROIT 7:00 W68-59 7-7
5/16 COLORADO 2:00
5/23 At Chicago 2:00
COLORADO CRUSH (9-4)
Date Opponent Time* Result Record
2/6 LAS VEGAS 9:00 W43-42 1-0
2/14 At Grand Rapids 12:00 W55-37 2-0
2/22 At Chicago 3:00 L65-35 2-1
2/27 AUSTIN 9:00 W37-35 3-1
¾ DETROIT 9:00 W62-61 4-1
3/14 At San Jose 8:00 L55-35 4-2
3/21 At Philadelphia 12:00 W40-33 5-2
3/27 ARIZONA 9:00 W54-46 6-2
4/3 INDIANA 3:00 L45-42 6-3
4/10 At Los Angeles 10:30 W57-55 7-3
4/18 At New York 3:00 L52-49 7-4
4/23 GRAND RAPIDS 9:00 W69-30 8-4
5/2 PHILADELPHIA 3:00 W58-40 9-4
5/16 At Indiana 3:00
5/23 At Detroit 3:00
5/30 CHICAGO 4:00
* Times are EST
COACHES:
Mike Wilpolt (7-2, 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 - 7-2
Steve DeBerg 2004 0-5
Mike Dailey 1997-2003 63-44
Mike Hohensee 1994-1996 30-14
Rick Buffington 1990-1993 19-24

Mike Dailey (72-50, 8th Year, 9-4 with Crush): Mike Dailey is in his first season with Colorado after serving as the head coach of the Firebirds for seven seasons. With the ‘Birds, Dailey went 63-46 and won the 1999 ArenaBowl Championship. Dailey was named AFL Coach of the year in 1999. Dailey also served as an assistant coach with the Firebirds for 5 seasons under Mike Hohensse. During Dailey's tenure at offensive coordinator the Firebirds led the league in scoring, averaging 60 points per game. Dailey also served as defensive coordinator for two seasons. The right to sign Coach Dailey was acquired by Colorado in a trade with Indiana last June. Dailey also has assistant coaching experience form Montgomery College- Rockville (Md.) and Towson State University.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS INJURY REPORT:
Player Pos Injury Status
Mike Horacek OS Knee Doubtful
Kerry Brown WR/LB Thumb Doubtful
Doug Lytle OL/DL Knee Doubtful
Kevin Daft QB Neck OUT
Jarrod Penright FB/LB Shoulder Probable
____________________________________________
THE IF'S:
If INDIANA beats Colorado it would...
- Give Indiana a two-game winning streak
- Give the Firebirds their second consecutive win over Colorado
- Finish the Firebirds 2004 home record at 5-3
- Give the Firebirds a season sweep of the Crush (2-0)
If COLORADO beats Indiana it would...
- Give Colorado a three game winning streak
- Improve Colorado's division-leading record
- Give Mike Dailey his first victory against the Firebirds franchise.

THE SERIES:
This is the third meeting between the Firebirds and Crush. Indiana won the last meeting 45-42 in Overtime this season. Firebirds K Clay Rush, connected on a 20-yard field goal to win the game.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR March 30th THROUGH April 3rd
Start End
Wed. May 12, 2004 10:00am 12:00pm

Thurs. May 13, 2004 10:00am 12:00pm

Fri. May 14, 2004 10:00am 11:30am

Sat. May 15, 2004 8:00am 9:00am

Sat. May 16, 2004 2:00 PM 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................................................4-3
On the Road..........................................3-4
Vs. National Conference..........................2-2
Vs. American Conference........................5-5
Vs. Southern Division.............................2-2
Vs. Eastern Division...............................1-1
Vs. Western Division..............................0-2
Vs. Central Division...............................4-2
Score First............................................1-2
Lead After 1st Quarter.............................4-0
Trail After 1st Quarter.............................3-5
Lead After 2nd Quarter............................4-2
Trail After2nd Quarter............................2-4
Lead After 3rd Quarter............................5-2
Trail After 3rd Quarter............................2-4
Overtime Games....................................2-0
On NBC...............................................0-4
Win Turnover Battle...............................7-2
Lose Turnover Battle..............................0-5
Score Over 50 Points..............................5-0
Score Over 60 Points.............................5-0
Allow Under 40 Points...........................2-1
Allow Under 30 Points...........................0-0
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
5/2 - LVG Frank Carter (LVG) Clint Dolezel (LVG) Cornelius Bonner (LVG)
5/8 - DET Curtis Eason (DET) Carl Bond (DET) Ricky Hall
McPherson and 'Birds Run Past Fury in OT, 68-59
Indiana's Jonathan Brown sacked Detroit quarterback Andy Kelly in the end zone for a safety with 9:28 remaining in overtime, as the Firebirds won a thriller over the Fury, 68-59. QB Adrian McPherson's 8-yard touchdown run on the ‘Birds first overtime possession held up for the win. McPherson accounted for nine touchdowns in the win (6 pass, 3 rush), the most thus far during his young AFL career.

The Firebirds rushed for 104 yards in the game on 15 carries, marking a new franchise high in rushing yards in a single game. McPherson carried the ball six times for an AFL season-high 64 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead overtime score. He set a franchise record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (19) in the process, breaking the previous record of 16, which was held by Mike Pawlawski. In two games this season against Detroit, McPherson has 11 carries for 119 yards and four touchdowns.

The teams were evenly matched from the beginning, trading scores and going into the half tied at 24. Indiana dominated the third quarter, punctuating the beginning and the end of it with touchdown grabs by Brett Bech and Anthony Hines respectively to take a 45-37 lead into the final frame.

Following Carl Bond's (Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game) franchise-record tying sixth touchdown grab, McPherson produced one of this season's most electrifying plays. On third-and-ten, he faded back to pass and, finding nobody open scrambled 37 yards for a touchdown to give Indiana a 52-44 lead.

Detroit came back however, tying the game with seven seconds left, as Kelly found Thabiti Davis in the end zone to bring the Fury to within two. On the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Kelly hooked up with Bond to tie the game up 59-59. The Birds had one last chance to win it in regulation, but Clay Rush's 51-yard field goal attempt bounced off the nets and Indiana was able to stop Fury returner Ron Carpenter as time expired to send the game into overtime.

Clay Rush was perfect on the day, connecting on all seven of his extra point attempts, while connecting on a 22-yard field goal in the second quarter. Anthony Hines had the third 100-yard receiving game of his career, catching 10 passes for 166 yards and four touchdowns in helping lead the Birds to victory.

With the loss, Detroit is officially eliminated from playoff contention while the Firebirds remain in the thick of the playoff hunt, joining three other teams with seven wins vying for the final playoff berths.

INDIANA FIREBIRDS NEXT WEEK
The Indiana firebirds conclude their 2004 regular season, traveling to face the Chicago Rush (9-4). The 2003 Firebirds season ended in Chicago, where an overtime loss kept the Firebirds from post-season play.

QUOTE ME
Firebirds Coach Mike Wilpolt on...
McPherson's Running Game Last Week: "I told him early in the week, if the pass isn't there and you can make something happen with your feet, do it, but be careful and don't take any big hits.'"
Firebirds QB Adrian McPherson on...
The Win Last Week:: "The biggest thing was finding the open guy. I knew my receivers were going to make plays for me. My line was protecting me all night, so it was up to me to just find the open guy and let him make a play."
____________________________________________
GAME AWARD WINNERS:

FIREBIRDS AMONG 2004 LEADERS
Quarterback Rating:
QB Adrian McPherson 8th in AFL (116.8)
Rushing Yards:
QB Adrian McPherson 3rd in AFL (225 yards)
FB/LB Leroy Thompson 11th in AFL (113 yards)
Leading Scorers (Kickers):
K Clay Rush 3rd in AFL (113 points)
Touchbacks on Kickoffs:
K Clay Rush 1st in AFL (40)
Missed Field Goal Returns:
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek 4th in AFL (22.7)
Interceptions:
WR/DB Brett Bech 8th in AFL (2)
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek 8th in AFL (2)
Fumble Recoveries:
FB/LB Leroy Thompson 4th in AFL (4)
Tackles:
DS Anthony Derricks 2nd in AFL (80.5)
Passes Defended:
DS Anthony Derricks 5th in AFL (18)
Forced Fumbles:
WR/LB Brett Bech 1st in AFL (4)
____________________________________________
TRIPLE-THREAT HLAVACEK
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek's TD Tracker...

Rec. TD Rush TD Return TD Total TD
7 0 4 (1FR, 1MFG, 2KO) 11
OFFENSIVE LEAGUE RANKS (OUT OF 19):
CATEGORY INDIANA COLORADO
Yards/Game 11 6
Rushing Yards/Game 1 16
Passing yards/Game 15 6
First Downs/Game 17 10 – Tied
3rd Down Efficiency 12 15
4th Down Efficiency 4 12
Kickoff Return Average 12 19
Points/Game 8 10
FG % 11 15
____________________________________________

READY TO RUN
While the Indiana rushing attack has become more balanced, it remains effective. QB Adrian McPherson has led the ground game with 225 yards and 18 touchdowns. Leroy Thompson is having another stellar season with 113 rushing yards. The Firebirds have added a third threat on the ground in 2004 with Jarrod Penright. Cogell has rushed for 106 yards this season. The Firebirds are currently first in the AFL in team rushing.

2004 AFL Leading Rushing Statistics
RUSHING TD'S YARDS
1. Dan Curran – NOVD 18 276
2. Bob McMillen - CHI 18 232
3. Adrian McPherson 18 225
4. Chris Avery – GEO 11 188
13. Leroy Thompson 3 113

THOMPSON SETS RECORD, EYES ANOTHER
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. 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 888
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

DAILEY RETURNS TO INDIANA
Colorado head coach Mike Dailey spent the past 12 years in the Firebirds organization, seven as the head coach. Dailey took the Firebirds to a 1999 ArenaBowl Championship victory and posted a 63-44 record with the franchise. Dailey's special teams coach on the 1999 championship team was current Firebirds head coach Mike Wilpolt. Wilpolt spent five years as an assistant under Coach Dailey in Indiana and Albany.

INSTANT SUCCESS
Rookie quarterback Adrian McPherson has made eleven 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 (204-340, 2,779 yards, 50 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 11 carries in a week three loss to Detroit is an AFL season high for 2004.
- Adrian McPherson's 64 rushing yards in a week 14 win over Detroit is a season high for the league.
- 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 166-yard receiving game against Detroit ranks as the 14th best receiving performance this season.
- Anthony Hines 146-yard receiving effort against Grand Rapids marked the 33rd 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 35th highest receiving yardage total in the AFL in 2004.

DOUBLE-THREAT
QB Adrian McPherson ranks third in the league in rushing, and first among quarterbacks. McPherson has rushed for 225 yards and 18 touchdowns. The 20-year old rookie has also shown the ability to be a great passer completing 204 of 340 passes with 50 touchdowns and five interceptions, for 2,779 yards. Those stats are good enough to rank McPherson with the leagues best passers. McPherson has had as much of an impact as any rookie in the league.

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 recorded 26 receptions for 398 receiving yards. Hines leads the team with 68 receptions and 928 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)
- With four fumble recoveries this season, Leroy Thompson is in second place all-time for most fumble recoveries in a career and in a season. He has eight career fumble recoveries trailing only Greg Hopkins' nine from 1996-2001 and ties him for tenth in league history behind ten players. Thompson's four fumble recoveries on the season rank him second in team history behind Fred Gayles' five in 1996 and tie him for fifth most in a season all-time in league history behind three players who had five.
OL/DL Chris Snyder:
- One sack tie him for fourth in team history (currently has 14.0 sacks)
K Clay Rush:
- Needs eight more field goals to pass Nelson Garner as the team's all-time leading field goal kicker.
QB Adrian McPherson:
- Set franchise record for total touchdowns by a rookie QB with 68. Mike Perez (1994) held the record with 65.
- Needs 9 rushing attempts to break the franchise single-season record of 65 by Chad Dukes in 1998.
- Adrian McPherson currently ranks fourth all-time and first amongst quarterbacks 18 rushing touchdowns, among Firebirds.
WR/DB Evan Hlavacek:
- Evan Hlavacek needs 35 more tackles to become the Firebirds all-time leading tackler. Hlavacek currently has 227.5.
- With one more interception, Evan Hlavacek will move into a tie with Greg Hopkins for fourth place in franchise history with ten career interceptions. Hlavacek has three so far this season.

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 71 tackles and OL/DL Ricky Hall leads the line with 18.5 tackles and a sack.

DERRICKS DESTINY
Anthony Derricks moved into 9th all-time in kick return yards with 48 against Las Vegas. Derricks is also 11th in return opportunities in league history.

FUN FACTS
The Firebirds previous six-game winning streak is tied for the longest in the AFL this season, and marks the longest streak in franchise history... Indiana is a ½ game behind Los Angeles and Orlando for the final playoff spot ...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 5th in lowest percentage of passes thrown intercepted, and 13th in highest percentage of intercepting passes defensively... Indiana ranks 11th in total offense and total defense...The Firebirds have the #2 scoring defense in the league...Indiana is first 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 had the best start by a Firebirds head coach at 6-0... 2004 marks the first time the Firebirds have had two games in which receivers had touchdown catches of more than 45 yards (Bech vs Austin, Hlavacek vs. Carolina).

MR. PERFECT
Adrian McPherson has not only been the perfect man to lead the Firebirds offense, but he recorded a perfect quarterback rating last week. 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.

PLAYOFF PUSH
With the ‘Birds resurgence they have propelled themselves into the heart of the playoff race. Indiana is a ½ games out of the final spot, with two games left to play. They trail Los Angeles and Orlando who are both sitting at (7-6) with three games each to play.


‘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 : JOHN DUTTON vs. FIREBIRDS DEFENSE
Crush QB John Dutton has been impressive all season, passing for 60 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, while completing 63% of his passes. Last week against Detroit, the Firebirds defense allowed eight passing touchdowns, but came up with a game-ending safety in overtime by OL/DL Jonathan Brown. Indiana will look to pressure Dutton.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
INDIANA FIREBIRDS:
QB Adrian McPherson:
20-year old rookie QB Adrian McPherson ranks 3rd in the league in rushing with 225 yards and 18 scores, he also has passed for 2,779 yards and 50 touchdowns.

WR/DB Anthony Hines:
Hines has become the Firebirds top receiving threat after becoming the OS, due to a Mike Horacek injury. Hines has tallied 68 receptions for 928 yards.

DS Anthony Derricks:
Firebirds Defensive Specialist Anthony Derricks is out to a great start in 2004. Derricks is leading the Firebirds in tackles (80.5), including a game-high 9.5 tackles last week. Derricks has also been a threat on returns. Derricks has averaged nearly 20 yards per return, second on the team to Evan Hlavacek.

COLORADO CRUSH:
QB John Dutton:
Colorado QB John Dutton has completed 274 of 434 passes for 3312 yards, 60 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Dutton averages 254.8 passing yards per contest.

OS Damian Harrell:
Damian Harrell is one of the leagues top receivers in 2004. Harrell leads the Crush with 89 receptions for 1359 yards. Harrell has scored 35 touchdowns

DS Rashad Floyd:
Rashad Floyd leads the Crush defense with 103.5 tackles, including 92 solo tackles. Floyd also has 6 interceptions, best in the AFL; four fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and four tackles for a loss.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 12, 2004


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