McPherson named AFL's Rookie of the Month
April 1, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS â The office of the Arena Football League announced today that quarterback Adrian McPherson has been named the league's Rookie of the Month for March. The 20-year old phenom has started the past five games for the Indiana Firebirds, leading them on a current three-game winning streak, while becoming one of the rising stars of the AFL in the process.
Over the past three games McPherson has shown the ability to beat teams with his arm, legs, and decision making. Since Mike Wilpolt took over as head coach of the Firebirds three games ago, McPherson has enjoyed the fruits of a simple offense. During the winning streak he has thrown for 643 yards and 11 touchdowns without an interception, while picking up 52 rushing yards and another seven scores on the ground. McPherson currently ranks 2nd in the AFL in rushing yards (144) and rushing touchdowns (11).
McPherson missed the first two weeks of the season on the Firebirds' injured reserve list. Once activated from the IR, he wasted little time settling in as the team's new signal caller. His first play ever in professional football was a 27-yard bootleg carry and his third was a 12-yard touchdown run that saw him break down a defender en route to the end zone for his first career score. McPherson has 22 touchdown passes to just two interceptions, astounding numbers for a youngster who had never even seen an arena football game before he played in one.
McPherson has climbed the AFL ranks to become the 10th rated quarterback in the league. His rating (111.4) is right behind that of Orlando's Joey Hamilton (114.8). Hamilton was Rookie of the Month for February, but is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. The Firebirds boast the #1 running game in the AFL (37.5 yds/game), thanks in large part to McPherson. However, the significant improvement has come in the passing game and in the team's game management. Last week versus Grand Rapids McPherson threw for a career-high 289 yards on 22-for-34 passing. It was his best single-game completion percentage of the season (64.7%) and also saw McPherson rectify an early-season error late in the game. With the game tied 42-42, the Indiana offense calmly drove down the field and Clay Rush drilled a game-wining 29-yarder with :02 seconds on the clock. During a week four loss to Chicago time expired on McPherson and the âBirds during an attempted game-winning drive.
The Firebirds return home to face the Carolina Cobras on Easter Sunday, April 11th at Conseco Fieldhouse. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM (EST) and children will have an opportunity to participate in an Easter Egg hunt inside the arena before the game. Firebirds' single game and group tickets for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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