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February 20, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Fury News Release


Last week, the Detroit Fury (1-1) rebounded from a season-opening loss and defeated the Arizona Rattlers 48-31 in Arizona. The win gave Fury Head Coach Tom Luginbill his first win as a head coach, but now the team looks to keep the winning momentum rolling when they take on the Indiana Firebirds (0-2) on Monday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The game will be broadcast locally on TV on the Comcast and Bright House Networks, and on 1310 AM WXDX The "X".

The Firebirds come to The Palace after suffering last-minute losses in their first two games, but bring a record of success against the Fury with them. Over the last three years, Detroit and Indiana have met five times, with the Firebirds taking four of the five games. Last season, Indiana defeated Detroit 66-57 in the season opener at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Fury's only win over the Firebirds in 2001, Detroit's inaugural season, resulting in a playoff Fury berth.

Monday's game features two first-year head coaches: Detroit's Tom Luginbill and Indiana's Steve DeBerg. DeBerg is no stranger to the game of football, having spent 18 years as a quarterback in the NFL.

Detroit will be looking for a repeat performance from both their offensive and defensive teams. In week 2, the defense shut-out a potent Arizona Rattlers' offense in the first and fourth quarters, and the offense played a very efficient game, turning the ball over only once. Fury quarterback Andy Kelly led the offense, throwing for four touchdowns and rushing for a fifth. Fury newcomer Thabiti Davis made an immediate impact in week two, and Kelly will be looking for him again against Indiana.

Detroit will go into Monday's match-up a bit banged up. On the line, the Fury may again be without Curtis Eason, who is still recovering from a knee sprain suffered in week one, and receiver Junior Lord is suffering from hamstring and shoulder injuries. Lineman Curtis Jeter is expected to play for the injured Eason.

"Indiana is coming here after losing two games they feel they probably should have won," said Fury Head Coach Tom Luginbill. "Defensively, the pressure will be on us to get after the quarterback. Offensively, we will need another performance like last week from Andy. He managed the game like a true veteran. Ultimately, we need to maintain our level of play from the Arizona game, and if we don't do that, we'll be in big trouble."

Next week is the Fury's bye week and then they hit the road for two games against Colorado and New Orleans. Detroit returns home on March 18 when the expansion Austin Wranglers ride into town.

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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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