Smoke Signals

Published on April 25, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


FIRE STANDS ALONE IN FIRST: Following a hard fought 58 – 50 victory over Wilkes-Barre, in which the Fire never trailed, the Fire now stands atop the East Division of the American Conference with a 3 – 0 record. Friday's victory was highlighted by wide receiver/linebacker Rob Mager's three touchdown receptions. Matthew Sauk once again put up impressive numbers going 26 – 37 with five touchdown passes for 232 yards and zero interceptions. Defensively once again the Fire was led by Rob Green who returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown to break the game open for the Fire. Updated East Division standings are listed below:

Team W L Pct. PF PA Div. Home Away Streak

Louisville 3 0 1.000 162 138 1-0 1-0 2-0 Won 3

W-B/Scranton 3 1 .750 228 170 1-1 2-1 1-0 Lost 1

Manchester 2 1 .667 141 122 2-0 1-1 1-0 Won 2

Green Bay 2 1 .667 118 118 1-1 2-0 0-1 Won 1

Albany 0 3 .000 127 160 0-3 0-2 0-1 Lost 3

STEELDOGS COME TO TOWN: The Fire will be renewing their rivalry with the Birmingham Steeldogs this Saturday in Freedom hall. Last time the two teams met on May 10, 2003 the Fire won on a late field goal 40 – 37 in Coach Tommy Johnson's fourth game as head coach. Saturday's game will also feature one of the more intriguing coaching match-ups as Birmingham head coach Bobby Humphery was a standout running back at Alabama and Fire head coach Tommy Johnson was a starting corner on the Crimson Tide's 1992 National Championship team. The Steeldogs lead the series 3-1 all-time. The Fire is looking to equal their best start ever, last season they started 4 – 0.

PROTECTION: While scoring points is obviously the most important statistic in Arena Football holding onto the ball is probably number two. This season the Fire has turned over there opponent eight times in three games while giving the ball up just three times, that's good enough for a plus five in turnover margin.

START AND FINISH: So far this season the Fire has been starting and finishing games with a barrage of points. In the first and fourth quarters the Fire is outscoring opponents 87 – 55. The Fire is also dominating the second half 68 – 48.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: The Fire will begin practice preparations for Birmingham tonight and continue all week:

Monday April 25:

7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Team workout at Metro Fitness on Shelbyville Road

8:30 – 10:00 P.M. – Team meal CiCi's Pizza on Dixie Highway

Tuesday April 26:

5:00 – 6:00 P.M. Coaches show with Tommy Johnson on 790 – AM

6:00-8:00 P.M. Practice at Freedom Hall

8:30 – 10:00 P.M. – Team meal at Masterson's on Third St. and Cardinal Blvd.

Wednesday April 27:

6:00-8:00 P.M. Practice at Freedom Hall

8:30 – 10:00 P.M. – Team meal at Royal Garden Buffet on Preston Highway

Thursday April 28: 6:00-8:00 P.M. Practice at Freedom Hall

8:30 – 10:00 P.M. – Team meal at Caesar's Indiana in Elizabeth, IN.

Friday April 29:

6:00-8:00 P.M. Practice at Freedom Hall

8:30 – 10:00 P.M. – Team meal at Hometown Buffet on Westport Road.

Saturday April 30:

7:30 P.M. Fire vs. Birmingham in Freedom Hall

All coaches and players will be available for interviews from 5:30 – 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 – 8:15 P.M. before or after practice. Please contact Adam Luken 368-0009 or 376-9647 the day you wish to attend.

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