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Who says division games don't matter?

May 5, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


INDIANAPOLIS – While the Arena Football League's playoff format doesn't necessarily take into account your record within your division this season, don't tell the Indiana Firebirds that their division games will not dictate whether or not they are invited to the post-season dance. Of their remaining three games, all are against Central Division rivals, and two of them have a combined record of 17-8.

Friday night the ‘Birds will begin their "Central Run" when they take on the Detroit Fury (4-8) at 8:00 PM at Conseco Fieldhouse. Detroit is not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but must have the idea of playing spoiler in the forefront of their thoughts this week. That, combined with the fact that they could sweep the season series from the Firebirds for the first time ever. The Fury won, 34-25, back in week three of this season. In the game, QB Adrian McPherson made his professional debut and accounted for three touchdowns (2 pass, 1 rush).

Detroit quarterback Andy Kelly will be in search of his 600th career touchdown pass on Friday night and will most likely look early and often to OS Thabiti Davis. Davis currently ranks 4th in the league in receptions (94) and 5th in receiving yards (1,174). The Firebirds have faced six of the top seven receivers in the league this season (by receptions) and are only 2-6 against them. Meaning that when they face a dominant offensive specialist, as Davis has become, they tend to struggle. Indiana's Defensive specialists, Anthony Derricks and Delvin Hughley, are both in the AFL's top ten in total tackles, solo tackles and passed defended.

The final two games for the Firebirds will be filled with tons of emotion and many familiar faces. After Detroit, Indiana stays home to host the Colorado Crush (9-4) in an AFL on NBC match-up. The Crush, led by former ‘Birds head coach Mike Dailey, have gone 3-1 since their 46-43 overtime loss to the Firebirds in Denver (week 10). Colorado also finishes the season with games entirely against Central Division opponents, just different weeks than Indiana. The Crush come to Indiana, then has it's bye week, followed by games at Detroit and home against Chicago. With nine wins looking like it could get a team into the playoffs, Colorado looks like a good shot and will be looking to secure a home game from this point forward.

The final regular season game for the Firebirds comes on Sunday, May 23rd in Chicago against the Rush (8-4). Chicago snuck out of Indianapolis in week four with a 49-46 win over the Firebirds. It was the first-ever start for McPherson, and saw the rookie on the field, looking for a timeout with none remaining and the clock expiring. The Firebirds felt they should have won the game and will have an opportunity to get back with playoff implications on the line. Chicago is in good position (#4 seed) with four games left. Of those four games, only one is against a team above .500, including this week's match-up with the (1-11) Grand Rapids Rampage. Besides the two mentioned games with Indiana and Colorado, the Rush will travel to Dallas, TX to face the Desparados (6-6) in week fifteen.

So while San Jose (10-2) chases the regular season's top record, the Central Division has three teams fighting to get into the mix somewhere and playing each other the rest of the way to figure out who gets in. Critics of the AFL's new playoff format cite that there is not enough importance stressed on your play within your division. After 13 games and a streaky season, that may be the only thing on the mind of Indiana Firebirds head coach Mike Wilpolt.

"If we can win our final three games, that puts us at 6-2 within our division this season," commented Wilpolt. "I would say that means that it is very important to win the games in your division, no matter what decides the playoff qualifiers. We know that emotions will be high, especially those final two contests. We just have to get back to the smart, hard-nosed football that got us into this point of even thinking about the post-season".

All three games can be heard locally, in their entirety, on the Firebirds Radio Network, or via the internet broadcast at www.espn950.com. Firebirds' group tickets for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. For single game tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.

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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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