Zimmerman and Firebirds to Take On Rush
February 27, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa â This weekend on the AFL on NBC, Quad City Steamwheelers fans will have the chance to see former âWheelers quarterback Tony Zimmerman and the Indiana Firebirds take on the Chicago Rush. Zimmerman, who is backing up starter Adrian McPherson this weekend, has played in all three of the Firebirds first three games this season and has completed 22-of-41 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns. Zimmerman has also rushed for a touchdown as well.
The Firebirds will be looking for their first victory of the season and try to stop Chicago's fast 3-0 start. Below is the Must See Matchup for this Sunday's game.
CHICAGO QB RAYMOND PHILYAW vs. INDIANA SECONDARY
In an intense Central Division rivalry that has left the series split at 3-3, Rush QB RAYMOND PHILYAW (6-1, 200, Louisiana-Monroe) will have to face his former Indiana teammates for the first time this Sunday, February 29 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. Philyaw, a member of the Firebirds for four years before being traded to the Rush in the off-season, continues his solid play this season, completing 51-of-80 passes for 636 yards and 10 TDs. Philyaw is also ranked No. 3 in the League for rushing among QBs, gaining 21 yards and five TDs.
Most importantly, Philyaw has yet to throw an INT this season, with 80 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. Dating back to last season, Philyaw has thrown 106 consecutive passes without being picked off.
The last time the Rush went three games without throwing an INT was May 25 through June 8, 2002, when then-QB BILLY DICKEN went three-consecutive games without an INT. The Rush has never gone four-consecutive games without throwing an INT, and the Firebirds secondary aims to keep it that way.
Last week against Detroit, the Firebirds got four turnovers in the first half. The Firebirds secondary has been rock solid while continually improving, holding opponents to 54, 41 and 34 points in each of the first three games. DS EVAN HLAVACEK (5-10, 185, San Diego) is tied for No. 2 in the League in fumble recoveries (2), while DS ANTHONY DERRICKS (6-0, 185, Mississippi State) and WR/LB BRETT BECH (6-1, 200, LSU) have both had picks. Derricks has also accounted for six pass breakups this season.
The game will kickoff at 2 p.m. locally and can be seen on KWQC-TV6. Other games that will be featured on NBC around the country are New York at Arizona; Philadelphia at Tampa Bay; Dallas at Columbus; New Orleans at Las Vegas.
Be sure to tune into the AFL on NBC every Sunday seen locally on KWQC-TV6.
About Arena Football League
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, is in its 18th season. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL is currently celebrating its second season on NBC in 2004.
The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years.
Several players have moved on to the NFL from the af2 including the âWheelers standout defensive rush end in 2003, Asa Francis, who last month signed with the Buffalo Bills to play in NFL Europe this spring.
The Steamwheelers are gearing up for their Fifth Anniversary season as one of the charter members of the league. Season tickets are currently on sale starting as low as $54. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.
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