Fury Ride Defense to Big Victory
Neal Ruhl
Sunday February 9, 2003
The Fury Defense pressured Force QB Donnie Davis into two interceptions, and also recovered a fumble on the way to the victory, which was the Fury’s first in 12 games dating back to last year. Ernest Ross sealed the deal by picking off Davis with :10 seconds to go in the game, giving Detroit the victory.
“We made the big plays, and they didn’t.” said Fury QB Andy Kelly. Kelly was 23-41, good for 215 yards, and 4 scores. Kelly completed passes to eight different receivers, highlighted by a 13 yard touchdown pass to 6-4, 290 pound offensive lineman Angel Rubio with :56 seconds to go in the game to give the Fury the 38-31 lead that they would never relinquish. “It was kind of a trick play.” Said Kelly, “the lineman is the second read on that play.” Fury coach Al Luginbill also liked the call. “On the call, basically we don’t block anyone, and the hope is that they don’t cover anyone, which they didn’t.”
Coach Luginbill also credited special teams in the victory. “We blocked a couple field goals, that was huge for us.” The Fury also made every kick they attempted. Kicker Matt McNew connected on all three field goals, as well as all three extra points.
The game was not perfect for the Fury however as they seemed to sputter coming out of the halftime break for the second straight week. “I don’t know what it is, I wish I did, but I don’t.” Andy Kelly said. “Our best days on offense are ahead of us.” Coach Luginbill added. “We have to get that straightened out.”
The win was a huge one for the Fury as they moved to 1-1 on the young season, guaranteeing them at least a share of the division lead. The Fury needed to get this one as the schedule sees them playing only 3 of the next 11 in the friendly confines of the Palace. The Fury head out on the road for the first time this year as they travel to Carolina, to take on the Cobras. The loss evened the Force’s record to 1-1 as they go home to open their new arena against the Arena League Champion San Jose SabreCats.
Inside the Fury
DS Ron Carpenter was the game MVP for the Fury. He had another strong day returning the ball as well as an interception…The Fury make their NBC debut in 2 weeks against Andy Kelly’s former team, the Dallas Desperados.
Neal Ruhl lives in the Metro Detroit Area where he has covered the Detroit Lions as well as the Motor City Bowl.
