Five and Oh So Good
Marc Viquez
Friday April 16, 2004
As soon as kicker Clay Rush’s 58-yard field goal sailed gingerly through the uprights there was a feeling as if this team could do no wrong. In fact the 65-31 drubbing of the Carolina Cobras was an almost perfect game and showed off the talents of this team who now sit two games behind both the Chicago Rush and Colorado Crush in the division.
Adrian McPherson completed his first 11 passes, en route to a 13 for 15 day, no interceptions and five touchdowns. McPherson was three for four on third down conversions, and he was not afraid to go deep as he connected on a 32-yard score to Brett Bech and a 57-yard strike to Evan Hlavacek.
“He is gaining more confidence,” said Head coach Wilpot. “He and Heinzy (Anthony Hines) are a great tandem. They are just hot at the moment.”
Then there is the defense that stopped Carolina on a couple fourth downs and forced three turnovers that the offense converted into eventual scores for the Firebirds. Carolina was also limited to just 14 points in the second half and were three for nine on third down chances. Whenever the Cobras appeared to be getting back in the game there was a key turnover, like Jordan Younger’s interception or Hans Olsen’s and Chris Janek’s fumble recoveries.
“We were clicking—offense was moving, special teams were producing, defense made a few turnovers,” said Wilpot. “This could have been best we’ve played all year. We could have eight, nine wins—some of the games could have went either way. By week 16 we will be in or fighting to get into the playoffs”
According the wide receiver/defensive back Anthony Hines this Firebirds team has no one star, but a collection that makes up a whole.
“It’s a machine,” said Hines. “When one part breaks down we have to fix it. It starts with the offensive line to the wide receivers and then to the quarterback. The same on the defensive line as well. It is all of us believing we can do it.”
Both sides of the line were working to complement one another. McPherson had all the time in world to complete passes, the defensive line was able to sack Cobras quarterback Matt Nagy three times and break up a few passes, and the special teams even contributed with a touchdown return courtesy of Hlavacek.
There just seems to be more than a spark with this team since Wilpot took over. It is almost as if the main ingredient was brought in to enhance the flavors. What was missing from the first five weeks of the season has been flourishing ever since, and with Grand Rapids on tap this weekend, a record over .500 may be within grasp.
“I knew the talent was there, it was just putting it together,” said McPherson, who gives most, if not all, the credit to his receivers and offensive line. “The head coach changed the attitude of the team. We play and practice harder every day. It gets better every game.”
If this was the Firebirds’ best game, then the rest of the season could have a few more great ones lined up. So far, we have seen a season that looked destined to be a failure turn into one that has its fans glimpsing a playoff push. A lot can happen in the next six weeks, but it should be a memorable ride.
A fan of the sport since 1990 Marc has covered both the New Jersey Gladiators and Cincinnati Swarm (Af2) for Arenafan Online. Marc now resides in Indianapolis after graduating with a Masters in Sports Management from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. When not at a Firebirds game Marc can be found traveling the Midwest covering sports for various Internet and print publications.
