Pirates prepare for Albany
Steve Robinson
Thursday May 27, 2004
But what Pirates head coach Bruce Cowdrey probably did not expect in the way of a change was quarterback and Pekin Community and Eastern Michigan alum Troy Edwards marching into practice May 20, turning in his #16 uniform and pads and asking Cowdrey to release him from the team.
“I was uncomfortable and asked for my release,” Edwards said. “I was unhappy with how things were there. I wasn’t having fun anymore.”
Edwards said that, since his release, he has not received any calls from any teams from af2, or the rival National Indoor Football League. For now, Edwards said he is happy working construction and will wait until the 2005 season before seeking another shot in the game.
“(Fielding other teams’ offers) is not on my mind right now,” he continued. “But if the right one was to come along, and it was the right fit, I might consider it. But I am happy just having the time off.”
Edwards said there was not much discussion between him and Cowdrey that night. The Times tried unsuccessfully to reach Cowdrey for comment about Edwards’ exit.
When this season began, Cowdrey said he felt Edwards had earned the starter position, having been the understudy to Walter Church last season. But his turn under center was short-lived as the Pirates had to find a solution to their poor start. Cowdrey rotated Edwards and former Illinois State passer Mike Souza in hopes the shuffle would draw victories.
Statistically, as gaining experience proved, Edwards’ numbers improved slightly from last season. Last season, Edwards played in six games, completing 13-of-25 passes, throwing one INT, gathering 148 yards and completing three touchdowns. This season, Edwards played in six games, completing 42-of-76 passes and four interceptions, scoring four touchdowns while garnering 352 yards.
Up-“Hill” Charge: Cowdrey signed quarterback Talmadge Hill during the bye week. Oak Park-native Hill started 31 games in his four-year career at Ball State, and graduated as BSU’s career record holder for touchdown passes with 44, garnering 6,484 total yards of offense.
Hill also comes with five games of 250 or more passing yards. He completed 154-of-253 passes for 1,691 yards with six interceptions and 13 touchdowns.
Throw The Flag: In a game against the Manchester Wolves in April, the Conquest set a league record for penalties committed this season with 23 flags thrown, costing Albany a total of 194 yards.
Albany’s Arena History: To their fans, it probably feels like the Empire State’s capitol city has always had arena football. Albany had a founding Arena Football League membership courtesy the Albany Firebirds, beginning in 1990. Until they moved to Indianapolis before the 2001 season and were rechristened the Indiana Firebirds, Albany rallied around their latest sports entry.
They finished that first year 3-5. By 1999, and the league having expanded in both teams and games played, Albany finished 11-3, including two playoff wins, landing in ArenaBowl XIII, beating the Orlando Predators, 59-48.
The Albany Conquest joined af2 in 2002 and has had back-to-back 13-3 seasons. But with four losses already, head coach Rick Buffington’s team, like Peoria currently, are trying to make a positive out of something that started negative.
Peoria defenders will be kept busy by Conquest quarterback D. Bryant, who, since being handed the reins three weeks ago, has gone 56-for-93 for 933 yards and 17 touchdowns. His favorite receiver is offensive specialist Tony Locke, whose 20 touchdowns place him third in af2.
Steve Robinson, a freelance writer since 1984, has written about the Peoria Pirates since the Pirates were members of Indoor Football League, beginning in 1999. He covers the Pirates currently for the Bloomington IL Pantagraph.
