Firebirds: The Game Remains the Same
Matthew Pickut
Saturday March 24, 2001
Losses in the defensive backfield and at quarterback guarantee that this year’s team will need to get comfortable with each other before they worry about getting to know Indiana. With thirteen rookies in camp, more than a few players will be getting familiar with the arena game as well.
Five men looked to fill the void at quarterback caused when last years incumbent, Mike Pawlawski, moved to the XFL. Four remain, three will stay when the season begins:
Chris Dittoe – 6’5”, 210 (Indiana University) The team brought Chris in this year after he spent time in several NFL cities. Coach Dailey cited Chris’s size, quick release, and presence in the huddle as Chris’s strengths. Coach Dailey also liked the local influence Dittoe provides.
Chris Boden – 6’2” 200 As a rookie trying to make the team, Boden has the most to prove. Learning the arena game can be difficult, but Coach Dailey scouted Chris in college and says Chris “is showing some good things so far.”
Raymond Philyaw – 6’0”, 200 (NE Louisiana) Last year’s back-up played only sparingly, completing 6 of his 13 attempts for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns, but looks to increase his playing time this year. His knowledge of the system and a quick release make him a strong contender for the starting job.
John Rayburn – 6’0” (UTEP) Rayburn rounds out the quartet, bringing something extra to the Firebirds. “He’s an above average athlete,” said Coach Dailey, “he can pull the ball down and make things happen.” Rayburn’s experiences include time spent in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
One player for those new to the game to watch is Offensive Specialist Eddie Brown. Brown is returning for his eighth year after taking a year off from the game. Caught off guard by his retirement last year Coach Dailey says, “He’s still our superstar.”
In the Defensive backfield the Firebirds have a trio of players who know how to win. Curtis Anderson returns from last year’s nine-win team and Cedric Walker suits up from the Western Division Champion Arizona Rattlers. Defensive Specialist Cornelius Coe also moves to the Firebirds from the AF2 Championship Quad City Steamwheelers. Coe was the AF2 defensive player of the year for the undefeated team. Time will tell how the revamped backfield will jell together in Indiana but each brings leadership to the team.
“Right Here, Right Now” by Van Halen plays in the background of the official team website. Even in a different city, there is only one desire: to win, right here, right now.
Matthew Pickut is a pastor in northern Indiana and a long time AFL fan. He also writes for his own website: The Brown Paper Blog. He graduated from Taylor University in Upland Indiana (class of `96) with degrees in Biblical Literature and Sociology as well as a healthy respect for the medicinal properties of coffee.
