Classic Overtime Game Ends in Defeat for Hometown Firebirds
Matthew Pickut
Monday April 16, 2001
To be fair the game came down to more then just a few kicks. The Indiana Firebird’s defense couldn’t put together three good plays in a row all game. Even with a porous defense, the Firebirds still had more then one chance to win. In the fourth quarter, with Indiana ahead by four points, a Garner kick-off sailed through the up-rights and hit the stands. The rebound sent the ball back into the field of play and the Firebirds recovered at the Grand Rapids 15 yard-line. The officials made the right call and gave the ball to the Rampage as a touchback, but they earned themselves the ire of the Firebirds (new) faithful.
Dolezel picked apart the Firebird’s defense all night by completing 70 percent of his passes on the way to an eight-touchdown evening. Defensive specialists Cornelius Coe and Cedrick walker lead an Indiana defensive squad that managed to make some big hits and break up several long passes. It was their inability to stop the Rampage on third down, however, that lost the game. Just one defensive big play and the 11,379 fans would have gone home with more than the free taco they got for the Firebirds’ scoring more than 55 points.
The Firebirds’ offense played well in the second half after a lackluster showing in the first. In the AFL, only scoring 10 points in a half is usually an invitation to a blowout. The Firebirds clawed back into the game by taking some chances in the kicking game. A fake field goal netted the ‘birds a first down deep in the Rampage’s territory. An onsides kick recovered by Jay Jones later in the game gave the Firebirds momentum to start their comeback. The Grand Rapids front line touched the ball first but as Coach Dailey said after the game, “that doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll recover it.” The most spectacular play of the game came early as “touchdown” Eddie Brown passed for a score on a run/pass option. Brown received a pitch from Philyaw on what looked to be a sweep left, then stopped and hit a receiver in the corner of the end zone.
After Garner’s kick sent the game into overtime, the Indiana offense drove down the field and scored on the first possession of overtime. The Rampage took the kick off back into Firebirds’ territory and quickly scored on their possession. The call of the game was made by Rampage Coach Michael Trigg, who decided to go for the two point conversion rather than risk giving the ball back to the Firebird’s for the first possession of sudden-death overtime. Dolezel took the snap from center and stunned the crown by hitting Deon Mitchell on a crossing pattern in the end zone.
“It was a classic arena game,” Dailey said at the post game conference, “we played well and competed, but just came up short.” Except for the final score, the AFL could not have asked for a better opening game in Indiana. The fans got into it right from the beginning, by making themselves heard at just the right times during both offense and defense. The Fieldhouse was a great venue, and the crowd’s wild involvement created a perfect atmosphere. It will only get better as Indiana fans get more familiar with the game.
Fiery Introduction
I have to admit that the feeling at the opening of the first game got me a little jealous. I work as a pastor and it got me thinking. We might be able to borrow a few things from the Firebirds for our church. Just picture it, the sanctuary is dark – fireworks explode from the dais and the PA voice screams, “And now get up and make some noise for your 2001 Monon Indiana United Methodist Church Worship Team!! Starting at Liturgist . . . MaryAlice Smith!” Flames erupt from beside the pulpit as 70+ year-old 5’4 MaryAlice strikes a pose and takes her place on the stage. I’m not sure a dance team like the Fabulous Flames would work, but I know that I could get a few members of the youth group to hook me up with the fireworks. It’s something to bring up at our next Trustees meeting at least.
And now for our audience participation...
I’m trying to put together a complete list of failed professional sports leagues, call it a road map for the XFL. Send me an email with the names of any past leagues that have gone under or merged with other leagues and the person who sends me the most complete list will receive something, I’m not sure what, but it’s the thought that counts isn’t it?
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.
