Fire Go Streaking
Kevin Sedelmeier
Tuesday July 15, 2003
Two weeks earlier, the Blizzard embarrassed the Fire in Green Bay, but the Fire avoided a repeat performance at home. Louisville only lost one turnover in the game, and while they still were penalized seven times, their penalties happened at less costly times than earlier in the season. In addition, the Fire outgained the Blizzard by 100 yards and sacked Blizzard QB Ramon Robinson four times. So, certain statistics point to a well-played game, but this team seems to have had a change in the intangibles department as well.
This suddenly appears to be an inspired group, still fresh off their win at Peoria. The fact that they threw a shutout half of football on the boards for the first time in franchise history adds to their newfound defensive confidence. But this confidence and spirit was not limited to the defensive side of the ball. A third quarter catch and run by receiver Toby Moeves exemplified that. In what by most accounts was a typically 10-yard reception, it was really much more. Moeves took the screen, and without much daylight, fought for a first down. Similarly, receiver Dennis Fryzel ran in another one of his patented two-point conversion, another headfirst dive into the end zone. Even during the long losing streak Fryzel always played hard and gave it his best effort. (You can add fullback/linebacker Demetrius Forney to that list as well.)
The game ended with the Fire’s ball on the Green Bay one-yard line. Head coach Tommy Johnson wasn’t about to call a timeout to try a QB sneak. However, the play that took them to the goal line was a Pookie Jones to Moeves bomb, lofted in the air over the head of defensive back Sidney Lewis. Knowing that Lewis, the former Peoria Pirate started a big brouhaha earlier in the season against the Fire and knowing that he seems to like to incite others, this seemed like a bit of payback.
Why the sudden difference in the Fire? Pookie Jones. The former University of Kentucky QB has played smart football. Yes, he is a talented and smart athlete capable of creating with his feet. He’s elusive and quick, but he also is contained and cool on the field. In hindsight, his early season rib injury hurt this team more than they realized at first. He was 18 of 22 without an interception Saturday. He does what it takes to win. He has good vision on the field, and he’s really just getting the hang of the indoor game. And as the team’s oldest player (a year younger than me – gee, I hate writing that), he’s become a leader. His effort and commitment are not lost on his teammates; everyone’s well aware of his daily commutes to practice from his home in Lexington.
With 11-3 Tulsa in town next Saturday, the Fire has a formidable foe to beat if they want to continue their brief but important winning streak. While the Talons have won their second straight National Conference Central Division championship, they have also earned a first round bye in the 2003 ArenaCup playoffs. So, in an odd sort of way, maybe the Fire has caught them at a good time.
For the Green Bay game, the crowd seemed bigger than in recent weeks (regardless of what the official attendance might say). What was definite about Saturday’s crowd was its noise. It was an excitable and loud crowd, giving the arena a better atmosphere than most of this season. In fact, it felt more like last season. (Yes, despite the mere two wins, last year’s crowds were big and often boisterous.)
Combine the Fire’s newfound winning ways and the crowd’s reinvigoration, and the season seems to be ending on a positive note. And they hope to continue their streak … in uniform that is.
Smoke Signals
If you were unlucky enough to be in your seat during the first part of the halftime show, I hope: A. your ears have recovered, B. you’re not scarred for life, and C. you won’t hold it against the Fire and return for more games. Radio Disney, who has been involved in kind, innocuous promotions previously at Fire games, had some sort of event at halftime. My description is vague? You bet. I think kids were supposed to be running some obstacle course. Many of the kids stood around not knowing what to do. Frankly, had I been on the field, I, too, would have been confused. A guy in a Hawaiian shirt and Rubik’s Cube-esque pants led the festivities. But that’s not the point. He was armed with a microphone. “Armed” is the appropriate word. I have been to concerts in Freedom Hall that were not as loud as this one guy yelling. It was cacophonous. He was whooping it up as his cohorts tossed fun sized candy bars into the stands. I watch the Disney Channel on TV; my son loves The Wiggles, but I may avoid 680 AM Radio Disney if all of their on-air personalities have to yell.
Poor opposing kickers. I think George Blanda would even get heckled at Freedom Hall. This week’s victim was Greg Krause. And after a missed third quarter PAT, Kraus was ripped by the faithful located directly above the opposing team’s bench. It’s unfair and merciless, but sadly, it’s also somewhat amusing.
At one point the official announced something I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a referee say. “We’ve got a number of fouls on the play.” You’ve got to love the precision accuracy of the af2 official.
Kevin Sedelmeier is a native Louisvillian. A graduate of the University of Louisville with a B.A. in Communication and M.A. in English, he works as a technical writer and has written fifteen screenplays and numerous short
stories. He lives with his wife Elizabeth, son Lukas, and their dog Springsteen.