'98 Arena Preview: Albany Firebirds
Posted: Mon April 20, 1998 at 1:20 PM ET
Location: Albany, New York
Arena: Pepsi Center (13,652)
1997 Record: 6-8 (missed playoffs)
Head Coach: Mike Dailey (6-8, .429)
Looking at the Firebirds: The league's longest-tenured team, Albany
enters the season with an interesting marketing campaign. The team's
statement is simple, yet strong: One Vision, One Goal -- ArenaBowl. With
one of the most improved rosters in the league, the team has the
opportunity to erase demons of seasons past -- they've missed going to
the ArenaBowl in three of the past four seasons by a mere seven points.
What's New: Recognizing a need to improve a defensive backfield that
surrendered 265.1 passing yards per game (12th out of 14 teams) and 51.0 ppg
(12th), the Firebirds selected DS Carlton Johnson with the No. 2
pick in the 1997 Dispersal Draft. Johnson was an All-Arena performer in
1994, leading the Las Vegas Sting in tackles (78) and interceptions (4).
What's Old: Albany's all-time leading scorer, OS Eddie Brown, is back for
another season of high-flying scoring exploits. Last season Brown
hauled in a league-record 135 receptions and finished as the circuit's
second-leading scorer (212 pts). Brown has had at least 35 TDs in
three of his four seasons with the Firebirds. Also returning is QB Mike
Pawlawski, who led Arena Football in passer rating (a league-record
122.6), QB rushing yards (77), passing yards (305.1 ypg) and total
offense (310.6 ypg) in '97. Albany also returns one of the Arena League's
rising stars, DS Derek Stingley. As a rookie in 1997, he led the team
in interceptions (4) and tackles (81), while developing into one of the
most feared return men in the league.
Pivotal Matchup: In Week 4, the New York CityHawks, led by former Albany
signal-caller Mike Perez, come to Albany. Last season, Perez erupted
for 241 passing yards, threw four TDs and rushed for another score in
leading the CityHawks to a 62-41 victory at the Pepsi Center.
Quoting Coach Mike Dailey: "We're optimistic. With a good core of
returning players, along with a solid group of newcomers, we hope to get
the Firebirds back on track and in contention."
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