Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Final Review and Preview Show
*By the way I know the Fire aren't in the af2 anymore but I was making a point about attendance.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Must Win
From my calculation we can win and have Manchester lose and still get in, but the Firebirds are not reporting that on their site. Manchester is currently 7-8, so if they lose they will be 7-9. If we win we'll be 7-9. We have a 4-4 division record and they have a 3-4 one. Plus we are 2-2 against them in the season so our division record should push us over them, right? Well I'll be keeping this in the back of my mind since it makes sense to me but it's not an official scenario.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
FBN brings you....the Firebirds in a video game!
No, it's not within the walls or on a 50 yard field, but I bring to you a very accurate Albany Firebirds team playable on PlayStation 3 or XBOX360. Every player is on the roster, and the uniforms are close enough to the real thing. The home field is the Tostidos Bowl with a custom Firebirds field. If you have NCAA 2010 for PS3, just search under "BSBenji" in the team builder and download the Firebirds! If you have Xbox, you may need to search "Albany Firebirds" instead. Here are some screen shots of the players in action (click on the thumbnails):
Sunday, July 19, 2009
One week left, DO OR DIE TIME!
It's unbelievable that with a 6-9 record we stand with a chance to make the playoffs, but alas, we can do it.
This is the wildcard standings, only 5 make it!
1. South Georgia (10-5)
2. Kentucky (10-5)
3. Green Bay (9-6)
4. Manchester Wolves (7-8)
5. Florida Firecats (6-9)
6. Albany Firbirds (6-9)
HERE ARE THE SCENERIOS WHERE WE WOULD MAKE IT:
1. We win, Florida loses. We would be 7-9, they would be 6-10.
2. We win, Manchester loses. We would both be 7-9, but we were 2-1 against them in the regular season, putting us ahead of them in the playoff standings.
We cannot lose and have Florida lose also, even though that would give us both 6-10 records. This is because Florida beat us in week 3.
So, we've got two chances! Most importantly, we've got to win for anything to happen!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
We lose, and the battle for a playoff birth intensifies...
That was the worst case scenario. The Birds lost against the team they were knotted with in the division. Manchester now moves to 7-7 while we lay at 6-8.
Here is how we stand now, remember - only five wild card teams.
1. South Georgia (9-5)
2. Kentucky (9-5)
3. Green Bay (8-6) - They drop a place.
4. Manchester Wolves (7-7)
5. Albany Firebirds (6-8) - We fall to fifth.
6. Florida Firecats (6-8) - Thankfully Florida also lost, keeping us in the top 5.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Moment of Truth
The three division leaders: Pioneers, Valley Vipers, Barnstormers.
Where we stand with the wildcard:
1. South Georgia (8-5)
2. Green Bay (8-5)
3. Kentucky (8-5)
4. Albany Firebirds (6-7)
5. Manchester Wolves (6-7)
6. Florida Firecats (6-7) - They are last in their division.
So the deal is, we have a better in division record than Manchester, we have gone 4-4 in the East and they have gone 3-5. Two of our remaining three games are within the East, one is against Manchester which is in two days. Winning two out of three would be a safe bet to make it in, but 1-3 certainly would be no sure thing. I'll keep the updates on playoff standings coming.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Press Release
Firebirds “D” Has Final Say In Shootout
ALBANY, NY – Firebirds Safety Kenny Williams broke-up a potential go-ahead pass in the endzone with 42.2 seconds left in the game and Albany took over on downs to secure a 56-52 victory in front of 4,372 fans Friday night at the Times Union Center.
The Firebirds took their sixth decision in the club’s last eight games to improve to 6-7 on the season and to maintain its advantage over Manchester for second place in the East Division. Peoria fell to 3-9 on the year and are now 2-3 under new head coach and former Firebirds bench-boss Mike Hohensee
Albany led by as many as fourteen points in the first quarter, but Peoria closed the gap to 35-34 heading into the second half. Firebirds defensive back Malik Jackson intercepted Peoria ’s Luke Drone on the opening drive of the third quarter for the first defensive stop of the game and the turnover set up an Alvin Ray Jackson touchdown that made it 42-34. Peoria ’s Brian Allbrooks hauled in the game’s next two scores to give the Pirates their first lead of the night at 46-42 heading into the fourth quarter.
Firebirds quarterback Stephen Wasil threw fourth-quarter touchdowns to Anthony Rodriguez and Jackson for each receiver’s third score of the night. Drone answered Wasil’s first strike with a passing touchdown to Dante Ridgeway, but his final drive of the game came up short as Williams swatted down a would-be touchdown in the final minute of action.
Both sides seemed to score at will in the first thirty minutes of action, with neither defense recording a first-half stop. Early in the second quarter the Pirates pulled to within seven points on a passing strike to Brad Kunz, but Firebirds receiver Adam Bednarik answered with a tough-catch in the back of the endzone to make it 35-21 Albany. Peoria ’s Dante Ridgeway caught the final two touchdowns of the first half to bring his team to within one point; the Pirates kept Wasil off the field late in the half by recovering a kickoff that took a long bounce off of the end-line Iron.
On the opening drive of the game SUNY Albany product Jon Leible scored his fourth touchdown of the year and the Firebirds quickly doubled their lead with an onsides kick recovery that led to Jackson ’s first touchdown. Pirates wide-out Darren Paige and Albany ’s Rodriguez split the contest’s next four scores for a 28-14 Firebirds lead after one quarter.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final
Albany Firebirds (6-7) 28 7 7 14 56
Peoria Pirates (3-9) 14 20 12 6 52
PASSING LEADERS: (Comp-Att-Yds-TDs-INT)
ALB: WASIL, Stephen – 41-26-368yds-8TD-0INT
PEP: DRONE, Luke – 25-19-255yds-7TD-1INT
RECEIVING LEADERS: (Rec-Yds-TD)
ALB: RODRIGUEZ, Anthony: 7-154-3TD
PEP: PAIGE, Darren: 8-60-1TD
Russell Offensive Player of the Game: Stephen Wasil (ALB)
Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Game: Kenneth Williams (ALB)
JLS Ironman of the Game: Alvin Ray Jackson (ALB)
The Big Game Catch of the Game: Adam Bednarik (ALB)
Nifty Hit of the Game: Rob Wright (ALB)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Photo Gallery for 6/13
(Click here)
This week on FBN!
Tuesday: Post Game Interview from Saturday
Wednesday: The Review and Preview Show
Thursday: Photo of the Week!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Update!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Player Schedule
MONDAY – NO PRACTICE
TUESDAY – 3:00 PM PRACTICE AT TIMES UNION CENTER
WEDNESDAY - 3:00 PM PRACTICE AT TIMES UNION CENTER
THURSDAY - 3:00 PM PRACTICE AT TIMES UNION CENTER
FRIDAY – 11:00 AM WALKTHROUGH AT TIMES UNION CENTER
SATURDAY – 7:00 PM GAME AT TIMES UNION CENTER
Friday, June 5, 2009
Press Release
Albany Ties Wolves For Second Place In The East
MANCHESTER, NH – The Firebirds held a two-point lead after two quarters and never trailed in the second half as they defeated the Manchester Wolves 48-46 Friday night at Verizon Wireless Arena.
Manchester quarterback Mike Potts needed a two-point conversion to knot the game in the final minute of action, but his pass went through the hands of receiver Emery Sammons and the Firebirds maintained their 41-39. Albany recovered the ensuing onsides kick and attempted to run-out the clock, but the defense allowed Wasil into the endzone to take a nine-point lead. Emmery Sammons returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to pull the Wolves back to within two points, but the Firebirds recovered a second onsides kick and, this time, wound the clock to ice the win.
Late in the fourth quarter Manchester defensive back Brandon Isaac grabbed his second interception of the night and handed the ball over to Potts, who was down just one point in his first career af2 game. Potts drove the Wolves down the field eyeing his first lead of the second half, but receiver Jason Messing fumbled the ball on the edge of the goal-line and former Manchester lineman David Tash recovered for Albany. Firebirds Quarterback Stephen Wasil took over and quickly found Jarod Jones in the endzone to take a 41-33 lead at the one minute warning.
Albany opened the second half with a 28-19 lead and added to their total in the third quarter with strikes to receivers Christian Wise and Jones. The Wolves kept pace with touchdown passes to Deyon Williams and Sammons and trailed 34-33 heading into the fourth.
The Firebirds defense started the game strong and forced the Wolves to settle for field goals on their first two possessions of the game. Albany took over in the second quarter with a 7-6 lead behind an Anthony Rodriguez touchdown, but the Firebirds let Manchester off the hook when their second offensive possession ended in Isaac’s first pick of the game. Both sides exchanged scores to close out the half; Manchester’s Sammons caught two touchdowns for the Wolves, while the Firebirds tallies came from Wise and Tight End Jon Leible.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final
Albany Firebirds (4-6) 7 14 13 14 48
Manchester Wolves (4-6) 3 16 14 13 46
PASSING LEADERS: (Comp-Att-Yds-TDs-INT)
ALB: WASIL, Stephen – 22-42-300yds-6TD-2INT
MCH: POTTS, Mike – 24-34-303yds-4TD-0INT
RECEIVING LEADERS: (Rec-Yds-TD)
ALB: WISE, Christian: 8-85-2TD
MCH: WILLIAMS, Deyon: 10-87-1TD
Russell Offensive Player of the Game: Emery Sammons (MCH)
Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Game: Brandon Isaac (MCH)
JLS Ironman of the Game: Emery Sammons (MCH)
The Big Game Catch of the Game: Jarod Jones (ALB)
Nifty Hit of the Game: Brandon Isaac (MCH)
The Firebirds hit the return to Albany next weekend to take on the Mahoning Valley Thunder on Saturday, June 13th in a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at the Times Union Center. Partial season ticket packages and single game tickets are now on sale; for more information please contact the Firebirds at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyfirebirds.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The First Win!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Vick Offer a Publicity Stunt
"I'm a dog lover and I don't want anything to do with (Vick)," Albany Firebirds owner Walter Robb told The Times Union for a story posted on its Web site Tuesday night.
Earlier in the day, the team an arenafootball2 franchise, announced it had offered the 28-year-old quarterback a one-year contract at the league standard: $200 a week plus a $50 bonus for a win.
"That's a joke," Robb said. "Can you imagine him playing for $200 a week? I think (the offer) was a big mistake."
The announcement was later pulled from the team's Web site. Firebirds general manager Garen Szablewski told The Times Union the team's marketing department came up with the idea to make an offer to Vick.
"The process wasn't thought through properly," Szablewski said. "The right hand didn't know what the left hand was doing."
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Firebirds Pursuing Mike Vick
FIREBIRDS LOOK TO SIGN MICHAEL VICK
af2 Franchise Offers Incentive-Laden Contract to Former NFL Star
ALBANY, NY – The Albany Firebirds announced today that they have offered former NFL quarterback Michael Vick a contract for the remainder of the 2009 season. The arenafootball2 franchise has sent Vick’s agent an incentive-leaden, one-year offer that would go into effect as soon as the 28 year-old quarterback is reinstated by the National Football League.
“At the start of the season we’d made the decision as an organization not to pursue Michael,” said General Manager Garen Szablewski . “However, in light of the team’s recent struggles, we were forced to re-examine the issue. After days of heated debate within the front office, we put together an offer that made everyone comfortable with the idea of singing him.”
The most notable stipulation in the team’s offer requires Vick to donate $100,000 to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society.
The aF2 prohibits member teams from signing players who are currently under NFL suspension, but the Firebirds hope that the contract offer will expedite NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision.
Vick, 28, enjoyed a six-year professional career as a quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. The 6’0” 215 lb signal-caller has 11,505 career passing yards and 71 passing touchdowns, along with 3,859 career-rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. Vick was placed on suspension by the NFL in August, 2007 after pleading guilty to a federal felony charge involving an illegal interstate dog fighting business which became known as "Bad Newz Kennels."
The Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society (MHRHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been providing shelter for lost, abused and unwanted animals since 1887. Their animal care facility is the largest in the Capital Region, receiving an average of over 7,000 animals per year. MHRHS receives not just common household pets like cats, dogs, rabbits and hamsters, but also snakes, birds, iguanas, fish, horses, livestock and even llamas. To carry out their work, MHRHS receives no ongoing funding from federal, state or local governments or any other animal welfare organization. They rely on your generous donations to support their vital services for the animals.
Albany will finish their two-game homestand on Saturday, May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. against the Mahoning Valley Thunder at the Times Union Center . Partial season ticket packages and single game tickets are now on sale; for more information please contact the Firebirds at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyfirebirds.com.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Status of Interviews
Stay tuned!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Firebirds Nest T-Shirt Acquired
If any of you have seen my F4Blog website, you'd know that I sported a logo'd professionally made shirt that I wore on every show or interview. Well just in time for Week 5, the Firebirds Nest t-shirt came in today. You'll be seeing a lot of this! (CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Week 4 Preview (Press Release)
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
WR/LB Alvin Ray Jackson continues to be one of the most productive Firebirds on both sides of the ball. Last week Jackson turned in a pair of fumble recoveries for touchdowns; the first from a Jose Harris sack/forced fumble on Manchester quarterback James Pinkney and the second on a Kenny Williams fumble during a kick return. In Week 3 Jackson caught two touchdown passes at home against Florida and recorded the team’s second interception of the season, picking Florida’s Chris Wallace in the endzone on the Firecats’ opening drive.
After taking just one week off as Albany’s top receiver, WR Christian Wise put up 139 yards for three touchdowns on six receptions in Week 4 to lead Albany in each category. Wise’s 441 yards and four touchdowns on the year lead the team and Wise ranks 10th in the league with 110.2 receiving yards per game. WR Anthony Rodriguez tops the Firebirds in receptions with 34.
FB Derek Adams Jr. has played in two games with the Firebirds this season and has led the team in rushing in both games. Last week Adam’s Jr. was given just one rushing attempt, but he made the most of it with a 6-yard touchdown rumble.
OL/DL David Tash joined the team via a trade from Manchester last week and he made his presence known in his first game against his former team. Tash registered five tackles, one sack and one forced fumble which led to a Firebirds defensive touchdown. Team-leader in tackles Kenneth Williams (DB) also notched five tackles in week four and added a team-high three pass break-ups. Williams leads all Firebirds defenders with 22 tackles on the season. Defensive Lineman Reggie Paramoure’s 3.5 tackles for loss (including 2 sacks) have him ranked 10th in the league in TFL per game.
Firebirds Pecks:
· Big Play Ray Under Center: After QB Brett Hall’s mid-week release, the Firebirds had just one healthy quarterback for Week 4 (starter Adam Bednarik). WR/LB Alvin Ray Jackson, a former Albany State quarterback, was listed as the team’s number two signal-caller. Albany’s leading scorer wore non-contact orange during practice and worked-out his arm during warm-ups, but stuck to WR/LB during all team-drills and did not take any snaps in Manchester.
· New Faces at Quarterback: Week 1 starter Stephen Wasil will return to non-contact drills this week and is expected to participate in team drills during Week 6. In the mean time, Head Coach Tony Bowick brought in QB Datwan Hemmingway for a two-day tryout.
· Tale of Two Halves: Through four games this year the Firebirds have scored 95 points in the first-half to just 47 in the second-half. Their opponents, on the other hand, have really turned it up after halftime with 124 points versus 96 first-half points.
· Kicker Putting Up Points: Kicker Brian Umstead ranks second on the team in scoring with 24 points. Umstead is 15-for-17 on PAT’s which ranks 4th in the league (91.7%) and his three field goals on seven attempts has him ranked third in field goal percentage (42.9) and tied for third in field goals per game (1.00). Three of Umstead’s four misses have come from more than fifty-yards out.
· Vena Returns to Albany: Pioneers QB Ryan Vena has surpassed the 20,000 passing-yard mark; he ranks 3rd All-Time in af2 history. Vena has also completed 400 TD Passes in his career, which also ranks 3rd All-Time in af2 history. Vena was Albany’s quarterback for three years (2002-2003, 2006) and holds franchise records for passing yards (12,023), passing touchdowns (213), pass attempts (1,527), pass completions (983), completions percentage (64.4%), passing interceptions (48), sacks taken (58), rushing attempts (212), rushing yards (652) and rushing touchdowns (56).
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
What's happening this week?
It's been a little quiet lately after our four straight loss, here is the lowdown:
This week will not have a Review and Preview Show. Nothing that can be said hasn't already been stated, and the team just went through yet another second half meltdown. We could be the best first half team in the league, but that counts for nothing.
To compensate for this, you will get bonus coverage of Saturday's game with a post game interview that night and one on Sunday as well. After this, another full Review and Preview Show that Wednesday.
Do not fear, there is a ton of content ahead - this week is just a little slow and not much is going on. Look out for a possible Christian Wise entry as well.
Thanks!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Image of the Week!
This week, Bednarik's pass to CWise (click on Polaroid to enlarge):
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Our Mention in Albany's Times Union
The youths surprisingly pulled out legit press passes. Not entirely convinced, security asked for IDs. The teens produced them, too. They belonged. Finally, the two were let through to join the post-game gaggle of reporters.
The thing is, the two are in fact high school kids. They're also working press, even if they're not getting a dime for their efforts.
Welcome to the future of sports journalism. Actually, welcome to the present.
Ben Schwartz, 17 later this month, makes the four-hour round trip from Westchester so he can report for The Firebirds Nest, his site devoted to all things surrounding the af2 team. His cameraman Jeffrey Friedlander came along for the experience.
They want to be journalists, and what better training is there than covering a pro team? You just wonder what jobs will be there for them when they get out of college in five or so years....."
To read the rest of the article, go to TimesUnion.com or pick up today's issue of the paper.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Photo Gallery Now Open!
I guess you wouldn't know it to this point, but I do love sports photography and will be taking many pictures at Firebirds games. To see home game pictures, go to photos.firebirdsnest.com or simply click on the Photo Galleries tab on the top of the page. Enjoy!
-Ben
Huge show lined up!
Despite another loss, this was a home game so many interviews were conducted. I was able to meet some viewers of the site and of course the players for the first time. I spoke to about five or six different players/coaches on camera so those interviews will be jammed into Wednesday's Review and Preview Show. Stay tuned!
To hold you over, here is the interview I did with Clint Dolezel after the game (was posted on F4Blog, hence the border):
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
FIREBIRDS AND TIME WARNER PUT FANS IN THE GAME
Winners Will Call A Play With Coach Bowick At Home GamesALBANY, NY – The Albany
Firebirds of arenafootball2 and Time Warner Cable announced today plans to conduct an on-line contest at each home game during the 2009 arenafootball2 season where one fan will win the chance to become the Arm-Chair Coach of the game and coordinate a play call with Head Coach Tony Bowick.
Fans are directed to visit http://albanyfirebirds.com/tracker/?e=ben%40firebirdsnest.com&u=6&s=16&t=url&d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timewarnercable.com%2FAlbany%2Fabout%2Fcommunity%2Fsweepstakes for the chance to win. One entry will be selected for each home Firebirds game at the Times Union Center to receive four front row seats and the opportunity to coordinate one offensive play selection with Albany Firebirds Head Coach Tony Bowick. The deadline to enter each contest will be three days prior to each home game. Fans need only enter the contest once to become eligible for every home game of the 2009 season because with Time Warner Cable, you always get the best seat in the house, and now you can make the call.See the rest at press.firebirdsnest.com!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Pioneers thrash Firebirds 70-28
The Firebirds drew first blood using 1:54 as Albany QB Adam Bednarik completed a 41-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wall. But after unsuccessful series by both teams the Pioneers got onto the scoreboard when QB Ryan Vena completed his 400th career touchdown pass to JJ Outlaw with 5:37 left in the first quarter. The Firebird offense answered by driving down to the 1-yard line and letting Bednarik take it in for their second score of the night. Vena only needed five seconds to connect with WR Rich Musinski for a 28-yard pass with 0:26 left on the clock to tie the score at 14-14.
The seesaw battle continued into the 2nd quarter with a 22-yard pass by the Firebirds and the Pioneers answers back with Vena capping off a 4 play 40-yard drive with a 2-yard scamper into the end zone. Bednarik came back with a score of his own to put the Birds in the lead and make the score 28-21 with 5:13 left in the half. Vena completed an 8-yard pass to Irving Campbell breaking his second record of the night. The completion put Vena over the 20,000-yard mark for his career. JJ Outlaw kept the show rolling as he reached the end zone for the second time of the night catching a 13-yard Ryan Vena pass with 1:06 on the clock.
The Pioneers defense took the field looking to keep the momentum and that they did. LB Larry Kendrick intercepted Bednarik’s pass and returned it 28-yards for the Pioneer touchdown ending the first half with the Pioneers in the lead 35-28.
Starting off the 3rd quarter, LB Cory Lacek recovered a Bednarick fumble to give the ball back to the offense. JJ Outlaw continued to put on a show scoring his third touchdown of the night and extending the Pioneers’ lead. Larry Kendrick added to his collection of interceptions when he picked Bednarik for the second time returning the ball to the 7-yard line. Kirby Griffin scampered into the end zone on the next play putting the Pioneers up 49-28. Griffin would score again after the defense would stop the Firebirds on 4 plays.
The Pioneers kept the scoring going when Vena connected with Rich Musinski . The Pioneers defense also kept up their punishing ways and Coach Ingold handed over the offense to Joe DeLuise who after having a little trouble getting started scored the last touchdown of the night with 0:17 left to play.
PASSING LEADERS: (Comp-Att-Yds-TDs)
ALB: BEDNARIK, Adam – 18-for-43, 225 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
WBS: VENA, Ryan – 16-for-24, 187 yards, 4 TDs, 1INT
RECEIVING LEADERS: (Rec-Yds-TD)
ALB: WISE, Christian: 10-for-116, 0 TDs
WBS: MUSINSKI, Rich: 4-for-65, 2 TDs
Russell Offensive Player of the Game: Ryan Vena (WBS)
Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Game: Larry Kendrick (WBS)
JLS Ironman of the Game: Cory Lacek (WBS)
The Big Game Catch of the Game: Rich Musinski (WBS)
Nifty Hit of the Game: Cory Lacek – Opening Kick-Off Hit
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final
Albany Firebirds (0-2) 14 14 0 0 28
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (2-0) 14 21 21 14 70
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Albany Firebirds Review and Preview Show: Week One
To watch in high quality, press the "HQ" button on the player (this appears after you press play).
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Very first Review and Preview Show to come out tomorrow night!
Well, the first Review and Preview Show is almost ready to go. This was suppose to be released tonight (for viewers to see tomorrow), but major technical difficulties inhibited our ability to get this out. Therefore, although all of the show is filmed and most is edited, this will still come out tomorrow at night (possibly late).
This IS NOT how it will normally occur, the show is intended to first be viewed on Wednesdays and will often be posted late Tuesday night.
Stay tuned, your safest bet is to check back tomorrow night and if it isn't there yet, it will 100% be up Thursday morning.
-Ben
Monday, March 30, 2009
Firebirds to Host Charity Bowl-a-Thon
View the rest of the article at press.firebirdsnest.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Firebirds Suffer Opening Week Loss
YOUNGSTOWN, OH– The Albany Firebirds squandered an 11-point fourth quarter lead as they dropped their 2009 season opener 44-34 to the Mahoning Valley Thunder Friday night at the Chevrolet Centre.
The first half was a sloppy affair as the two teams combined for eight turnovers, including five fumbles, two turnovers on downs and one interception. Mahoning Valley opening the scoring on the first possession of the game as they capped off a eight-play drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass from QB Davon Vinson to WR Quorey Payne. Albany answered right back with a six-play drive that ended with a ten-yard TD pass from QB Stephen Wasil to WR Christian Wise; after K Brian Umstead’s extra point the Firebirds had their first lead 7-6.
After recovering a Vinson fumble in the final minute of the first quarter the Firebirds extended their lead to 13-6 when back up QB Adam Bednarik hit WR Mike Wall with a deep pass for a 38-yard strike just 40 seconds into the second quarter. Following back-to-back defensive stops, the Firebirds quickly got the ball down to the Thunder one yard line, but then fumbled on the next play and Mahoning Valley made them pay with a five-yard pass from Vinson to Payne for a 20-13 lead. Three fumbles and in interception later, Albany answered when Bednarik punched in his first career af2 rushing touchdown from one yard out to tie the game at 20-20. Mahoning Valley kicker Derek Schorejs drilled a 26-yard field goal on the final play of the first half to give the Thunder a 23-20 lead after thirty minutes.
The Firebirds dominated the third quarter; Bednarik led the team on a nine-play, 45-yard drive that ate up almost six minutes of the clock that ended with a nine-yard TD pass to WR Anthony Rodriguez on a crucial fourth down and five play to give Albany it’s first lead of the second half 27-23. The Thunder slowly march down the field on a long possession, and had a first and goal situations at the Albany one-yard line, but the Firebirds defense mounted a heroic goal-line stand to force a turnover on downs.
Albany’s next possession carried them into the fourth quarter as Bednarik again led a nine-play drive, this time for 49 yards, which took 6:41 off the clock. On second and goal from the Mahoning Valley seven-yard line, Bednarik connected with WR Alvin Ray Jackson with his third TD pass of the night and with twelve minutes remaining in the game the Firebirds led 34-23. The Thunder then rallied for 21-straight points to deny Albany their first season-opening victory in three years. Vinson fired a strike to WR Chris Schubert from four-yards out to cut the Firebirds’ lead to four points and then with four minutes left the Thunder sacked Bednarik, forcing a fumble that was recovered by former Albany DB Brandon Taylor at the Firebirds four-yard line. Vinson took the next snap and ran it into the end zone to put the Thunder ahead 37-34. Mahoning Valley took a ten-point lead with another sack-fumble of Bednarik, recovered again by Taylor, who returned the ball ten-yards for the first defensive touchdown of the game and a 44-34 victory.
PASSING LEADERS: (Comp-Att-Yds-TDs)
ALB: BEDNARIK, Adam - 19-35-217-3, 2 INTs
MVT: VINSON, Davon - 18-26-190-4, 0 INTs
RECEIVING LEADERS: (Rec-Yds-TD)
ALB: WISE, Christian 8-128-1;
MVT: PAYNE, Quorey 8-99-2
Russell Offensive Player of the Game: Davon Vinson (MVT)
Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Game: Taz Wallace (MVT)
JLS Ironman of the Game: Rob Wright (ALB)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Quorey Payne (MVT)
Attendance: 3,713
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final
Albany Firebirds (0-1) 7 13 7 7 34
Mahoning Valley Thunder (1-0) 6 17 0 21 44
Next up for the Firebirds is a Week 2 trip to face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers, the defending East Division Champs, on Friday, April 3rd, a 7:30 pm kick off at Wachovia Arena. Albany will play their 2009 Home Opener on Friday, April 10th at 7:00 pm against the Florida Firecats at the Times Union Center.
Full and partial season ticket packages and single game tickets are now on sale; for more information please contact the Firebirds at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyfirebirds.com.
Game Night!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Firebirds Weekly (Press Release)
The Albany Firebirds made a press release today previewing the next game and some of the new/old players.
It was a very long release, but it is all here at press.firebirdsnest.com
Opening Day Quarterback Still Undecided
This is according to TimesUnion.com. Three days before the season opener, neither Stephen Wasil nor Adam Bednarik (left) are sure which will get the call to start Friday at Mahoning Valley."They haven't told us anything yet," Wasil said before Tuesday's practice. "Obviously we both want to start. But we're here to win, so it's just helping each other until they make that decision."
Monday, March 23, 2009
"Firebirds & Flames To Greet Fans Weekly at The Sports Grill In East Greenbush"
ALBANY, NY – The Al bany Firebirds of arenafootball2 announced today that the club will once again host a “Meet The Firebirds” event every Monday night at The Sports Grill in Rensselaer during the 2009 arena football season. The Firebirds players and Fabulous Flames will be available for pictures and autographs as fans join them at the Sports Grill from 7-9 pm .
The Firebirds will provide ticket giveaways and other great prizes at each appearance, while the Flames will also be on hand to mingle with alongside Capital Region Football Fans. The Firebirds return to the field as Al bany ’s team this Friday, March 27th when they visit the Mahoning Valley Thunder in a 7:05 pm kick off at the Chevrolet Centre. Firebirds fans can watch all of the action for free on af2TV via www.af2.com.
For the rest of the article, go to press.firebirdsnest.com.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Opening night 5 days away!
The Firebirds will be playing their first game of the season at Mahoning Valley on Friday. Within this week Christian Wise should have another video up, plus some preview content.
Stay tuned!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Reaching out to New York Dragons fans
Without the AFL in 2009, what can Dragons fans do to get their football fix? Well, after talking with Vice President of Marketing for the Firebirds, Jonathan Scherzer, there may be some hope!Basically what we need is a scale of interest from Dragons fans: is something like a bus trip for Firebirds games out of Long Island viable for you? Dragons fans would get discounted ticket prices and possibly other incentives for these trips, and it would be an official transportation source from the Firebirds, to stranded AFL fans.
If you are interested or think this is a good idea, spread the word and e-mail either me (ben@firebirdsnest.com) or Jonathan Scherzer at: jonica@albanyriverrats.com.
Let us know!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Christian Wise to do a weekly VLOG on FBN
Christian Wise, a second year DB/WR of the Albany Firebirds will be posting a weekly or biweekly video here on the Firebirds Nest discussing training camp and the team's progression. Other contributors include kicker Brian Umstead and FB/LB Norman Bauer. At some point multiple players will be simultaneously contributing with videos.Stay tuned for Wise's first entry coming this week!
Friday, March 6, 2009
New Press Release Page!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Training Camp only two days away!
The off-season has been long, and with a totally revamped team and of course the classic look, the franchise is having their first ever training camp as the "Firebirds" starting Saturday. For two weeks, the team will prepare for their first game on March 27th. A majority of the players are already in the area, and most are anticipating seeing their new teammates for the first time.Over this two week period I will have correspondence with multiple Firebirds players, and should have a few phone or video interviews. You will get updates every couple of days from the number one source, the players.
So get ready for some interviews, news, and all training camp action!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Full NYD Workout Video Up/New Press Release
Since the Firebirds coaches did not attend, this loses its previous strong relevance to the Firebirds Nest, but the full open workout video is up on www.F4Blog.com.
The Firebirds may be getting some of this talent this upcoming season, and there are a bunch of highlights in the video so it is worth a look.
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The Firebirds made another player release in which they introduced six more Firebirds - all of whom who were already on the transaction tracker at the bottom right of the screen.
The players were: Kevin Marchant (OL/DL), Anton Lindsay (OL/DL), Peter Martocci (OL/DL) Lavon Ward (OL/DL), Christian Wise (WR/DB), and Johnnie Butler (WR/LB).
-Ben
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Upcoming NYD Workout/Firebirds Press Release
The Firebirds staff will actually not be going to the open workouts this Saturday. Bowick for personal reasons was unable to go and the rest of the staff will stay behind as well.
Even so, there is a chance a few of these players could make it to the Firebirds training camp roster so stay tuned for the program reviewing the workout on Sunday.
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The Firebirds also had a press release today introducing six new players. Four of them were already on this site's transaction column for weeks, but the team is revealing them in bits.
The players are:
QB Stephen Wasil
QB Adam Bednarik
WR Harry DeBerry
WR/DB Alvin Jackson
WR/DB Patrick Horne
K Brian Umstead (friend of the site)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
NYD Upcoming af2 Tryouts
Although I produced this for F4Blog.com, Firebirds fans may want to know about this. Albany's coaching staff will be down in Long Island scouting at this tryout for possible talent.
Monday, February 23, 2009
What's to come?
Well you know about the site's mission and sort of what I am trying to do here, but how will I be doing it?
Albany Firebirds Review and Preview Show: It is sort of a spin-off of the once fairly successful "New York Dragons Review and Preview Show". It is a weekly video program that sums up the previous game, previews the next game, and often touches upon a personal story or an opinion I may have. Interviews, photos, highlights, and all things Firebirds will appear on the show.
Christian Wise, WR/DB will have a weekly segment where he sheds some light on matters around the team. It is yet to be named (e-mail me suggestions!)
Exclusive Player/Coach Interviews: Interviews will be conducted at games and these will usually appear on the Review and Preview Show, but sometimes interviews will be conducted over the phone or over video-to-video chat. These often go longer and more in depth than your standard post-game interview, and will therefore have their own separate show.
Firebirds Update: A big transaction or huge news? This will require a separate, usually short, Firebirds Update. These are one of the less frequent type of shows.
Transactions page/column: While the Off-Season Tracker can be found at the bottom right of this page, an in-season page will be created in its place. The five most recent transactions will appear in that column, but all of them will have their own page.
Text Updates: Some posts or stories will be posted a few times a week primarily just to keep you fans updated with the day in and day out workings with the team.
More to come!
Comment with suggestions,
-Ben
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Introducing, the Firebirds Nest Message Boards!
During the season, Firebirds fans will want a place to discuss the team aside from the comments below each entry on the site. Therefore, I have set up a message board just for us. All you have to do is click on "Message Boards" in the top tab or type "boards.firebirdsnest.com" to access it.
Things will be slow at first since not much is going on, but feel free to post any questions or comments as things stand right now.
Thanks!
Friday, February 6, 2009
FBN Banner on Firebirds Homepage
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