Review and Preview Show: Week Five

Vick Offer a Publicity Stunt

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The owner of a minor league football team that offered Michael Vick a contract told a newspaper he didn't know about the publicity stunt and would not have approved it. 

"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."

Post Game Interview with Christian Wise

Firebirds Pursuing Mike Vick

Wow if this happened it would put buts in the seats and bring us national attention, I doubt it though:

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.

4/25 Photo Gallery Up!

Screwed up the graphic by a day but you get the idea.

(Click the polaroid).

Exclusive Interview with FB Norman Bauer

Status of Interviews

Now shooting in HD, I can't upload an interview tonight because I need the file conversion software that I have at home (still in Albany). I will put one up tomorrow night and one on Tuesday as well. There will be 3+ others in the Review and Preview Show ON THURSDAY.

Stay tuned!

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)

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).

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!

Image of the Week!

(Image of the week comes after home games I've attended):
This week, Bednarik's pass to CWise (click on Polaroid to enlarge):

Albany Firebirds Review and Preview Show: Week Three

Exclusive Interview with WR/DB Christian Wise

Exclusive Interview with Kicker Brian Umstead

Our Mention in Albany's Times Union

"ALBANY — They surely did look like two kids trying to sneak into the Albany Firebirds' locker room after Friday night's game. Times Union Center security quickly stopped the pair, garbed in team gear, and asked where they thought they were going.

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.

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):

Exclusive Interview with Starting QB Adam Bednarik

FIREBIRDS AND TIME WARNER PUT FANS IN THE GAME
Winners Will Call A Play With Coach Bowick At Home Games

ALBANY, 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!

Albany Firebirds Review and Preview Show: Week Two

Pioneers thrash Firebirds 70-28

WILKES-BARRE, PA – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers held a seven-point lead at halftime that turned into a one-sided blowout as they rolled over the Albany Firebirds 70-28 Friday night at Wachovia Arena.

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

Gameday!

7:30 PM EST start time, watch on NIFTYTV, www.niftytv.com/af2!

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).