After several changes, Georgia Firebirds make home debut

ALBANY — After a tumultuous week in which they lost their season opener and fired their head coach, the Georgia Firebirds are looking for a clean slate.

The team has a chance to do just that tonight when Arena Football returns to the Albany Civic Center. The Firebirds played the Capital City Cobras in an exhibition game on March 9, but tonight marks the return of arena football when they tackle the Atlanta Vultures at 7:05 p.m.

The Firebirds are anxious to shake off an 86-0 loss to the Columbus Lions, one which saw the dismissal of former coach DJ Daniels and most of his assistants. Former Albany Panther Antwon Savage was hired to lead the team Sunday night and he wants the city to know things will be different.

“We’re going to give the city a little taste of what they were used to seeing,” Savage said. “It’s not the same Albany Panthers, it’s the Georgia Firebirds. We’re going to put up points and play good defense.”

Savage played wide receiver for the now defunct Panthers in 2013, breaking a fibula and dislocating an ankle in his final game as an arena football player.

He said he doesn’t want the game to be about him.

“Everywhere I went, people always wanted to know when arena football was coming back to Albany,” he said. “I haven’t played in three years and I kind of miss it but I don’t miss it. I just want to pass along my knowledge to some of the younger players.”

Tonight’s game will be the first of two home games at the Civic Center. The Georgia Firebirds will play host to the Savannah Steam on April 2 before playing two straight road games. Savannah defeated Atlanta 2-0 in its season opener last weekend.

Savage said despite the many changes this week, Firebird players have been receptive.

“The first two days (of practice) have been good,” he said. “They’ve been making good plays on the ball and they’re excited right now. It’s like a gloomy day has been turned into a bright one.”