Georgia Firebirds hold first tryout at Albany Civic Center

ALBANY — Terence Fowler stood at the south end zone on the artificial surface of the Albany Civic Center and gazed across the field. He saw prospective players as far as he could see.

For the co-owner of the Georgia Firebirds, Albany’s new Arena Football League team, Fowler couldn’t help but get excited as more than 90 players showed up for tryouts Saturday morning.

“It’s definitely exciting for us as an organization to see the turnout that we have today and the support we’ve had from the community thus far,” said Fowler, who along with Darrien Teals, helped bring indoor football back to Albany.

“It’s super exciting, and it’s a humbling situation.”

Former Monroe High School offensive lineman David Noel was one many players seeking to earn a spot on the roster. Noel has played indoor football before, including playing on a travel team last year.

But having a team in his hometown makes it even better.

“I’m ready to dominate,” Noel said. “I want to put Albany on the map. I want to help any way I can. We just want to have fun and win.”

Many of the players showed up appearing to be in midseason form. But for those not in shape who possess the skills Firebirds officials are looking for, there is plenty of time to get acclimated.

“It’s fun, but when you’re not in the program for a while, you have to loosen your body back up,” he said. ” You have to take pain that you haven’t taken in years. I don’t think too many of us are in shape like we’re supposed to be, but that is why we have three months to get ready.”“

Fowler said team officials planned to sign at least three players from Saturday’s tryouts. He said the team is planning another tryout soon.

One of those players signed on Saturday was former Monroe High and Albany State University standout Chavius Jackson.

The speedy defender played cornerback and safety last time on the Firebirds travel team.

“I thought I had good chance, but I just came out here ready to work hard,” Jackson said. “It’s always about having fun when you’re doing something you love and when you have a passion for the game, it’s always fun. I coach it and now I’m going to start back playing it. It’s good to play football in my hometown.”

The Firebirds will compete in the Southern Division of the American Indoor Football League. They will be one of four teams in Georgia, joining the Columbus Lions, Atlanta Vultures and the Savannah Steam.

The nine-game schedule begins March 20 when they open the season at the Columbus Civic Center against the Lions. The Georgia Firebirds’ home opener is March 26 against the Vultures. The Firebirds will play six home games at the Albany Civic Center and Fowler believes fans will like what they see.

“We’re going to push the envelope when it comes to the entertainment part,” Fowler said. “The product on the field, as far as players and the team as a whole, will be there. We will be competitive, we will compete and we will win, but the entertainment side is something the city has been looking for and we look to provide that.”