Georgia Firebirds set to kick off season

ALBANY —A new season is underway for the National Arena League and the Georgia Firebirds are excited to hit the field. As big a game as it is for them, it’s just as significant for the city of Albany.

The exhibition game between the Firebirds and the Jacksonville Sharks Thursday night will serve as not only a chance for the players to showcase their talents for the hometown crowd, but also to benefit an area that is just starting to recover from the tornadoes that caused significant damage earlier this year.

The Firebirds, The City of Albany and The United Way of Southwest Georgia have partnered to help raise money to benefit the victims of the South Georgia Tornadoes that struck Albany and surrounding communities with the game. In an effort to get fans out, admission for the first 500 kids that come with an adult is free.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Sharks fans hosted a food drive and are bringing all donations with them.

The Firebirds head coach Antwone Savage said his team is ready to put on a show.

“The team is anxious to get on the field and play another team,” he said. “They’re tired of beating up on each other. Also, we’re still in camp so it’s kind of like the final audition for some of the guys who are on the cusp or on the borderline of not making the team. They’re really amped and excited about getting on the field.”

Savage said the team will be led by the veteran leadership of linebacker Larry Edwards, wide receivers John Harris and Terrance Ebagua and defensive back Roshawn Marshall. With all positions open and players fighting for a spot, Savage added that fans will be entertained no matter who is on the field.

“Don’t leave because you see the second group come on to the field,” he said. “The second group is trying to make the roster just like the first group did, so they’re out there to make plays and you might miss something exciting if you leave too soon.”

Last season, the team got off to a rocky start and was forced to make a coaching change early in the season. This year, Savage said he believes they have more stability and a chance to be a contender in the league.

“The difference between last year and this year is last year I had to take what I was given,” he said. “I didn’t have a chance to bring in my own team. This year, I was able to recruit and bring in players that fit what I’m trying to do.”

What he is trying to do is build a high-powered team that scores on both sides of the ball.

“We’re gonna be a high-flying offense that puts up a lot of points,” he said. “Our goal is to score every time we touch the field. Defensively, we’re gonna make stops, but we also want to score points on the defensive side of the ball. I honestly feel like we have a chance to compete for a championship this year.”

Kickoff for the exhibition game at the Albany Civic Center is 7:30 p.m. Thursday night. Tickets range from $15-35 for adults and $10 with military ID. The first 500 children to come with an adult are free. After that, children’s tickets as well as student tickets are $10.