ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) — The return of arena football to Albany is approaching. After the collapse of the Empire last year, the Albany Firebirds are ready to rise from the ashes.
Training camp is underway for the Firebirds as they get ready to kickoff the return of the newly reformed Arena Football League next Saturday. There are a lot of familiar faces on this year’s team. Former Empire offensive coordinator and interim head coach Damon Ware is at the helm as head coach. Former Empire defensive back Dwayne Hollis is leading the defensive coaching staff, which also features former Empire defensive lineman Brandon Sesay.
Former Empire wideout and NAL MVP Darius Prince will lead the Firebirds on the field, and he’s more than confident in the pieces they’ve put together. “We’ve got some young guys here and they’re here making plays, man,” said Prince. “I’m super excited about that. This is probably, since I’ve been playing in Albany, probably the best group we’ve had talent wise.”
Ware shares the same confidence. “We knew we recruited a great football team and it was really just getting them together, building some camaraderie, getting to practice, getting to learning, and so we’ve had a great camp,” said Ware. “We’ve got a really good football team. There’s no weaknesses across the board. We’re super excited to get this team on the field on April 27th.”
The Empire kickoff their season at home against the rival Orlando Predators on April 27th at 8:00 PM. The game will air on the NFL Network following the conclusion of day three of the NFL Draft.
Griffin Haas
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