Firebirds Take Down East Division Rival Nashville Kats, 42-34
Firebirds Take Down East Division Rival Nashville Kats, 42-34
The Albany Firebirds battled their way to a hard-fought 42-34 victory over the Nashville Kats on Saturday night, securing a key divisional win on the road.
From the opening kickoff, the game was filled with intensity. After a fumble recovery by Nashville set up an early score, the Firebirds wasted no time responding. A strong kickoff return from Marquel Wade gave Albany great field position, and quarterback Sam Castronova found Isiah Scott for the game-tying touchdown.
The first half saw both teams trading blows. Duane Brown came up big with a 21-yard touchdown grab, and fullback/linebacker Trevon Shorts powered in for another score before halftime, giving the Firebirds a 30-27 lead at the break. Kicker Henry Nell also played a crucial role, nailing multiple "Deuces" to add to Albany’s advantage.
Defensively, the Firebirds tightened up in the second half, holding the Kats to just one touchdown after the break. A key sack from Dejon Walden late in the game helped shut the door on Nashville’s comeback hopes. Nell sealed the win with a 34-yard field goal in the final minute, securing Albany's second straight victory to start the season.
With a 2-0 record, the Firebirds now turn their focus to another tough road matchup next weekend against the Salina Liberty.