Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 10 September 2004 — Page 48

14 September 10,2004 The Indianapolis Recorder

Pastor John F. Ramsey, Sr. & hew me worship (enter

Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 pm - Mean Location 7:00 pm - Lafayette Square Mall

2740 Kessler Blvd. North Indianapolis, IN 46222 Tel: 317 925 8067 - Fax: 317 941 2275 www.newlifeindy.org ~/4 JloccU (ZAmcL Kktk "

2004 REGULAR SEASON

WK DATE

OPPONENT

9/9

$ New England Patriots

8:00 PM

9/19

<£> Tennessee Titans

12:00 PM

9/26

GREEN BAT PACKERS

3:15 PM

10/3

Jacksonville Jaguars

12:00 PM

10/10

OAKLAND RAIDERS

12:00 PM

10/17

BYE

10/24

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 12:00 PM

10/31

(*> Kansas City Chiefs

1:00 PM

11/8

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

9:00 PM

11/14

HOUSTON TEXANS

1:00 PM

11/21

^Chicago Bears

1:00 PM

11/25

^Detroit Lions

12:30 PM

12/5

TENNESSEE TITANS

1:00 PM

12/12

® Houston Texans

1:00 PM

12/19

BALTIMORE RAVENS

8:30 PM

12/26

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

1:00 PM

1/2

Denver Broncos

4:15 PM

Fan's expectations high for Colts

By JOSHUA COHEN Staff Writar The only problem that sometimes happens when a professional sports team has a great season is the high expectations placed on them by the fans. The Indianapolis Colts had one of the best seasons in years and with Peyton Manning coming off a record-setting MVP season, as well as a new, large contract, anticipation couldn’t be higher. “I’m expecting a trip to the Super Bowl this year,” said Derrick Bailey, a transplant to Indianapolis who has become a fan over the past years. “I don’t see anything else. They got the offense, they got the defense, they got everything it takes.” Many fans agree, but some aren’t putting such high expectations on the team. “I think they have all the pieces,” said Larry Smart, a lifelong Colts fan. “But I don’t know if they’ll make the big game. Anything can happen in a season. Edgerrin (James) could get hurt again, or even one of the key defensive players.” But in life, and especially in sports, hope springs eternal. “I’ve been watching football all of my life,” said Bailey. “I know what a champion looks like, and the Colts

is it. They have the look and they have a lot of confidence to build on. Manning proved he can handle pressure and play through adversity.” Although many feel Manning is the key to the team, others are depending on the defense to come through. “Manning is going to do his thing so I’m not worried about that,” said Smart. “If the defense can be better than last year, then there’s no stopping them. (Dwight) Freeny and (David) Thornton are the anchors of the defensive squad. Everybody else has to step up too and make it happen. If they’re in the top three defenses this year, nobody can stop them.” As diehard or as fickle as a fan might be, when a team is doing well there’s usually no shortage of people who are ready to root them on. This season the Colts will be coming in with most of the city of Indianapolis behind them. Hopefully they’ll be there at the end of the season too. “If they lose I’ll still be a fan, but I’ll be really disappointed,” said Bailey. “It’s been a long time since one of my teams has been the champs. I want to remember what that’s like again. This year it’s go time!”