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Columbus Destroyers game notes

March 29, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Philadelphia Soul (4-5) at
Columbus Destroyers (1-7)
Date: Sunday, April 3, 2005
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,171)
Officials: Bill McCabe, Referee; Doug Wilson, Umpire; Royce Cooley, Head Linesman; Dirk Bell, Line Judge; Jimmy Buchanan, Back Judge
Radio: Columbus’ flagship station WAZU-107.1 FM “The Big Wazoo” will broadcast the game live with Marty Bannister, Greg Frey and Archie.
Television: NBC Sports (Bob Papa, Ray Bentley, Dave Maetzold)
Series Record: The Soul owns a 2-0 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers heading into Sunday’s contest.
Series Streaks: The Destroyers and Soul met twice last year during Philadelphia and Columbus’ inaugural seasons in the AFL, with the Soul claiming victory first in Philadelphia on February 21 and then in Columbus on March 13.
Coaches: Columbus, Chris Spielman, 1st season (1-7 in 2005, 1-7 overall). Philadelphia, James Fuller, 1stseason (2-2 in 2005, 2-2 overall).

OVERVIEW: The Destroyers enter week ten of the regular season in the midst of a five-game losing streak, most recently dropping a narrow 56-55 decision to the New York Dragons last Saturday night at Nationwide Arena. With the loss, the Destroyers fell to 1-7 at the season’s midpoint. The Destroyers are off to their worst start since the 2000 season when the club started out 0-8 before winning five out of their final six games of the season. Sunday’s game is the second of back-to-back home games for the Destroyers and second consecutive game vs. a divisional opponent. The Destroyers currently sit in last place in the Eastern Division as the second half of the season gets underway, while Philadelphia remains in third. The Soul are winners of two in a row, besting the Tampa Bay Storm two weeks ago before defeating the Grand Rapids Rampage last Saturday night. The Soul are 2-2 under interim head coach James Fuller, who took over for Michael Trigg, who was relieved of his head coaching duties on February 28 after Philadelphia suffered its worst defeat in franchise history to Dallas.

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (1-7)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
1/28 NASHVILLE 7:00 L (47-38) 0-1
2/13 @Dallas 3:00 L (35-31) 0-2
2/19 CHICAGO 7:00 W (52-39) 1-2
2/27 @Grand Rapids 3:00 L (66-57) 1-3
3/06 @Georgia 2:00 L (55-48) 1-4
3/12 LAS VEGAS 7:00 L (63-34) 1-5
3/20 @Colorado 3:00 L (52-37) 1-6
3/26 NEW YORK 7:00 L (56-55) 1-7
4/03 PHILADELPHIA 12:00 - -
4/08 @Arizona 10:00 - -
4/16 @New Orleans 8:00 - -
4/22 DALLAS 7:00 - -
4/30 AUSTIN 7:00 - -
5/07 @New York 7:00 - -
5/15 @Philadelphia 1:00 - -
5/22 TAMPA BAY 3:00 - -
*All Times Eastern

PHILADELPHIA SOUL (4-5)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
1/30 @ Austin 12:00 W (66-35) 1-0
2/06 @ Chicago 1:00 L (51-41) 1-1
2/13 NASHVILLE 3:00 W (59-48) 2-1
2/20 @ New Orleans 12:00 L (61-47) 2-2
2/27 DALLAS 3:00 L (72-43) 2-3
3/06 NEW YORK 12:00 L (61-54) 2-4
3/11 @ San Jose 10:30 L (52-26) 2-5
3/20 TAMPA BAY 12:00 W (69-63) 3-5
3/27 GRAND RAPIDS 3:00 W (64-41) 4-5
4/03 @ Columbus 12:00 - -
4/10 @ Colorado 1:00 - -
4/17 LAS VEGAS 1:00 - -
4/24 @ New York 1:00 - -
5/01 ORLANDO 1:00 - -
5/15 COLUMBUS 1:00 - -
5/22 @ Dallas 3:00 - -
*All Times Eastern

A COLUMBUS WIN OVER PHILADELPHIA WOULD…

· Give the Destroyers their second win of the season
· Give the Destroyers their second home win of the season
· End the Destroyers’ five-game losing streak
· Give the Destroyers their first win over a divisional opponent
· Give the Destroyers their first-ever win over the Soul

DESTROYERS Last Week:
New York Dragons 56 Columbus Destroyers 55
Aaron Garcia hit Chris Anthony on a 12-yard touchdown pass at the beginning of the fourth quarter and New York's defense held off a late rally to give the Dragons a slim 56-55 victory over the Columbus Destroyers before a crowd of 14,193 at Nationwide Arena last Saturday night. Anthony pulled in four touchdown passes for the Dragons. Garcia finished 27 of 35 for 326 yards with seven touchdowns. Columbus was led by Damien Groce, who made seven catches for 119 yards with one touchdown. Sedrick Robinson added six catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Vena completed 23 of 37 passes for 310, five touchdowns and two interceptions for the Destroyers. Vena gave way to Matt D'Orazio with 6:27 left in the fourth quarter. D'Orazio led the comeback bid with a 44-yard scramble and then scored on a quarterback keeper from one yard out to make the score 56-55. The Destroyers created a defensive stop to get the ball back with 0:37 remaining in the game, but New York's DeShane Dennis picked off D'Orazio's first down pass to seal the win. The Destroyers scored first when OL/DL Jamarr Ward plowed in from one yard out. New York answered on its second possession on a 2-yard run by Corey Johnson with 1:46 left in the first quarter. Columbus opened the second quarter with a 8-yard pass from Vena to Cornelius White. The Destroyers then scored on an interception return by DS Donvetis Franklin from 10 yards to make the score, 21-7. New York quickly scored with Garcia tossing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Mike Horacek and tied it with an 8-yard pass to Anthony. Both teams traded touchdowns to make it, 28-28 at halftime. The second half began with the Dragons and Destroyers trading touchdowns for times, but Columbus failed to convert a two-point conversion with 4:29 left in the third quarter that made the score 42-41. That would prove to be the difference in the game as the Destroyers scored with a 17-yard pass from Vena to White to pull Columbus to 49-48 at the start of the fourth quarter. Sedrick Robinson led the Destroyers' defense with seven tackles.
THIS WEEK’s OPPONENT:
The Philadelphia Soul enters Nationwide Arena Sunday riding a two-game winning streak after starting the season 2-5. The Soul are led by interim head coach James Fuller, who took over on February 28 for the fired Michael Trigg. Fuller is 2-2 as head coach of the Soul. Philadelphia won convincingly over the Grand Rapids Rampage last week, 64-41, to improve their record to 4-5 after nine weeks of play. The Soul bring the sixth-best scoring offense in the league (52.1) led by quarterback Tony Graziani, who was acquired by the Soul from L.A. this past offseason. Graziani has completed 176-of-300 passes this season for 2,419 yards and 56 touchdowns. His 56 TD passes is tops in the league and his 2,419 passing yards currently ranks second in the AFL (Andy Kelly, New Orleans). The Soul have scored a total of 67 touchdowns this season, which is tied for first in the league, headed up by wide receiver/linebacker Sean Scott (19 TD catches) and offensive specialist Steve Smith (18 TD catches). Graziani’s primary target is Smith, who is a four-year AFL veteran. Smith currently leads the league in all-purpose yards gained (1,804) and is Philadelphia’s leading receiver. In nine games, Smith has caught 55 balls for 839 yards (5th in AFL) and 18 touchdowns (T-6th in AFL). The club’s shortcoming is on the defensive side of the ball, currently sporting the 15th-ranked scoring defense (53.8) in the league and are currently ranked 15th in total defense, giving up an average of 307.8 offensive yards per game to their opponents.
LAST MEETING WITH PHILADELPHIA:
For the second time in their first three home games, the Destroyers were upended in the final minute of play, this time at the hands of the Philadelphia Soul. The Destroyers dropped their third home game in a row and fifth overall on the season to Soul, 43-41, at Nationwide Arena on March 13, 2004. The game came down to fourth and ten play with 23 seconds left in the game, Philadelphia down 41-37 and with possession. Soul QB Nick Browder connected with WR/LB Ricky Ross for the 25 yard score to go on top with 18 seconds left and the final score of the night. Columbus was able to keep the game close thanks to excellent defensive play, forcing three turnovers. The first came on the first series of the game. OL/DL Wilky Bazile sacked Browder, forcing a fumble to be recovered by WR/LB Titcus Pettigrew at the Soul 19. One play later, Vena found White streaking towards the end zone for the 19 yard score. The touchdown marked the first time on the season that the Destroyers were the first team to score. Penalties once again got the best of the Destroyers, being penalized 16 times for 113 yards. Perhaps, one of the most decisive penalties came with time expired after the second quarter when White was called for an unsportsmanlike personal foul and was removed from the game. White, who ran amuck against the Soul earlier in the season for 141 yards, left the game with 56 yards and two touchdowns. This was the third time the Destroyers led the game entering the final minute of play and the second time losing under the same scenario. In week one, the Destroyers were able the stymie the Indiana Firebirds’ final minute drive, but failed to do so the Following week at home against Carolina. Columbus scored on a two-yard run by Vena around the right side with one minute left in the contest to take the lead 41-37. Browder then methodically led the Soul down the field ending in the touchdown pass to Ross. The Destroyers had a chance to win the game, but in the ensuing kickoff Blalock fumbled the ball on the four yard line, turning the ball over with 16 seconds left, ending any hope of a comeback.
ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS VS PHILADELPHIA
Date Score
February 21, 2004 PHILADELPHIA 56, COLUMBUS 34
March 13, 2004 PHILADELPHIA 43, COLUMBUS 41
DESTROYERS NOTABLES:


TIME TO TURN IT AROUND
The Destroyers enter Sunday’s game with Philadelphia looking to start a “new” season as club prepares for the second half of the season. Through eight games, the Destroyers are 1-7, similar to where they stood a year ago through seven games when the team was 1-6. It was at the seasons’ midpoint in 2004 when the Destroyers began to turn the corner, finishing above .500 in their final nine games of the season.

PHILLY-COLUMBUS TIES
Destroyers WR/LB Cornelius White is a native of Philadelphia. Soul lineman Donovan Arp spent a portion of the 2004 season with the Destroyers. Soul linemen Winfield Garnett and Eric Gohlstin played at Ohio State together and were roommates while playing for the Buckeyes. Soul lineman Dan Koons is a native of Columbus.

RETURN GAME
The Destroyers are one of only two teams currently to have amassed over 1,000 return yards with 1,002 on the season (Arizona 1,006), while averaging 20.9 yards per return (3rd in AFL). The club’s return game is led by Damien Groce and Sedirck Robinson, who have split return duties thus far. Groce has 22 returns for 487 yards (7th in AFL) and two touchdowns (T-2nd in AFL). Robinson has 22 returns for 453 yards (9th) and two scores (T-2nd AFL).

In addition the Destroyers have returned three interceptions for a total of 57 yards. The team’s 19.0 yard average per return is tops in the Arena Football League.

TAKING IT TO THE HOUSE
Destroyers have returned five kicks for touchdowns this season, which is second in the league (New York). And defensively, the Destroyers are finding was to score as well. The Destroyers have recorded three interceptions this season, with two of them returned for touchdowns. The Destroyers have scored seven touchdowns this season with the offensive unit on the sidelines, which is third behind only New York and Colorado through nine weeks of play.
NOT AFRAID TO TUCK AND RUN
Matt D’Orazio and Ryan Vena have split time at quarterback for the Destroyers this season. Both have proven the ability not only to make something happen with their arm, but to do the same with their legs. Last season as a rookie, Vena finished with a franchise-record 229 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. This season with D’Orazio getting the bulk of the snaps so far, he now finds himself among the league leaders in rushing with 119 yards on 24 carries. He also had three rushing scores. D’Orazio’s 119 yards rushing is fourth in the AFL and second among quarterbacks behind only Grand Rapids QB Michael Bishop (315). D’Orazio recorded a career-long rush of 44 yards last week versus New York. The 44-yard scamper was also the longest run from scrimmage so far this season in the Arena Football League.

THREE BILLS
Quarterback Ryan Vena did not throw for over 300 yards in 14 games last season. In two starts this season, Vena has thrown for over 300 yards in both games. First throwing for 308 yards two weeks ago versus Colorado and then finishing with 304 yards passing last week versus New York. The past two 300-yard games is the only time Vena has recorded 300-plus in his career.

CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR
Of the Destroyers’ seven loses this season, the point differential has been nine points or less five times including a narrow one-point loss to New York a week ago. In Columbus’ first four defeats of the season, the team lost by an average of only seven points. Despite a 29-point loss to Las Vegas in week seven, Columbus’ seven defeats have come by an average of only 10.5 points.

A CAREER YEAR
Offensive specialist Damien Groce, who is in his first year with the Destroyers, is on pace to have his best season as a pro in 2005. In eight games, Groce has 49 catches for 677 yards and eight touchdowns. He added a career-high 11 catches two weeks ago versus the Crush, good for 141 yards receiving. He followed that performance up with a seven-catch, 113 yard showing last week versus New York. At the season’s midpoint, Groce is currently on pace to finish with 98 catches for 1,354 yards and 16 touchdowns. Those catch and yardage totals would be career highs. It would also be the first time Groce eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in his four-year career. He is also on pace to eclipse 1,000 return yards for the first time in his career, with his previous high being 903 yards in 2004.

DESTROYERS TRADE POLK
Two weeks ago, the Destroyers traded one of the team’s most tenured players in defensive specialist JoJo Polk to the Grand Rapids Rampage. Polk was in his third season with the Destroyers and was one of only five players retained for the days the team played out of Buffalo, NY. In return, the Destroyers acquired fullback/linebacker Sedrick Irvin. Irvin, who is in his rookie season in the AFL, was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round (103rd overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with the Lions, appearing in 20 games from 1999-2001 before spending the 2003 season with the Miami Dolphins. His NFL totals include 182 yards rushing, four rushing touchdowns and 33 pass receptions for 323 yards. Polk returns to the Rampage franchise after spending the past two and a half seasons with the Destroyers. He leaves as the club’s all-time leader in single-season tackles (86.5) and career tackles (177.5). Polk began his career in Grand Rapids, spending two seasons with the Rampage from 2001-2002.

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS
Wide receiver/linebacker Cornelius White became the Destroyers’ all-time leading receiver in week one and continues to build on his mark in his third season with the team. With five catches last week, White surpassed OS Bobby Olive, who is also still playing, to become the club’s all-time leader in every major receiving category. He is currently the team’s all-time leader in receptions (192), receiving yards (2,532), touchdowns scored (50), receiving touchdowns (49) and points scored (310). Olive, who had two catches for 30 yards last week, is now second in franchise history in career receptions (191), yards (2,001) and is first all-time in single-season receptions (106) and single-season receiving yards (1,184).

DESTROYERS CAREER RECEIVING LEADERS
Player Career Receptions
Bobby Olive 191 (1999-2002, 2005)
Cornelius White 192 (2003-2005)

Player Career Receiving Yards
Cornelius White 2,532 (2003-2005)
Bobby Olive 2,001 (1999-2002, 2005)

Player Career Receiving Touchdowns
Cornelius White 49 (2003-2005)
Darrick Branch 29 (1999-2001)

DESTROYERS SELL OUT AGAIN
The Destroyers sold out four of eight home games during their inaugural season, eventually averaging over 16,000 fans in attendance per home game in 2004. The club has picked up where they left off last season, having recorded sellout crowds of 17,171 in three of their first four home games this season. Nationwide Arena was sold out once again three weeks ago when the Destroyers hosted Las Vegas. The Destroyers have now recorded sellouts in 7 out of 12 home games in Columbus dating back to the club’s inaugural season.



DESTROYERS TACKLE HUNGER
When the Columbus Destroyers kicked off the 2005 AFL season, the team also kicked off a new community initiative in conjunction with the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to “Tackle Hunger” in Central Ohio. Beginning with the home opener and continuing throughout the 2005 season, fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to each home game at Nationwide Arena for donation to the Mid-Ohio FoodBank. In turn, fans will receive one raffle ticket per donated food item for a chance to win a team-autographed, authentic AFL football. One winner will be announced during the fourth quarter of each game. In addition to the eight-game collection drive, members of the Columbus Destroyers plan to further support the “Tackle Hunger” initiative with visits to the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to help pack boxes for distribution to local food pantries. Players and team personnel will also lend a hand at Faith Mission to serve meals and spend time with residents during several trips scheduled throughout the season.

TALE OF THE TAPE: Here’s how the Destroyers and Soul match up after nine weeks of play.

2005 LEAGUE TEAM RANKINGS
Category (RANK) Columbus Philadelphia
Scoring Offense 44.0 (15th) 52.1 (6th)
Scoring Defense 51.6 (12th) 53.8 (15th)
Total Offense 266.9 (13th) 277.4 (10th)
Total Defense 269.6 (7th) 307.8 (15th)
Touchdowns Scored 48 (T-15th) 67 (T-1st)
Pass Offense 241.0 (13th) 265.6 (9th)
Pass Defense 240.6 (6th) 265.8 (10th)
Rushing Offense 25.9 (5th) 11.9 (T-14th)
Rushing Defense 29.0 (15th) 42.0 (17th)
Field Goals Made 6-14 (T-7th) 3-11 (T-13th)
Field Goal Percentage .429 (8th) .273 (16th)
Kick Return Yards 1,002 (2nd) 940 (3rd)
Kickoff Return Average 20.9 (3rd) 19.2 (4th)
Kick Return Touchdowns 5 (2nd) 2 (T-5th)
Kickoff Coverage 13.1 (2nd ) 17.8 (10th)
3rd Down Efficiency 25-64 (14th) 28-54 (4th)
4th Down Efficiency 9-18 (5th) 5-14 (T-13th)
Red Zone Offense 25-34 (13th) 28-35 (10th)
Red Zone Defense 30-35 (14th) 37-45 (12th)
Avg. Time of Possession 29:11 (12th) 27:54 (16th)
Turnover Margin -13 (17th) -2 (11th)

NEXT WEEK
Following Sunday’s game with Philadelphia, the Destroyers return to the road when the club travels to Arizona to face the Rattlers at America West Arena on Friday, April 8. The Destroyers and Rattlers met once last season as the Rattlers bested the Destroyers 65-42 on March 5, 2004. Next Friday’s contest will be the sixth overall meeting between the two teams with the Rattlers currently claiming a 4-1 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers in five series meetings.

DESTROYERS RECENT Transactions:

3/23/05: Signed lineman Jon Hall to practice squad; placed fullback/linebacker Sedrick Irvin on injured reserve

3/18/05: Signed defensive specialist Justin Isom off the practice squad

3/17/05: Traded defensive specialist JoJo Polk to Grand Rapids for fullback/linebacker Sedrick Irvin; signed lineman Ronnie Washburn; activated lineman LaKendrick Jones; placed lineman Norris McCleary on injured reserve

3/3/05: Activated linemen Troy Pelshak and Bryan Ray off injured reserve; placed fullback/linebacker Chris Pope and lineman LaKendrick Jones on injured reserve

3/1/05: Signed wide receiver/linebacker Chris Curd to the practice squad

2/24/05: Signed offensive specialist Randall Lane off the practice squad

2/17/05: Activated fullback/linebacker Juan Long off injured reserve

2/15/05: Released quarterback Chad Salisbury

2/15/05: Waived wide receiver/linebacker D.J. Humphries

2/15/05: Signed quarterback Ryan Vena

2/15/05: Traded lineman Carey Clayton to Nashville for defensive specialist Art Smith (Other League Exempt: NFL-Green Bay)

1/26/05: Signed quarterback Scott McMullen to practice squad

1/26/05: Signed offensive specialist Randall Lane to practice squad

1/26/05: Signed defensive specialist Justin Isom to practice squad

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS 2005 RECORD WHEN…
HOME 1-3
AWAY 0-4
FRIDAY 0-1
SATURDAY 1-2
SUNDAY 0-4
VS EASTERN 0-2
VS CENTRAL 1-3
VS WESTERN 0-1
VS SOUTHERN 0-1
JANUARY 0-1
FEBRUARY 1-2
MARCH 0-4
APRIL 0-0
MAY 0-0
SCORE FIRST 1-6
OPPONENT SCORE FIRST 0-1
AHEAD AT HALF 1-2
BEHIND AT HALF 0-4
TIED AT HALF 0-1
AHEAD AFTER 3RD QTR 1-1
BEHIND AFTER 3RD QTR 0-6
TIED AFTER 3RD QTR 0-0
PLUS TURNOVER RATIO 1-0
EVEN TURNOVER RATIO 0-1
MINUS TURNOVER RATIO 0-6
MORE TOTAL OFFENSE 1-3
LESS TOTAL OFFENSE 0-4
OUTCOME 7 POINTS OR LESS 0-2
OUTCOME 3 POINTS OR LESS 0-1
OVERTIME 0-0

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