Buffalo Destroys Carolina, 44-16
February 9, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY) â The Buffalo Destroyers posted their first victory of the 2003 season with a 44-16 whipping of the Carolina Cobras in front of 8,067 fans Sunday afternoon at the HSBC Arena. The 16 points allowed by Buffalo is the fewest by an opponent in team history. The previous record was set last season (May 11, 2002) when the Destroyers held the Detroit Fury to 21 points.
The first quarter was ruled by the defense as Carolina got the only score on a QB Robert Hall 38 yard touchdown pass to WR/DB Nick Ward.
Buffalo took the lead early in the second quarter on a FB/LB Anthony Hicks six yard touchdown run. Buffalo QB Jeff Loots hit OS Gunnard Twyner on a 49 yard touchdown pass as time expired as the Destroyers lead 13-9 at halftime. That touchdown is the longest pass play in team history. The previous mark was 46 yards, which was done twice (Jim Kubiak to Kevin Mason vs. Carolina on May 18, 2001 and Browning Nagle to Chris Perry vs. Los Angeles on July 14, 2000).
Buffalo came out firing in the second half. OS Jarrail Jackson returned the second half kickoff back for a 55 yard touchdown. Five minutes later, Loots hit WR/LB Cornelius White for a 28 yard touchdown. After a Carolina touchdown, Loots found Twyner for the second time, this one a nine yard score as Buffalo lead after three periods, 32-16.
Buffalo added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Loots and White hooked up for a 17 yard score and FB/LB Juan Long scored on a one yard run.
Loots finished 12 of 20 for 200 yards and four touchdowns. Twyner led all receivers with five receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns. White earned the Ironman of the Game award with four catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns. White also had 3.5 tackles.
DS JoJo Polk had a game high10.0 tackles (8 solo), one forced fumble and one pass defense. DS Dwaine Carpenter earned game MVP honors with 3.5 tackles, one interception and four pass defenses. OL/DL Silas Demary posted his second sack of the season.
Buffalo is now tied with Detroit for first place in the Eastern Division with a 1-1 record.
Buffalo hosts the Arizona Rattlers Friday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the HSBC Arena. Season and group tickets are on sale now. Call 881-4444!
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 9, 2003
- Avengers shock SaberCats, 73-72 - OSC Original by Tim Peterson, Mid Valley News
- Avengers Edge SaberCats 73-72 - San Jose SaberCats
- AFL Week Two Summaries - AFL I
- Cobras Unable to Stop Big Plays as Carolina Falls 44-16 at Buffalo - Carolina Cobras
- Desperados up record to 2-0 with 46-38 Victory Over Rush - Dallas Desperados
- Dallas Exacts Revenge on Winless Rush - Dallas Desperados
- Buffalo Destroys Carolina, 44-16 - Buffalo Destroyers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
