Buffalo Forces Mistakes, Beats Georgia
February 22, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(DULUTH, GA)- The Buffalo Destroyers forced five turnovers and returned two onsides kicks for touchdowns as they beat the Georgia Force 63-43 in front of 9,651 fans Saturday night at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Buffalo improves its record to 3-1, their best start after four games in franchise history.
"We had a lot of guys step up and make big plays tonight," said Destroyers head coach Ron Selesky. "In any game, the team that wins the battle in the trenches and forces turnovers, they will come out on top.
Buffalo's defense forced two key turnovers in the first quarter. WR/DB Jarrail Jackson and WR/DB Chuck Wesley both notched their first career interceptions as Buffalo turned those two turnovers into 14 points early on. In his first start since 2000 with the New England Sea Wolves, QB Tim Carey was hitting on all cylinders, finding OS Gunnard Twyner for three touchdowns in the first 16 minutes of the game, Buffalo led 20-7.
After a K Mike Moser 19 yard field goal, Georgia began to make it a game. The Force scored a touchdown and a safety to pull within 23-16. When Buffalo kicked off after the safety, WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson jarred the ball loose from the Force's Jarrick Hillery and DS JoJo Polk recovered on the two yard line. FB/LB Juan Long scored on a three yard run but Georgia closed the half with their own rushing touchdown as Buffalo led at halftime, 29-23.
Buffalo's defense picked up where it left off in the second half. On Georgia's first possession, WR/LB Cornelius White intercepted a QB Donnie Davis pass and returned it 31 yards for a Destroyers touchdown. On Georgia's next possession, Buffalo stopped them on a fourth down and 10. On the next play, Carey hit Jarrail Jackson for a 15 yard score as Buffalo increased its lead to 43-23. Georgia closed the third quarter with Davis throwing his third touchdown of the game, Buffalo was up 43-31 after three periods.
Buffalo's special teams sealed the deal in the fourth quarter. OL/DL Ken Bouie returned an onsides kick back nine yards for a touchdown to put Buffalo back up by three scores at 56-37. After a Georgia touchdown, DS JoJo Polk returned the onsides kick back 11 yards for the touchdown.
Carey finished 16 of 25 for 184 yards and four touchdowns. Twyner earned Game MVP honors with 10 receptions for 131 yards and three scores. Jackson picked up Ironman of the Game with four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. He returned three kicks back for 51 yards and had an interception.
The Destroyers return home to play the Chicago Rush on Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the HSBC Arena. Mini packs and group tickets are on sale now, call the Destroyers ticket office at 716-881-4444! Single game tickets can be purchased online at tickets.com and at all tickets.com locations including Tops Friendly Markets or by phone at 1-888-223-6000.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 22, 2003
- A look around the leagues - OSC Original by Walter L. Johnson II
- Buffalo Forces Mistakes, Beats Georgia - Buffalo Destroyers
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