Buffalo Looks To Conquer The Gladiators
March 21, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY)- The Buffalo Destroyers return home for the first time in two weeks to battle division rival the Las Vegas Gladiators Sunday afternoon at 12:00 p.m. at the HSBC Arena. This will be a pivotal match-up in the Eastern Division as Buffalo is tied for first place with the Gladiators and the Detroit Fury.
Buffalo has never lost in four meetings against the Gladiators, sweeping the series in both 2001 and 2002. Also, the last time Buffalo played at home on a Sunday, they held the Carolina Cobras to 16 points, the fewest points by an opponent in franchise history. The Destroyers hope to continue both of these streaks.
"Each game from this point on is extremely important," said Destroyers head coach Ron Selesky. "We need to get the offense back on track and have the quarterback and receivers on the same page. We need to work on getting positive yards and first downs.
Buffalo's defense is still riding high. They are second in the league in the scoring defense giving up 44 points per game and tied for second with a plus eight turnover margin. The Destroyers DS tandem of Dwaine Carpenter and JoJo Polk rank among the league leaders in tackles, interceptions and pass defenses. Rookie WR/DB Chuck Wesley is making a name for himself as he ranks eighth in the league with 41 interception return yards and last week against San Jose he was second on the team with five tackles and one interception.
Sunday also marks the first time in 11 years that Cheektowaga native and Buffalo State alum OL/DL Mark Valvo will play in front of his hometown fans. He signed to the active roster from the practice squad March 11 and made his Destroyers debut against San Jose.
Buffalo waived K Mike Moser on Friday and signed K Gary Kral. Kral played in Cape Fear last year where he was 74 of 92 on PAT's and 10 of 36 field goals with 104 points. Also making his Destroyers debut is FB/LB Eddie Diaz. Diaz signed to the active roster from the practice squad on Friday.
Sunday is "Unsung Heroes Day" as the Destroyers will salute the men and women who serve in the armed forces and public safety. They will pay tribute to all military, active and reserves from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard along with all public safety personnel from our local police, fire and emergency services departments. Fans are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to show their pride and patriotism.
The Destroyers are home again next Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m. hosting division rival the Detroit Fury at 3:00 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 March 21, 2003
- Cobras Fall To Desperados In Thriller - Carolina Cobras
- The Force Make A Case For Southern Supremacy - Georgia Force
- AFL Injury Report - AFL I
- Buffalo Looks To Conquer The Gladiators - Buffalo Destroyers
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