Buffalo Looks To Rattle Arizona
February 13, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY)- The top two defenses in the Arena Football League will do battle on Valentine's Day as the Buffalo Destroyers host the Arizona Rattlers Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the HSBC Arena.
Buffalo has the top scoring defense in the league giving up an average of only 35 points in the first two games and is second in the league in total defense giving up 216.5 yards per game. Last week, the Destroyers held the Carolina Cobras to a franchise record 16 points. Arizona leads the AFL in total defense yielding 209.5 yards per contest.
The Destroyers defense is led by DS Dwaine Carpenter who was named ADT Defensive Player of the Week after he tied a Destroyers single game record with five pass defenses vs. Carolina. Carpenter's defensive backfield partner DS JoJo Polk leads the league with 18 tackles. OL/DL Silas Demary has posted a sack and forced fumble in each of the first two games.
"(Defensive Coordinator) Coach Harding has done a great job of developing a defensive scheme which everyone can learn quickly and make significant contributions," said Destroyers head coach Ron Selesky. "The players have the attitude that they need to make defense a priority and are taking it personal when another team gets into the red zone.
Buffalo's offense continues to improve as QB Jeff Loots and OS Gunnard Twyner rank among the league's best at their respective positions. Loots is in the top ten in the AFL in total offense, touchdown passes, pass rating and passing yards. Twyner ranks in the top ten in every receiving category. On the flip side, Arizona will be without QB Sherdrick Bonner who was placed on injured reserve with a separated shoulder. Last season against Buffalo, Bonner lit up the Destroyers earning game MVP honors passing 20 of 24 for 225 yards and six touchdowns as the Rattlers beat Buffalo 69-42.
"They are still the Arizona Rattlers coached by Danny White and they still have a lot of weapons at their disposal," Selesky added. "They still have (Chris) Horn, (Hunkie) Cooper, (Randy) Gatewood, etc. These guys have been together for many years and play with a lot of discipline which makes them tough with or without Bonner.
There are still great seats available for Friday's game. 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, in person at all tickets.com locations including Tops Friendly markets and by phone at 1-888-223-6000.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 13, 2003
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- Dallas Desperados Introduce 'Impact Player' Program - Dallas Desperados
- Rampage's Home Opener and Third Home Game Officially Sold Out - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Buffalo Looks To Rattle Arizona - Buffalo Destroyers
- Battle of Unbeatens Sunday on NBC - AFL I
- Something's Got to Give - AFL I
- Cobras Add Eddie Khayat To Football Staff - Carolina Cobras
- Rampage Sign Former Firebird, Release Riley - Grand Rapids Rampage
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