Buffalo Looks To Stop The Rush
February 28, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY)- The Buffalo Destroyers face off against the Chicago Rush for their first meeting ever Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at the HSBC Arena. It will be an interesting matchup at quarterback. Destroyers QB Tim Carey was the backup in Chicago to current Rush QB Billy Dicken for the last two years.
Both Carey and Dicken were backups to Destroyers QB Jeff Loots, who is not playing due to a separated shoulder. In 2001, Loots started the season as starting QB for Chicago, but was sidelined with shoulder and elbow injuries, which led to Loots being traded. Dicken was the third string QB, but jumped ahead of Carey to become the starting QB and Carey became his backup.
Loots will have to watch Saturday's game from the sidelines and is disappointed that he won't be able to play against his former team and mentor, Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. Carey will get the start for the second time this season and is looking forward to seeing his old team.
"I am real excited about playing Chicago," says Carey. "I learned a lot from coach Hohensee. He put me in when he could and he coached me everyday in practice. There is no bitterness between the two of us.
The Destroyers enter Saturday's game 3-1 and are off to the best start in team history. The Destroyers will play their fourth home game in the season 's first five weeks. Buffalo is 2-1 at home this season and currently riding a three game win streak.
"Week to week we are trying to get better," said head coach Ron Selesky. "Everyday in practice we go back and correct our mistakes and do what needs to be done. Last week was a good test. We were up 23-7, but we knew we had to keep playing strong. We don't stop until the clock hits zero.
The game will feature the two stingiest defenses in the AFL. The Destroyers have only given up 158 points in four games (39.5 average) while the Rush has surrendered 174 points (43.5). Buffalo DS Dwaine Carpenter is tied for the league lead with 25 tackles and DS JoJo Polk is currently second with 24.5.
The Destroyers will also give away their 2003 team poster. At halftime, four high school football teams, North Tonawanda, Sweet Home, Gowanda and South Park, will be honored at halftime for their outstanding performances in the fall.
Tickets are still available for Saturday's game. All seats in the 300 level are $5, sponsored by Labatt Blue. 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 28, 2003
- Rampage Contain the Cobras, 68-34 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- SaberCats Sign Jerry Reese - San Jose SaberCats
- Hall, Maynor AFL's "Slash" - AFL I
- Birds Place Bech on IR, Sign Former NFL Receiver - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Desperados Tinker With Roster - Dallas Desperados
- Dallas Desperados Impact Player Program Continues - Dallas Desperados
- Buffalo Looks To Stop The Rush - Buffalo Destroyers
- Rush Places Taylor on IR - Chicago Rush
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