Buffalo Rattles Arizona, 49-45
February 14, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY) – The Buffalo Destroyers and Arizona Rattlers battled it out on Valentine’s Day until the end as the Destroyers defense came up big in the end as Buffalo won 49-45 in front of 5,086 fans Friday night at the HSBC Arena.
Buffalo got off to a fast start as DS Dwaine Carpenter intercepted a QB Chris Hixson pass on the gameÂ’s first possession. On the very next play, QB Jeff Loots hit WR/LB Cornelius White for a 40 yard touchdown. The PAT was missed, Buffalo led 6-0. Arizona put together a nine play, 40 yard drive as Hixson found OS Chris Horn for a seven yard touchdown. Buffalo fired right back, OS Jarrail Jackson took the kickoff back 55 yards to the one yard line. After a penalty, FB/LB Juan Long ran it in from five yards out. Although Buffalo had only three offensive plays in the quarter, they led after the first, 13-7.
Arizona opened the second quarter with a Hixson 22 yard touchdown pass to WR/DB Ricky Parker. Buffalo responded with a Loots 26 yard touchdown pass to OS Gunnard Twyner to go back on top, 20-14. Arizona WR/DB Hunkie Cooper scored on a four yard run as Arizona led at halftime, 21-20.
Buffalo went four plays and out to open the second half. Arizona capitalized right away with a Hixson 36 yard touchdown strike to Parker. Buffalo tied the game at 28 with 7:48 left in the third when Loots hit White for a 20 yard touchdown and they connected again on the two point conversion. The tie lasted only a minute and a half, Hixson hooked up with WR/LB Tom Pace for a 30 yard score. Arizona led after three, 35-28.
Loots ran in a one yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth as the game was tied again at 35. Arizona would score the next ten points to go up 45-35 and looked as if they would put the Destroyers away.
Buffalo charged back as Loots threw his fourth touchdown of the game to Jackson as Buffalo pulled within three at 45-42. On ArizonaÂ’s next drive, Carpenter picked off his second pass of the game. On the ensuing drive, Loots was knocked out of the game with a separated shoulder. Backup QB Tim Carey came in and threw a clutch 25 yard pass to Twyner to set up FB/LB Anthony Hicks one yard touchdown to put Buffalo up 49-45. Arizona had 28 seconds left to try and win the game. On a second and goal from the three, ArizonaÂ’s Hunkie Cooper fumbled the ball and BuffaloÂ’s Bret Cooper recovered the ball with two seconds left. Buffalo then ran out the clock to pick up the win.
Loots was named Game MVP passing 15 of 25 for 227 yards four touchdowns and one interception. He also ran in another score. White was named Ironman of the Game, his second in as many weeks, with three receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns. He added 4.5 tackles and one for a loss.
Twyner led the receiving corps with five catches for 112 yards and one touchdown. Carpenter led the defense with a game high six tackles and two interceptions.
Buffalo improves to 2-1 on the season and picks up its first ever win over the Rattlers.
Buffalo hits the road for the first time this season as they head to the Peach State to face the Georgia Force next Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. The game will be televised on the Empire Sports Network. The Destroyers return home Saturday, March 1 to host the Chicago Rush at 7:00 p.m. at the HSBC Arena. Mini packs and group tickets are on sale now. Call the Destroyers ticket office at 881-4444. Single game tickets can be purchased online at tickets.com and at all tickets.com locations including Tops Friendly Markets. You can also purchase tickets by phone at 1-888-223-6000.
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