Cobras Roll Over Desperados, 67-41

Published on February 8, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release


CHARLOTTE, NC – The Carolina Cobras began the 2004 season on a high note as they trounced the Dallas Desperados 67-41 at the American Airlines Center. The Cobras ended their league-record 17-game losing streak behind the arm of Matt Nagy and a stingy second-half defense.

The new-look Cobras received contributions from a variety of new faces in the contest. Game MVP Nagy paced the club, completing 28-of-39 passes for 282 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for a four-yard score. Todd Doxzon was his favorite target, reeling in 10 passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Damien Groce added six catches for 58 yard and two touchdowns.

"We've put last year behind us," said Nagy. "We just wanted to come out here and get a win. The coaches worked hard getting guys in here in the offseason and we knew we had the talent. It was just a matter of catching some breaks and going out and doing our thing."

The Cobras started quickly in their first action of the 2004 season, scoring a franchise record 21 points in the first frame. Reece scored the first touchdown of the season on a one-yard plunge less than three minutes into the game. On the ensuing kickoff, the Cobras' Jack Walker Jr. recovered a Desperados fumble to take an early 14-0 advantage. Following a quick 32-yard scoring pass from former Cobras quarterback Glen Gauntt to Will Pettis the score stood at 14-7 just five minutes into the new season. Later in the frame, Nagy tossed the first of three first half touchdowns to Jarrick Hillery to give the Cobras a 21-7 lead after one quarter.

The Desperados stormed back in the second stanza as Gauntt found Jason Shelley for a 16-yard touchdown to cut the lead to seven just one minute into the quarter. Dallas was able to notch the first defensive stop in the game on the Cobras next drive and Gauntt capitalized by tossing a 34-yard scoring strike to Bobby Sippio to tie the game at 21-21 with seven minutes remaining. The final minute of the half featured two touchdown passes from Nagy to Doxzon and a 57-yard kickoff return for a score by the Desperados' Pettis. Following an interception by Damon Mason, the Cobras Rob Bironas connected on a 27-yard field goal as time expired to give Carolina a 38-37 lead heading into the lockerroom.

Nagy competed 15-of-21 passes in the first half, for 160 yards and three touchdowns.

The Cobras got on the board quickly in the second half as Reece was able to bull over two Dallas blockers and sack Gauntt for a safety just thirty second into the third quarter. On the ensuing possession, Nagy directed the Cobras down field and found Doxzon for his third touchdown of the game to give Carolina a 46-27 lead. Dallas responded with a drive of their own as Gauntt threw an eight-yard scoring strike to Sippio to cut the lead to 12 with eight minutes remaining. Nagy continued his hot streak, connecting with Damien Groce for an 18-yard score on the very next drive. Dallas completed the third quarter scoring with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Gauntt to Shelley. The Cobras led 53-41 entering the fourth quarter.

Carolina's defense caused three turnovers to keep Dallas' offense off the board in the final frame. The Cobras continued to pile on the points as Nagy found Groce for a nine-yard scoring pass and added a four-yard touchdown run for the game's final points.

Carolina will next travel to square off with the Columbus Destroyers on Friday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nationwide Arena.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 8, 2004


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