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Columbus Destroyers game notes

March 9, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Columbus Destroyers (1-4) vs
Philadelphia Soul (2-3)
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2004
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,171)
Officials: Referee – Dennis Lipski; Umpire – Rick Nelson; Head Linesman – Rusty Spindel; Line Judge – Roger McMinn; Back Judge – Rich Wilborn.
Radio: Columbus' flagship station WAZU-107.1 FM "The Big Wazoo" will broadcast the game live with Marty Bannister handling the play-by-play duties and Greg Frey supplying color commentary.
Series Record: The Soul holds a 1-0 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers entering Saturday's contest.
Last Meeting: Soul 56, Destroyers 34 (February 21, 2004)
Series Streaks: The Soul upended the Destroyers in the two teams first-ever meeting in week three.
Coaches: Destroyers, Earle Bruce (1-4 in 2004, 14-20 overall). Soul, Michael Trigg (2-3 in 2004, 72-69 overall).


OVERVIEW: After claiming the team's first-ever victory over the Indiana Firebirds in week one, the Columbus Destroyers have yet to return to their winning ways, having dropped four consecutive contests since that week one victory in Indianapolis. The Destroyers have started two different quarterbacks in the past two weeks, briefly shifted standout receiver Cornelius White to offensive specialist among other personnel tinkering, however still haven't posted a win in over a month. Penalties and turnovers have been the Destroyers nemesis over the losing streak. Entering this week's play, the Destroyers are -5 in the turnover margin and are the league's second most penalized team (48 for 316 yards). Columbus returns home to Nationwide Arena for home game number three on the season after dropping the first two in front of consecutive sellout crowds. The Soul come to Columbus riding high after an upset victory last Sunday over the previously unbeaten Chicago Rush in Philadelphia. After trailing by 13 midway through the game, the Soul went on a 26-0 run to take a 34-27 lead before coming away with a six-point victory. The win improved Philadelphia to 2-3 on the season. Philly's three defeats could have gone either way however as each of their three losses has come by a total of only 15 points. The Destroyers seek solace at home, while the Soul look for back-to-back wins for the first time in the franchise's brief history.

THE SERIES: The Destroyers-Soul series dates all the way back to week three of this season, as the expansion Soul claimed their first-ever victory over the Destroyers, 56-34 in Philadelphia on February 21. The win gave the Soul a 1-0 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers entering Saturday's contest.

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS
Date Opponent Time (ET) Result/Streak
2/7 at Indiana 7:00 W-54-48/W1
2/13 CAROLINA 7:00 L-53-54/L1
2/21 at Philadelphia 7:30 L-34-56/L2
2/29 DALLAS 3:00 L-35-51/L3
3/5 at Arizona 9:00 L-42-65/L4
3/13 PHILADELPHIA 7:00
3/20 at New York 7:00
4/4 ORLANDO 12:00
4/10 NEW YORK 7:00
4/18 at New Orleans 3:00
4/25 TAMPA BAY 12:00
5/1 at Carolina 7:30
5/9 GEORGIA 3:00
5/14 GRAND RAPIDS 7:00
5/22 at Dallas 8:30
5/29 at Las Vegas 4:00

PHILADELPHIA SOUL
Date Opponent Time (ET) Result/Streak
2/8 NEW ORLEANS 3:00 L-34-42/L1
2/15 at Dallas 4:00 L-47-51/L2
2/21 COLUMBUS 7:30 W-56-34/W1
2/29 at Tampa Bay 3:00 L-37-40/L1
3/7 CHICAGO 12:00 W-53-47/W1
3/13 at Columbus 7:00
3/21 COLORADO 12:00
3/28 at Austin 3:00
4/4 DALLAS 12:00
4/17 at Carolina 7:30
4/24 NEW YORK 7:30
5/2 at Colorado 3:00
5/8 LAS VEGAS 7:30
5/15 CAROLINA 7:30
5/22 at San Jose 10:30
5/30 at New York 4:00

THE IFS...
If Columbus defeats Philadelphia, it would...

· End Columbus' four-game losing streak.
· Give Columbus their first-ever home win.
· Even the all-time series with the Soul at one win a piece.
· Give Columbus their first win over an Eastern Division opponent.
· Give Columbus a 2-4 overall record.

LAST WEEK: Last Friday night the Destroyers made their first trip out west, however were rudely met as the host Arizona Rattlers handed Columbus their fourth loss in as many weeks at America West Arena in Phoenix. Rattlers quarterback Sherdrick Bonner led Arizona to win number three on the season after completing 11-of-14 pass attempts for 148 yards and four passing touchdowns, while also rushing for a score in the contest. Offensive specialist Siaha Burley led the Rattlers receiving attack with a game-high nine catches for 105 yards and four touchdowns. Destroyers quarterback Ryan Vena returned as the team's starting quarterback, completing 18-of-28 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Vena also rushed for 25 yards and two scores in a losing effort. Wide receiver/linebacker Cornelius led Columbus with 99 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Rattlers got the fireworks started early after offensive specialist Siaha Burley returned the game's opening kick 54 yards for a touchdown as Arizona jumped out to a 7-0 lead only twelve seconds into the contest. The Destroyers responded with a score of their own after orchestrating a seven-play 45-yard drive, capped off by a two-yard rushing touchdown courtesy of Vena to even the score at seven. The two teams would trade scores in throughout the second quarter before the Ratters blocked a Steve Videtich field goal attempt to take a 10-point lead into the break. The Destroyers continued their second half woes of late, being outscored 21-7 in the third quarter, turning the ball over on consecutive possessions to fall behind Arizona 52-28 through three quarters of play. The Destroyers regained life early in the forth quarter when wide receiver/defensive back Ryan Sloth picked off a Joe Germaine pass attempt and returned it to the Arizona 15 yard-line. However, Columbus would go three and out to turn the ball over on downs. Germaine, a former Ohio State Buckeye, replaced Bonner for the Rattlers first possession of the fourth quarter. Columbus would score two late touchdowns to pull within sixteen, however proved to be too little to late as Arizona would go on to claim their third consecutive victory of the season.

NEXT WEEK: Following Saturday's game vs Philadelphia, the Destroyers return to the road to face the New York Dragons on Saturday, March 20 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Dragons hold a 5-3 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers franchise.

LAST SERIES MEETING: The Destroyers and Soul last met three weeks ago in Philadelphia where the Soul upended the Destroyers, 56-34. The Soul scored 26 unanswered points midway through the contest to cruise to the franchise's first-ever win. The Soul found the endzone on all three of their second quarter possessions to take a 29-20 advantage into the break. Philadelphia opened up the second half scoring on their opening possession of the third quarter, finding the endzone for their second of four consecutive unanswered touchdowns to establish a lead which they would never relinquish. Browder faked a pitch to wide receiver/linebacker Ricky Ross and found wide receiver/linebacker Derin Graham on a fade pattern in the back of the endzone for the score. Following a defensive stop, the Soul would add another touchdown to take a 22-point lead into the fourth quarter.


ALL-TIME SERIES SCORES
Date/Location Score
February 21, 2004/PHI Soul 56, Destroyers 34

THE COACHES:
Columbus – Earle Bruce, 4th season (1st with Destroyers) 1-4 in 2004; 14-20 overall
Earle Bruce returns to the Area Football League as head coach and general manager for the Columbus Destroyers. Bruce landed his first collegiate head coaching job at the University of Tampa in 1972, where he fashioned a 10-2 record, including a win in the Tangerine Bowl. He took over at Iowa State University from 1973-1978, where he guided the Cyclones to eight wins in each of his last three seasons. Bruce succeeded long-time coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State in 1979 and went on to compile an 81-26-1 record from 1979-1987 in Columbus. He led the Buckeyes to two outright Big Ten titles (1979, 1984) and two co-championships (1981, 1986) and was named the 1980 Big Ten Coach of the Year. Following his tenure in Columbus, Bruce coached at the University of Northern Iowa in 1988 before taking over the Colorado State University program from 1989-92. He led the Rams to their best season in school history, a 9-4 record that included a win in the Freedom Bowl. Bruce began his coaching career in the AFL during the 1993-1994 seasons with the Cleveland Thunderbolts. He spent the 1994-1995 seasons with the St. Louis Stampede, making theirs the best record of an expansion football team at 9 and 4 and taking them to the playoffs. In 2001 Bruce coached the Iowa Barnstormers in the AF2 League.

Philadelphia – Michael Trigg, 11th season (1st with Soul) 2-3 in 2004; 72-69 overall
Michael Trigg is in his 16th year in the Arena Football League, having spent time as a player and coach. Trigg begins his second his second tour of duty at the helm of an expansion franchise in leading the Soul in their inaugural season after six seasons as head coach of the Grand Rapids Rampage. As an expansion franchise, the 1998 Rampage finished the season at 3-11 before tying the second-best single-season turnaround in AFL history by finishing the 1999 season at 7-5 in addition to making the team's first-ever postseason appearance. During his stint in Grand Rapids, Trigg led the AFL's smallest market team to an ArenaBowl berth and earned his third ArenaBowl ring in 2001 as the Rampage finished the season with an 11-3 record and claimed a 64-42 victory over the Nashville Kats in ArenaBowl XV. Trigg led the Rampage to five straight playoff appearances, becoming just the fifth coach in AFL history to reach the 70-win plateau in the process, which is good for fourth all-time. Trigg began his coaching career as the offensive coordinator for the AFL's Dallas Texans from 1991-93. He landed his first head coaching job with the Fort Worth Calvary in 1994 before spending three years as head coach of the Milwaukee Mustangs (1995-97).

Recent Roster Moves (most recently first)
Date Action Player
3/9 Signed off Practice Squad Lavar Glover
3/9 Placed on IR Jarrail Jackson
3/3 Placed on IR Antwon Jones
3/3 Signed off Practice Squad Matt D'Orazio
3/3 Activated from IR Richard McCleskey
2/28 Signed Thomie Venisee
2/28 Signed to Practice Squad Demont Smith
2/28 Signed to Practice Squad Lavar Glover
2/28 Waived Kenny Jackson
2/28 Activated from IR Kenny Jackson
2/27 Signed Corey Hill
2/27 Signed to Practice Squad Matt D'Orazio
2/24 Waived Tony Locke
2/24 Waived Donovan Arp
2/24 Waived Matt D'Orazio
2/24 Waived Corey Hill
2/24 Activated from IR Ryan Sloth
2/19 Signed off Practice Squad Tony Locke
2/18 Signed off Practice Squad Antwon Jones
2/18 Placed on Injured Reserve Prentice Taylor
2/17 Placed on Injured Reserve Jason Collins-Baker
2/13 Signed off Practice Squad Titcus Pettigrew
2/13 Signed to Practice Squad Tony Locke
2/12 Placed on Injured Reserve Ryan Sloth
2/12 Signed to Practice Squad Antwon Jones
2/12 Signed off Practice Squad Matt D'Orazio
2/12 Signed off Practice Squad Jason Collins-Baker
2/12 Signed off Practice Squad Titcus Pettigrew
2/12 Signed off Practice Squad LaKendrick Jones
2/10 Released Alex Houston
2/10 Waived Tony Locke
2/10 Placed on Injured Reserve Kenny Jackson
2/3 Signed to Practice Squad Titcus Pettigrew
2/3 Signed to Practice Squad LaKendrick Jones
2/3 Signed to Practice Squad Matt D'Orazio
2/3 Signed to Practice Squad Jason Collins-Baker
2/3 Acquired via trade Marcus McKenzie
2/2 Waived Phil Taylor


INJURY REPORT:. In week two wide receiver/defensive back Jason Collins-Baker suffered a season-ending torn ACL and the following week in practice defensive specialist Prentice Taylor suffered a dislocated shoulder, resulting in the team placing him on IR. Two weeks ago in the Dallas game, Antwon Jones suffered a sprained knee, leaving him on IR for a minimum of two weeks.

INJURY REPORT
Player Injury Status
Antwon Jones Knee IR
Tony Plantin Foot Probable
Jarrail Jackson Foot IR
LaKendrick Jones Knee Probable
Prentice Taylor Shoulder IR
Jason Collins-Baker Knee IR






TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how the Destroyers and Soul match up after five weeks of play.

2004 LEAGUE TEAM RANKINGS
Category Columbus Philadelphia
Scoring Offense (Rank) 43.6 (17) 45.4 (14)
Scoring Defense 54.8 (18) 42.8 (2)
Total Offense 262.0 (9) 258.6 (10)
Total Defense 263.2 (12) 272.8 (14)
Touchdowns Scored 30 (10) 33 (T5)
Pass Offense 237.6 (11) 229.0 (13)
Pass Defense 232.0 (7) 246.4 (13)
Passing Touchdowns 17 (T13) 22 (T6)
Rushing Offense 24.4 (6) 29.6 (4)
Rushing Defense 31.2 (18) 26.4 (17)
Rushing Touchdowns 8 (T8) 9 (T6)
Field Goal Percentage 27.3% (15) 18.2% (18)
Field Goals Made 3 (T8) 2 (T13)
Interceptions 5 (T2) 3 (T8)
Kickoff Returns 37 (1) 24 (T11)
Kickoff Return Average 18.8 (T8) 18.4 (T10)
Turnover Margin -1 (T16) -0.60 (14)
Sacks By 2 (15) 0 (19)
Sacks Against 1 (3) 5 (T12)

MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF
Prior to the 2004 season, Destroyers wide receiver/linebacker Cornelius White might not have been mentioned among the top receivers in the Arena Football League, despite putting up solid numbers in his six-year career. Through five games this season however, White has established himself as a legitimate go-to receiver and placed himself among the league's elite receivers. Last week versus Arizona, White led his team in receiving yards for the third week in a row, gaining 99 yards on six catches with two touchdowns. Entering week six, White has recorded 35 catches (5th in AFL) for 474 yards (3rd in AFL) and nine touchdowns (6th in AFL).


FEELIN' THE LOVE VS PHILLY
Destroyers' Cornelius White could be headed for another standout performance on Saturday if he is able to reproduce his offensive output the last time Columbus and Philadelphia met. In week three, White recorded 8 catches for a career high 141 receiving yards, despite his team's defeat. Look for White to shine Saturday night.


GONE COO COO FOR COCO
Columbus offensive specialist CoCo Blalock joined the Destroyers this past offseason with hopes of spearheading the team's offensive attack. However, despite posting solid numbers through four games, Blalock has been somewhat overshadowed by the excellence of wide receiver/linebackers Cornelius White and Sedrick Robinson. Despite the loss last Friday, Blalock continued his top tier play in Arizona. He led the team in receptions (7) and was second in yards receiving (73). The Rattlers were the first team this season that was able to keep Blalock out of the end-zone. He also utilized his elusive speed to electrify the Phoenix crowd on special teams. Blalock returned four kickoffs for 44 yards the longest a 15 yarder. Following his production last week, Blalock moved up into the top five in all-purpose yards in the AFL. Entering Saturday's contest, Blalock is fifth in the league in all-purpose yards with 674 (134.8 yd/g) in five games played.

DOUBLE THREAT
Destroyers quarterback Ryan Vena may not look like Michael Vick, however Vena has proven his ability to run the ball in a passing league. Vena is currently the Destroyers leading rusher and leads all quarterbacks in that category with 16 rushes (10th in AFL) for 49 yards (9th in AFL) and three touchdowns (T-8th in AFL).

SECOND AND THIRD QUARTER AFFLICTION
The Destroyers have been losing games just before and after half time this season. Columbus has been outscored in the second and third quarters 98-153 while only being outscored 120-121 in the first and fourth quarters. The third quarter has been particularly unkind to the Destroyers, finding themselves 33 points in the hole. Columbus has scored 22 fewer points in the third quarter than their opponents, only being outscored by one in the first and breaking even in the fourth.

PROTECT THE PASSER
In a passing league one of the more important aspects of an offensive attack is pass protection. Through five games, the Destroyers' offensive line has only allowed their quarterback to be sacked only once, which is good for third in the Arena Football League.

SEEING YELLOW
In recent weeks, the Destroyers have been hampered not only by turnovers, but by too many flags flying not in their favor. The Destroyers are currently the second most penalized team in the AFL behind only the Carolina Cobras. In five games the Destroyers have been penalized 48 times for a total of 316 yards (63.2 yd/g).

RETURN TO SENDER
The Destroyers have scored 30 touchdowns this season, five of which have come via returns. Columbus' five returns for touchdowns are currently tied for first in the Arena Football League (COL).

Interception:
2/7 at IND Cornelius White – 9 yard return for touchdown
2/7 at IND JoJo Polk – 4-yard return for a touchdown

Kick Return:
2/7 at IND Sedrick Robinson 57-yard return for TD
2/13 vs CAR Sedrick Robinson 54-yard return for TD

MFG Return:
2/29 vs DAL CoCo Blalock 51-yard return for TD

BABY RUTH REAL DEAL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
WEEK OPPONENT PLAYER
One Indiana Brett Bech (IND)
Two CAROLINA Cornelius White (CLB)
Three Philadelphia Nick Browder (PHI)
Four DALLAS Cornelius White (CLB)
Five Arizona Sherdrick Bonner (AZ)
Six PHILADELPHIA
Seven New York
Eight ORLANDO
Nine NEW YORK
Ten New Orleans
Eleven TAMPA BAY
Twelve Carolina
Thirteen GEORGIA
Fourteen GRAND RAPIDS
Fifteen Dallas
Sixteen Las Vegas

US ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME
WEEK OPPONENT PLAYER
One Indiana Sedrick Robinson (CLB)
Two CAROLINA Wilky Bazile (CLB)
Three Philadelphia Ricky Ross (PHI)
Four DALLAS Wilky Bazile (CLB)
Five Arizona Wendall Gaines (AZ)
Six PHILADELPHIA
Seven New York
Eight ORLANDO
Nine NEW YORK
Ten New Orleans
Eleven TAMPA BAY
Twelve Carolina
Thirteen GEORGIA
Fourteen GRAND RAPIDS
Fifteen Dallas
Sixteen Las Vegas

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
WEEK OPPONENT PLAYER
One Indiana Anthony Derricks (IND)
Two CAROLINA Damon Mason (CAR)
Three Philadelphia Joe Todd (PHI)
Four DALLAS Chris Angel (CLB)
Five Arizona Bo Kelly (AZ)
Six PHILADELPHIA
Seven New York
Eight ORLANDO
Nine NEW YORK
Ten New Orleans
Eleven TAMPA BAY
Twelve Carolina
Thirteen GEORGIA
Fourteen GRAND RAPIDS
Fifteen Dallas
Sixteen Las Vegas



PLAYERS TO WATCH:

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS

OS CoCo Blalock: In his first year with the Destroyers, Blalock is second on the team in receptions (32), receiving yards (312) and receiving touchdowns (4). Blalock is the Destroyers' leader in all-purpose yardage, gaining 674 total yards on the season (5th in AFL).

WR/LB Cornelius White: Led the Destroyers in 2003 with 63 receptions and was second on the team with 760 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Through five games, White is the Destroyers leading receiver, having caught 35 balls (5th in AFL) for 474 yards (3rd in AFL) and nine touchdowns.

DS JoJo Polk: A three-year veteran who last season set the Destroyers record for tackles in a single season (86.5/5th in AFL) in his first season with the team. Four weeks ago, Polk had one interception which he returned four yards for the game-winning touchdown. He leads the team with 23.5 tackles (12th in AFL) through five weeks of play.

DS Chris Angel: Rookie defensive specialist who has the teams second most tackles (19.5/18th in AFL) and leads in pass deflections (3).

PHLADELPHIA SOUL

QB Nick Browder: Has attempted 164 passes this season, 100 of them finding their mark, 22 for touchdowns. He completed 22 of 33 passes for five touchdowns and one interception as he led the Soul in last week's upset over undefeated Chicago.

WR/LB Ricky Ross: Leads Philadelphia in receptions and yards with 24 catches for 306 yards. Last week caught eight passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns becoming the first Soul receiver ever to have a triple-digit game.

OS Tyronne Jones: Tied for second in receptions (23) and third in yards (227). Also returns kickoffs for the Soul returning 10 for 247 yards and one touchdown putting him 5th in the league in return average.


HOME .............................................................................. 0-2
AWAY .............................................................................. 1-2
FRIDAY ........................................................................... 0-2
SATURDAY ..................................................................... 1-1
SUNDAY ......................................................................... 0-1
VS EASTERN .................................................................. 0-3
VS CENTRAL .................................................................. 1-0
VS WESTERN ................................................................ 0-1
VS SOUTHERN ............................................................... 0-0
FEBRUARY ...................................................................... 1-3
MARCH ............................................................................ 0-1
APRIL ............................................................................... 0-0
MAY .................................................................................. 0-0
SCORE FIRST ................................................................. 0-0
OPPONENT SCORE FIRST ........................................... 1-4
AHEAD AT HALF............................................................. 0-2
BEHIND AT HALF .......................................................... 1-2
TIED AT HALF ............................................................... 0-0
AHEAD AFTER THREE QT ............................................ 0-1
BEHIND AFTER THREE QT .......................................... 1-3
TIED AFTER THREE QT ................................................ 0-0
PLUS TURNOVER RATIO ............................................. 1-1
EVEN TURNOVER RATIO ............................................ 0-1
MINUS TURNOVER RATIO ........................................... 0-2
MORE TOTAL OFFENSE ............................................... 0-2
LESS TOTAL OFFENSE ................................................. 1-2
OUTCOME 7 POINTS OR LESS ................................... 1-1
OUTCOME 3 POINTS OR LESS ..................................... 0-1
OVERTIME ........................................................................ 0-0
PLAY ON NBC ................................................................. 0-1
NOT ON NBC .................................................................. 1-3


2004 DESTROYERS TEAM LEADERS

Passing: Ryan Vena: 72-108/886 yards/13 touchdowns
Receiving: Cornelius White: 35 catches/474 yards/9 TDs
Rushing: Ryan Vena: 16 rushes/49 yards/3 TD
Kick Returns: CoCo Blalock, Sedrick Robinson:14 return
Kick Return Yards: Sedrick Robinson: 357 yards
Tackles: JoJo Polk: 23.5 total tackles

2004 DESTROYERS GAME HIGHS

Pass Attempts: Vena vs CAR/Feb. 13; Rayborn vs DAL Feb. 29-tied with 31
Pass Completions: Ryan Vena-22 vs CAR/Feb. 13
Passing Yds: Ryan Vena-256 vs CAR/Feb. 13
Passing TDs: Ryan Vena-5 vs CAR/Feb. 13
Receptions: Cornelius White-10 vs CAR/Feb. 13
Receiving Yds: Cornelius White-141 at PHI/Feb. 21
Receiving TDs: Cornelius White-2 vs CAR/Feb. 13 & 29, Mar. 5
Rushes: Ryan Vena-7 at ARIZ/Mar. 5
Rushing Yds: Ryan Vena-25 at ARIZ/ Mar. 5
Rushing TDs: Ryan Vena- 2 at ARIZ/ Mar 5
Kick Returns: (Robinson, Blalock)-tied with 4
Kick Return Yds: Sedrick Robinson-117 vs CAR/Feb. 13
Tackles: Chris Angel-6.5 vs DAL/Feb. 29
Pass Deflections: Chris Angel-2 vs DAL/Feb. 29
Interceptions: (White, Polk, Sloth)-tied with 1/last Mar5

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