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Columbus Destroyers game notes

February 22, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Columbus Destroyers (1-2) at
Grand Rapids Rampage (0-3)
Date: Sunday, February 27, 2005
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. (ET)
Site: Van Andel Arena (10,594)
Officials: Terry Brown, Referee; Rick Lowe, Umpire; Rusty Baynes, Head Linesman; Gary Caveletto, Line Judge; Scott Helverson, Back Judge
Radio: Columbus' flagship station WAZU-107.1 FM "The Big Wazoo" will broadcast the game live with Rob Blackman and Greg Frey.
Television: None
Series Record: The Rampage holds a 4-1 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers in five series meetings. The Destroyers came up empty in their first four games with Grand Rapids while playing out of Buffalo, NY from 1999-2003 before capturing their first win over Grand Rapids last season, winning convincingly, 59-28 on May 14 at Nationwide Arena.
Series Streaks: Sunday marks the sixth meeting between the two franchises. The Rampage won four consecutive games over the Destroyers before dropping a lopsided affair late last season in their only meeting in 2004. Four of the first five meetings have taken place on the Destroyers' home turf, with the club going 1-3 at home and 0-1 on the road. The average margin of victory was only 2.7 points in the first three meetings. The past two meetings have been much more one-sided with the average margin in victory being 24.5 points.
Coaches: Columbus, Chris Spielman, 1st season (1-2 in 2005, 1-2 overall). Grand Rapids, Sparky McEwen, 1st season (0-3 in 2005, 0-3 overall).

OVERVIEW: The Destroyers enter week five riding high coming off a convincing 52-39 victory over the Chicago Rush last Saturday night. The win was the first for the Destroyers this season and the first win as a head coach for first-year coach Chris Spielman. Columbus begins the first of a two consecutive road games, next traveling to Georgia to take on the Force before returning home to host the Gladiators on March 12. Under the direction of first-year head coach Sparky McEwen, the Rampage have lost three consecutive games to open the season after suffering through a 1-15 season a year ago. The Rampage are looking for their first win this year, while the Destroyers aim for their second consecutive win.

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (1-2)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
1/28 NASHVILLE 7:00 L (47-38) 0-1
2/13 @Dallas 3:00 L (35-31) 0-2
2/19 CHICAGO 7:00 W (52-39) 1-2
2/27 @Grand Rapids 3:00 - -
3/06 @Georgia 12:00 - -
3/12 LAS VEGAS 7:00 - -
3/20 @Colorado 3:00 - -
3/26 NEW YORK 7:00 - -
4/03 PHILADELPHIA 12:00 - -
4/08 @Arizona 10:00 - -
4/16 @New Orleans 8:00 - -
4/22 DALLAS 7:00 - -
4/30 AUSTIN 7:00 - -
5/07 @New York 7:00 - -
5/15 @Philadelphia 1:00 - -
5/22 TAMPA BAY 3:00 - -

*All Eastern Time

GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE (0-3)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
1/28 ARIZONA 7:30 L (58-38) 0-1
2/05 @Colorado 3:00 L (72-56) 0-2
2/19 AUSTIN 7:30 L (73-61) 0-3
2/27 COLUMBUS 3:00
3/06 @Tampa Bay 12:00
3/13 CHICAGO 12:00
3/18 @San Jose 10:30
3/27 @Philadelphia 3:00
4/03 NASHVILLE 3:00
4/08 @Las Vegas 10:00
4/15 @Georgia 7:30
4/23 NEW ORLEANS 7:30
4/30 COLORADO 8:00
5/07 @Nashville 8:30
5/15 @Chicago 1:00
5/21 LOS ANGELES 7:30

A COLUMBUS WIN OVER GRAND RAPIDS WOULD...

· Give the Destroyers their second win of the season
· Give the Destroyers their second consecutive win over Grand Rapids
· Give the Destroyers their first road win of the season
· Place the Destroyers at the .500 mark for the first time this season

LAST SERIES MEETING

Destroyers 59, Rampage 28 (5/14/04)
The Destroyers did not disappoint the near capacity crowd that showed up for the club's final home game of the 2004 season as they routed the Grand Rapids Rampage, 59-28 on May 14 of last season at Nationwide Arena. The win was the Destroyers' third home victory of the season. The 28 points the Destroyers gave up was the fewest points allowed by the Destroyers since February 16, 2003 when they held the Carolina Cobras to 16 points. As a team, Columbus finished the game with a season-high 67 yards rushing led by quarterback Ryan Vena who finished with 32 rushing yards in the game and added his team-leading 10th rushing touchdown on the season. The Destroyers' defense also got their second shut-out quarter of the season, blanking Grand Rapids in the third quarter. Vena led the Destroyers, completing 16 of his 26 passes for 225 yards and seven touchdowns before being named Offensive Player of the Game. His seven touchdown passes was his second best effort of the season (8 on May 22 at Dallas) and those 32 yards rushing extended his total to 197 yards on the ground at the time, making him the No. 1 all-time single season rushing leader in the franchises' six-year history. The Destroyers got out to an early 20-0 lead thanks to some aggressive play calling. After receiving the opening kickoff and driving down the field for the first touchdown of the game, the Destroyers scored two unanswered touchdowns after successfully recovering two consecutive onside kicks. Grand Rapids would go on to score their first touchdown of the game as time ran out in the first quarter. The Destroyers answered the challenge scoring 15 straight points on Vena's lone rushing touchdown and an 18-yard reception by receiver Cornelius White, followed by a crushing safety at the hands of lineman Jamarr Ward before enjoying their largest lead of the season at 35-7. The Destroyers would go on to enjoy their largest margin of victory of the season.
ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS VS GRAND RAPIDS
Date Score
May 28, 1999 GRAND RAPIDS 40, BUFFALO 38
July 20, 2001 GRAND RAPIDS 44, BUFFALO 40
May 25, 2002 GRAND RAPIDS 47, BUFFALO 45
February 1, 2003 GRAND RAPIDS 54, BUFFALO 36
May 14, 2004 COLUMBUS 59, GRAND RAPIDS 28

LOPSIDED AFFAIR
The last time the Destroyers played the Rampage, Columbus jumped out to an early lead, never looking back en route to a 59-28 decision at Nationwide Arena. The win was the largest margin of victory, home or away, in franchise history (31 points).



TAKING ADVANTAGE OF AN OPPORTUNITY
Destroyers quarterback Matt D'Orazio's first year in the Arena Football League was in 2000 with the Milwaukee Mustangs, spending the majority of his career in the role of reserve QB. Five years later in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, D'Orazio was given his opportunity on the field to prove his ability to play in the AFL. He made the most of it last Saturday night at home versus the Chicago Rush, completing 26-of-33 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns in leading the Destroyers to their first win of the season. He also rushed for a game-high 27 yards and a score before being named Offensive Player of the Game. His performance last week gives D'Orazio a tight grasp on the starting job for the foreseeable future.

THE LEAGUE HONORS
QB Matt D'Orazio was named the AFL's Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Columbus' win over the Rush last Saturday. He played a large role in getting the first win not only for the Destroyers, but also for head coach Chris Spielman. It was the first time D'Orazio garnered a weekly honor in his career.

ON TARGET
Head coach Chris Spielman and his staff want somewhere between a 63-65 completion percentage from their quarterback. How about 78.8 percent? Last week, in his first AFL start, Matt D'Orazio completed 78.8 percent of his passes (26-of-33) in leading Columbus to their first win of the season. It is the highest single game completion rate in franchise history, surpassing the previous mark set by Fred McNair on April 19, 2002 (76.2 percent).

DAMIEN'S GOING DEEP
Offensive specialist Damien Groce, who was acquired as a free agent this past offseason, has emerged as one of Columbus' top playmakers early in 2005. Known for his speed, Groce's specialty is going deep, beating defenders over the top. Beginning with week one of last season and dating up until this week, Groce has nine TD catches of 25 yards or more, which is tied for the 8th most in the AFL. Groce added his ninth TD over 25 yards early in the third quarter last week, hauling in a 32-yard pass from QB Matt D'Orazio.

DESTROYERS ON D
In an offensively-dominated game, the Destroyers enter week five sporting the second-best scoring defense in the league, giving up only 40.3 points per game and are seventh best in total defense giving up just 271.7 yards per game. The Destroyers defense will have their hands full this weekend with quarterback Michael Bishop, who accounted for eight touchdowns and over 400 yards of total offense last week for Grand Rapids.

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS
Wide receiver/linebacker Cornelius White became the Destroyers' all-time leading receiver in week one and continues to build on his mark in his third season with the team. He is currently 18 catches behind OS Bobby Olive, who is also still playing, to become the club's all-time leader in every major receiving category. He is currently the team's all-time leader in receiving yards (2,173), touchdowns scored (42), receiving touchdowns (42) and points scored (262). Olive currently is the club's all-time leader in career receptions (188) and single-season receptions (106) and single-season receiving yards (1,184).

DESTROYER CAREER RECEIVING LEADERS
Player Career Receptions
Bobby Olive 188 (1999-2002, 2005)
Cornelius White 160 (2003-2005)

Player Career Receiving Yards
Cornelius White 2,173 (2003-2005)
Bobby Olive 1,965 (1999-2002, 2005)

Player Career Receiving Touchdowns
Cornelius White 42 (2003-2005)
Darrick Branch 29 (1999-2001)

DESTROYERS A QUICK STRIKE TEAM
In the first three games of the season, the Destroyers have been the first to break the scoring column, with each strike coming mere minutes into the game. A team quick out of the gates, the Destroyers have outscored their opponents 45-19 in the first quarter so far this season.

KILLER INSTINCT
The Destroyers jumped out to early leads in their first two games of the season, however faltered in the second half to eventually lose both games. Last week versus Chicago, the Destroyers were able to maintain a lead and close the door on the Rush, not only outscoring them in the first quarter (14-6), but maintaining the lead throughout the contest, outscoring the Rush 38-33 in the final three periods. The Rush never crept closer than 13 points in the second half of the game.

DESTROYERS SELL OUT AGAIN
The Destroyers sold out four of eight home games during their inaugural season, eventually averaging over 16,000 fans in attendance per home game in 2004. The club has picked up where they left off last season, recording yet another sellout crowd at Nationwide Arena (17,171) last Saturday versus Chicago. The sellout was the second consecutive this season and sixth out of 10 home games in Columbus.

DESTROYERS TACKLE HUNGER
When the Columbus Destroyers kicked off the 2005 AFL season, the team also kicked off a new community initiative in conjunction with the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to "Tackle Hunger" in Central Ohio. Beginning with the home opener and continuing throughout the 2005 season, fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to each home game at Nationwide Arena for donation to the Mid-Ohio FoodBank. In turn, fans will receive one raffle ticket per donated food item for a chance to win a team-autographed, authentic AFL football. One winner will be announced during the fourth quarter of each game. In addition to the eight-game collection drive, members of the Columbus Destroyers plan to further support the "Tackle Hunger" initiative with visits to the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to help pack boxes for distribution to local food pantries. Players and team personnel will also lend a hand at Faith Mission to serve meals and spend time with residents during several trips scheduled throughout the season.

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

2005 LEAGUE TEAM RANKINGS
Category (RANK) Columbus Grand Rapids
Scoring Offense 40.3 (16th) 51.7 (8th)
Scoring Defense 40.3 (2nd) 67.67 (17th)
Total Offense 235.3 (16th) 339.7 (2nd)
Total Defense 271.7 (7th) 290.3 (11th)
Touchdowns Scored 16 (17th) 21 (15th)
Pass Offense 217.7 (15th) 265.7 (7th)
Pass Defense 229.3 (4th) 272.0 (11th)
Rushing Offense 17.7 (9th) 74.0 (1st)
Rushing Defense 42.3 (17th) 18.3 (8th)
Field Goals Made 3-3 (T-6th) 3-6 (T-6th)
Field Goal Percentage 100.0 (T-1st) 50.0 (T-8th)
Kick Return Yards 334 (11th) 272 (15th)
Kickoff Return Average 23.9 (1st) 20.9 (3rd)
Kickoff Coverage 14.3 (2nd) 14.4 (3rd)
3rd Down Efficiency 10-23 (11th) 7-21 (15th)
4th Down Efficiency 2-5 (T-15th) 2-5 (T-15th)
Red Zone Offense 8-13 (16th) 8-9 (T-3rd)
Red Zone Defense 11-13 (13th) 16-17 (16th)
Avg. Time of Possession 27:32 (14th) 22:21 (3rd)
Turnover Margin -3 (T-14th) -6 (17th)

PROGRAMING NOTE
Next week's Destroyers game with the Georgia Force has been moved to a 2 p.m. (ET) start time, a game that was originally scheduled to be a noon kick at Philips Arena. The game will not be televised, however can be heard on the Destroyers flagship station, WAZU 107.1 FM "The Big Wazoo" with Rob Blackman and Greg Frey calling all the action.

NEXT WEEK
Following Sunday's game in Grand Rapids, the Destroyers travel to Georgia to take on the Force at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (ET).

DESTROYERS RECENT Transactions:

2/17/05: Activated fullback/linebacker Juan Long off injured reserve

2/15/05: Released quarterback Chad Salisbury

2/15/05: Waived wide receiver/linebacker D.J. Humphries

2/15/05: Signed quarterback Ryan Vena

2/15/05: Traded lineman Carey Clayton to Nashville for defensive specialist Art Smith (Other League Exempt: NFL-Green Bay)

1/26/05: Signed quarterback Scott McMullen to practice squad

1/26/05: Signed offensive specialist Randall Lane to practice squad

1/26/05: Signed defensive specialist Justin Isom to practice squad

1/26/05: Signed defensive specialist Bobby Britton to practice squad

1/25/05: Waived lineman Tyronn Johnson

1/25/05: Released wide receiver/linebacker Sir Mawn Wilson

1/25/05: Placed fullback/linebacker Juan Long on injured reserve

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS 2005 RECORD WHEN...
HOME 1-1
AWAY 0-1
FRIDAY 0-1
SATURDAY 1-0
SUNDAY 0-1
VS EASTERN 0-1
VS CENTRAL 1-1
VS WESTERN 0-0
VS SOUTHERN 0-0
JANUARY 0-1
FEBRUARY 1-1
MARCH 0-0
APRIL 0-0
MAY 0-0
SCORE FIRST 1-2
OPPONENT SCORE FIRST 0-0
AHEAD AT HALF 1-1
BEHIND AT HALF 0-1
TIED AT HALF 0-0
AHEAD AFTER 3RD QTR 1-1
BEHIND AFTER 3RD QTR 0-1
TIED AFTER 3RD QTR 0-0
PLUS TURNOVER RATIO 1-0
EVEN TURNOVER RATIO 0-0
MINUS TURNOVER RATIO 0-2
MORE TOTAL OFFENSE 1-0
LESS TOTAL OFFENSE 0-2
OUTCOME 7 POINTS OR LESS 0-1
OUTCOME 3 POINTS OR LESS 0-0
OVERTIME 0-0
PLAY ON NBC 0-1
NOT ON NBC 1-1

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