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Columbus Destroyers game notes

April 13, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Columbus Destroyers (1-9) at
New Orleans VooDoo (6-4)
Date: Saturday, April 16, 2005
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Site: New Orleans Arena (16,021)
Officials: David Lambros, Referee; Doug Wilson, Umpire; Mike McCabe, Head Linesman; Brian Matthew, Line Judge; David Cutaia, Back Judge
Radio: Columbus’ flagship station WAZU-107.1 FM “The Big Wazoo” will broadcast the game live with Marty Bannister and Greg Frey.
Television: None
Series Record: The VooDoo hold a 1-0 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers entering Saturday’s game at New Orleans Arena.
Series Streaks: New Orleans won the only series meeting with the Destroyers, a game that took place on April 18, 2004 at the New Orleans Arena. The VooDoo bested the Destroyers 64-46 in week 11 on their way to a division title during their inaugural season.
Coaches: Columbus, Chris Spielman, 1st season (1-9 in 2005, 1-9 overall). New Orleans, Mike Neu, 3rd season (6-4 in 2005, 24-20 overall).

OVERVIEW: The Destroyers enter Saturday’s game with New Orleans looking to end a seven-game losing streak; a streak that is the third longest in franchise history. The Destroyers dropped 12 consecutive games during their inaugural season in Buffalo (1999) and lost eight consecutive games the following season (2000). Columbus picked up their only win this season in week three versus Chicago on February 19 and have yet to taste victory since.

The Destroyers are set to play their second of consecutive road games against the New Orleans VooDoo, who sit in fourth place in the Southern Division and are coming off their bye week. The VooDoo got off to a strong start in their second season in the AFL, winning five out of their first six games of the season. The VooDoo has struggled of late, dropping two of their last three games including a one-point loss to the Austin Wranglers two weeks ago.

Following Saturday’s game in New Orleans, the Destroyers return home to face Dallas next Friday night.

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (1-9)
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 L (66-57) 1-3
3/06 @ Georgia 2:00 L (55-48) 1-4
3/12 LAS VEGAS 7:00 L (63-34) 1-5
3/20 @ Colorado 3:00 L (52-37) 1-6
3/26 NEW YORK 7:00 L (56-55) 1-7
4/03 PHILADELPHIA 12:00 L (62-45) 1-8
4/08 @ Arizona 10:00 L (70-53) 1-9
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 Times Eastern

NEW ORLEANS VOODOO (6-4)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
1/29 @ Georgia 7:00 L (46-44) 0-1
/04 @ Nashville 8:30 W (59-34) 1-1
2/13 SAN JOSE 3:00 W (62-61) 2-1
2/20 PHILADELPHIA 12:00 W (61-47) 3-1
2/25 TAMPA BAY 8:00 W (48-42) 4-1
3/05 @ Dallas 8:30 W (53-51) 5-1
3/13 ORLANDO 3:00 L (63-52) 5-2
3/20 @ Chicago 12:00 W (46-40) 6-2
3/26 GEORGIA 8:00 L (43-40) 6-3
4/01 @ Austin 8:30 L (56-55) 6-4
4/16 COLUMBUS 8:00
4/23 @ Grand Rapids 7:30
4/30 @ Tampa Bay 7:30
5/08 COLORADO 1:00
5/14 AUSTIN 8:00
5/20 @ Orlando 7:30
*All Times Eastern

A COLUMBUS WIN OVER NEW ORLEANS WOULD…

· Give the Destroyers their second win of the season
· Give the Destroyers their first road win of the season
· End the Destroyers current seven-game losing streak
· Give the Destroyers their first all-time win over New Orleans
· Prevent the Destroyers from falling to 1-10 for the first time since the 1999 season

DESTROYERS Last Week:

Columbus Destroyers 53 Arizona Rattlers 70

Arizona scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to break open what had been a closely contested game as the host Rattlers bested the Columbus Destroyers, 70-53, at America West Arena last Friday night.
Quarterback Matt D’Orazio finished 21-of-36 passing for 272 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in a losing effort. Offensive specialist Damien Groce registered a game-high 10 catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns. It was the fourth consecutive game Groce accumulated over 100 yards receiving. Arizona quarterback and former Ohio State Buckeye Joe Germaine led the Rattlers to their third win of the season by completing 23-of-35 passes for 324 yards and eight touchdowns before being named Offensive Player of the Game. His favorite target of the evening was Siaha Burley, who led all Arizona receivers with seven catches for 86 yards and five touchdowns.

The Rattlers broke the scoring column first on a 45-yard touchdown connection between Germaine and receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood at the 8:34 mark of the first quarter. The Destroyers quickly responded with back to back touchdowns, first on a 21-yard touchdown reception by Groce followed by a fumble recovery returned 37 yards for a touchdown by Donvetis Franklin to give the Destroyers an early 13-6 lead. The Rattlers would then go on a 21-7 run to take a six point lead with 4:13 left in the half. Each team scored two touchdowns in the final 1:23 of the second quarter before the Rattlers took a 39-34 lead into the break.

Following an Arizona touchdown to open up the second half, Destroyers defensive specialist Justin Isom fumbled the ball at the Columbus 10 yard-line after making his first of two catches in the game. Arizona lineman Wendall Gaines recovered the lose ball. The Rattlers took advantage of the turnover finding the endzone for the second time in less than four minutes on a seven-yard pass from Germaine to Burley. The score gave Arizona a 19 point advantage with 6:55 to play in the third quarter. Arizona eventually outscored Columbus 21-0 in the third to take their biggest lead of the game at 34-60.

The Destroyers scored three fourth quarter touchdowns, however it wasn’t enough to overcome a 26-point second half deficit. Backup quarterback Scott McMullen made his AFL debut Friday night, taking over for D’Orazio on Columbus’ last drive of the game. He completed 4-of-6 passes for 34 yards and capped the drive off with a one-yard touchdown run.

THIS WEEK’s OPPONENT:

The New Orleans VooDoo are in their second season in the Arena Football League after a successful inaugural season in 2004. The VooDoo finished their first season in the AFL with a record of 11-5 and a Southern Division crown to go along with it. It was only the fourth time in league history an expansion team won a division title.

The VooDoo are led by head coach Mike Neu, who was named the AFL’s Coach of the Year in 2004. Neu is in his third season as a head coach in the AFL after first leading the Carolina Cobras to a record of 6-8 in 2002.

The VooDoo enters Saturday’s game second in total offense (308.3) and sixth in scoring offense (52.0 ppg). New Orleans also boasts the league’s second-best passing offense led by veteran quarterback Andy Kelly. In ten games this season, Kelly has completed 303-of-454 passes for 3,022 yards and 60 touchdowns. His 3,022 yards passing and 60 TDs are second in the league behind only Philadelphia QB Tony Graziani.
The club’s leading receiver is former NFL wide out Aaron Bailey. Bailey is off to his best season in the AFL, currently with 89 catches (3rd in AFL) for 1,105 yards (3rd in AFL) and 22 touchdowns (6th).

LAST MEETING WITH NEW ORLEANS:

Despite forcing two key fourth quarter turnovers, the Columbus Destroyers' fourth quarter rally fell short on a fourth down play at midfield to suffer their seventh defeat of the season at the hands of the New Orleans VooDoo, 64-46 at New Orleans Arena on April 18, 2004.

New Orleans would jump out to an early 20-7 lead after the first quarter of play. New Orleans’ breathing room was short-lived however as Columbus would find the endzone for the second time of the game following a 31-yard touchdown pass from Vena to offensive specialist Gunnard Twyner. The VooDoo then recaptured their double digit lead, scoring consecutive touchdowns midway through the second quarter to take a 34-14 advantage deep into the first half.

Following New Orleans’ second score of the quarter, Destroyers wide receiver/linebacker Sedrick Robinson returned the ensuing kickoff 28 yards to the Voodoo 23 yard-line, setting up the Destroyers’ third touchdown of the first half. Two plays later, Vena dropped back in the pocket and with his receivers covered scrambled into the endzone. New Orleans would add a field goal late in the quarter to take a 37-20 lead into the break.

Trailing 44-27, the Destroyers were able to keep pace with the Voodoo’s offensive attack after Sedrick Robinson registered his fourth receiving touchdown of the season from Vena. Following a missed extra point attempt, Columbus found themselves 11 points down with 12 minutes remaining in the contest. The Destroyers then forced the first of consecutive turnovers on the VooDoo’s following possession. Defensive specialist LaVar Glover tipped an errant Fitzgerald pass in the air to himself to record his second interception of the season. Columbus quickly turned the turnover into points when Robinson notched his second receiving touchdown in the opening four minutes of the final quarter as the Destroyers cut the VooDoo lead to five at 44-39.

Following a VooDoo touchdown, Robinson completed the hat-trick, scoring his third touchdown of the fourth quarter to keep Columbus alive. The VooDoo then mishandled the ensuing kickoff, which was recovered by Columbus defensive specialist JoJo Polk at the VooDoo two yard-line.

The Destroyers had the ball on the VooDoo goal line with the game in the balance, however after an offensive penalty and quarterback sack found themselves with a fourth-and-goal play at midfield in the game’s final minute. Under pressure, Vena launched the ball near the pylons intended for Twyner, however fell incomplete to give New Orleans the victory. New Orleans would go on to score a pair of touchdowns late, making the final score not indicative of how close the game was in the closing minutes.

ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS VS NEW ORLEANS
Date Score
April 18, 2004 NEW ORLEANS 64, COLUMBUS 46
DESTROYERS NOTABLES:


YEAR TO THE DATE…ALMOST
The Destroyers and VooDoo met for the first time on April 18, 2004 in week 11 at the New Orleans Arena. Their second meeting comes on April 16, 2005 in week 12 also to be played at the New Orleans Arena.

SLIDE EXTENDS TO SEVEN
The Destroyers have dropped seven consecutive games, dating back to week five when the team’s losing streak began with a loss to the Grand Rapids Rampage. Only tow previous times have the Destroyers endured a longer losing streak. First, losing the opening 12 games of their inaugural season in 1999 and then, dropping eight in a row midway through the 2000 season in Buffalo.

ON HIS GAME
Offensive specialist Damien Groce was one of Columbus’ top free agent acquisitions this past offseason and has lived up to his billing thus far. He is currently the club’s leading receiver with 68 catches for 898 yards and 12 touchdowns. Groce has been the Destroyers’ leading receiver the past four games, accumulating 37 catches for 475 yards and five touchdowns during that span. Groce has surpassed 100 yards receiving in four consecutive games entering Saturday’s game with New Orleans. Prior to this season, Groce only had one 100 yards game. In 2005, he has five.

AFL DEBUT
Former Ohio State quarterback Scott McMullen made his AFL debut last week in Phoenix after suiting up for the first time this season. McMullen spent the first 10 weeks of the season as a practice squad player before being activated last week. He came in on relief duty, replacing starting QB Matt D’Orazio on the Destroyers’ final drive of the game. In his first AFL action, McMullen completed 4-of-6 passes for 34 yards and added a rushing touchdown to cap off the drive.

BALL PROTECTION
So far this season, the Destroyers have been a little too generous with the ball, giving it up to their opponents 24 times, which is last 16th in the league in front of only Las Vegas. The Destroyers are currently last in the AFL in the turnover ratio, currently at -14 in the give-away, take-away category. The VooDoo, this week’s opponent for the Destroyers, have only turned the ball over 13 times this season and are +1 in the turnover ratio. The Destroyers’ sole with this season has come during the only week they won the turnover battle (week four vs. Chicago).

RETURN GAME
The Destroyers continue to lead the league in kick return yards, currently with 1,283 through 10 games. Columbus also had five kicks returned for a touchdown, which is second in the league behind only the New York Dragons (6).

KICK COVERAGE
To compliment the Destroyers’ strong return game, the club also boasts one of the top kick coverage squads in the league. The Destroyers are currently first in the league in kick coverage, giving up just 13.1 yards per return.

NEXT WEEK
Following Saturday’s game in New Orleans, the Destroyers return home to take on the Dallas Desperados on Friday, April 22 at Nationwide Arena.

The Desperados currently hold a 2-1 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers in three series meetings. The Desperados bested the Destroyers in week three of this season in a 35-31 decision at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
WEEK GAME RECIPIENT/TEAM
Week 1 1/28 vs NASH Leon Murray (Nashville)
Week 2 BYE
Week 3 2/13 at DAL Damien ‘Groce (Columbus)
Week 4 2/19 vs CHI Matt D’Orazio (Columbus)
Week 5 2/27 at GRR Michael Bishop (Grand Rapids)
Week 6 3/06 at GEO Troy Bergeron (Georgia)
Week 7 3/12 vs LVG Marcus Nash (Las Vegas)
Week 8 3/20 at COL John Dutton (Colorado)
Week 9 3/26 vs NYD Aaron Garcia (New York)
Week 10 4/03 vs PHI Tony Graziani (Philadelphia)
Week 11 4/08 at ARI Joe Germaine (Arizona)
Week 12 4/16 at NOV
Week 13 4/22 vs DAL
Week 14 4/30 vs AUS
Week 15 5/07 at NYD
Week 16 5/15 at PHI
Week 17 5/22 vs TBS

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
WEEK GAME RECIPIENT/TEAM
Week 1 1/28 vs NASH Jarrick Hillery (Nashville)
Week 2 BYE
Week 3 2/13 at DAL Bobby Perry (Dallas)
Week 4 2/19 vs CHI Donvetis Franklin (Columbus)
Week 5 2/27 at GRR Dennison Robinson (Grand R.)
Week 6 3/06 at GEO Gillis Wilson (Georgia)
Week 7 3/12 vs LVG Jeremy Unertl (Las Vegas)
Week 8 3/20 at COL Damien Hughley (Colorado)
Week 9 3/26 vs NYD Donvetis Franklin (Columbus)
Week 10 4/03 vs PHI Eddie Moten (Philadelphia)
Week 11 4/08 at ARI Terrance Joseph (Arizona)
Week 12 4/16 at NOV
Week 13 4/22 vs DAL
Week 14 4/30 vs AUS
Week 15 5/07 at NYD
Week 16 5/15 at PHI
Week 17 5/22 vs TBS

US ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME
WEEK GAME RECIPIENT/TEAM
Week 1 1/28 vs NASH Jarrick Hillery (Nashville)
Week 2 BYE
Week 3 2/13 at DAL Will Pettis (Dallas)
Week 4 2/19 vs CHI Cornelius White (Columbus)
Week 5 2/27 at GRR Dennison Robinson (Grand R.)
Week 6 3/06 at GEO Chris Demaree (Georgia)
Week 7 3/12 vs LVG Frank Carter (Las Vegas)
Week 8 3/20 at COL Willis Marshal (Colorado)
Week 9 3/26 vs NYD Chris Anthony (New York)
Week 10 4/03 vs PHI Sean Scott (Philadelphia)
Week 11 4/08 at ARI Jerald Brown (Arizona)
Week 12 4/16 at NOV
Week 13 4/22 vs DAL
Week 14 4/30 vs AUS
Week 15 5/07 at NYD
Week 16 5/15 at PHI
Week 17 5/22 vs TBS

DESTROYERS ATTENDANCE STILL STRONG
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, having recorded sellout crowds of 17,171 in three of their first five home games this season. The Destroyers have now recorded sellouts in 7 out of 13 home games in Columbus dating back to the club’s inaugural season.

The club is currently leading the league in attendance, averaging 16,204 fans in attendance per home game.

TEAM AVG. ATTENDANCE
Columbus Destroyers 16,204
Philadelphia Soul 16,157
New Orleans VooDoo 15,244
Chicago Rush 14,904
Tampa Bay Storm 14,900

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.

TALE OF THE TAPE: Here’s how the Destroyers and VooDoo match up after 11 weeks of play.

2005 LEAGUE TEAM RANKINGS – STAT (RANK)
Category Columbus New Orleans
Scoring Offense 45.0 (16th) 52.0 (T-6th)
Scoring Defense 54.5 (14th) 48.3 (8th)
Total Offense 269.5 (13th) 308.3 (2nd)
Total Defense 279.0 (7th) 266.7 (5th)
Touchdowns Scored 62 (16th) 72 (T-10th)
Pass Offense 246.7 (12th) 297.8 (2nd)
Pass Defense 250.4 (14th) 243.3 (4th)
Rushing Offense 22.6 (16th) 10.5 (16th)
Rushing Defense 28.6 (16th) 23.4 (T-10th)
Field Goals Made 7-17 (9th) 8-14 (4th)
Kick Return Yards 1,283 (1st) 806 (15th)
Kickoff Return Average 19.4 (3rd) 15.5 (T-15th)
Kick Return Touchdowns 5 (2nd) 1 (T-10th)
Kickoff Coverage 13.1 (1st) 18.4 (11th)
3rd Down Efficiency 38-86 (12th) 34-70 (6th)
4th Down Efficiency 12-23 (5th) 9-18 (8th)
Red Zone Offense 30-40 (12th) 41-48 (3rd)
Red Zone Defense 39-45 (16th) 39-50 (8th)

Avg. Time of Possession 29:48 32:07
Turnover Margin -14 (17th) +1 (9th)


DESTROYERS RECENT Transactions:

4/7/05: Activated lineman Norris McCleary off IR.

4/4/05: Waived wide receiver/defensive back Jason Waters

4/1/05: Placed quarterback Ryan Vena and wide receiver/defensive back Lenzie Jackson on injured reserve; signed quarterback Scott McMullen and wide receiver/linebacker Chris Curd off the practice squad; signed wide receiver/defensive back Jason Waters and quarterback Tommy Jones to the practice squad

3/23/05: Signed lineman Jon Hall to practice squad; placed fullback/linebacker Sedrick Irvin on injured reserve

3/18/05: Signed defensive specialist Justin Isom off the practice squad

3/17/05: Traded defensive specialist JoJo Polk to Grand Rapids for fullback/linebacker Sedrick Irvin; signed lineman Ronnie Washburn; activated lineman LaKendrick Jones; placed lineman Norris McCleary on injured reserve

3/3/05: Activated linemen Troy Pelshak and Bryan Ray off injured reserve; placed fullback/linebacker Chris Pope and lineman LaKendrick Jones on injured reserve

3/1/05: Signed wide receiver/linebacker Chris Curd to the practice squad

2/24/05: Signed offensive specialist Randall Lane off the practice squad

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)

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS 2005 RECORD WHEN…
HOME 1-4
AWAY 0-5
VS EASTERN 0-3
VS CENTRAL 1-3
VS WESTERN 0-2
VS SOUTHERN 0-1
JANUARY 0-1
FEBRUARY 1-2
MARCH 0-4
APRIL 0-2
MAY 0-0
SCORE FIRST 1-7
OPPONENT SCORE FIRST 0-2
AHEAD AT HALF 1-2
BEHIND AT HALF 0-6
TIED AT HALF 0-1
AHEAD AFTER 3RD QTR 1-1
BEHIND AFTER 3RD QTR 0-8
TIED AFTER 3RD QTR 0-0
PLUS TURNOVER RATIO 1-0
EVEN TURNOVER RATIO 0-2
MINUS TURNOVER RATIO 0-7
MORE TOTAL OFFENSE 1-3
LESS TOTAL OFFENSE 0-6

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