Sports stats



Columbus Destroyers game notes

April 20, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Dallas Desperados (6-4-1) at
Columbus Destroyers (1-10)
Date: Friday, April 22, 2005
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,171)
Officials: Bill Athan, Referee; Tim Morris, Umpire; Tim Podraza, Head Linesman; Dana McKinzie, Line Judge; Greg Wilson, Back Judge
Radio: Columbus' flagship station WAZU-107.1 FM "The Big Wazoo" will broadcast the game live with Marty Bannister, Greg Frey and Archie.
Television: FSN-Ohio (Jeff Piecoro, Jim Lachey, Jim Day)
Series Record: The Desperados have a 2-1 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers in three series meetings. Dallas won, 35-31 in week three this season.
Series Streaks: Each team has won on their opponents' home turf last season. Dallas won during the first meeting on February 29 of last season, 35-31 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The Destroyers responded with a 68-56 win in week 16 in Dallas.
Coaches: Columbus, Chris Spielman, 1st season (1-10 in 2005, 1-10 overall). Dallas, Will McClay, 2nd season (6-4-1 in 2005, 12-14-1 overall).

OVERVIEW: The Destroyers enter week 13 a team looking for a spark to turn around what has been a disappointing 2005 season. Head Coach Chris Spielman hopes that spark comes in the form of former Ohio State quarterback Scott McMullen, who will make his first professional start at quarterback Friday versus Dallas. McMullen will be the fourth starting quarterback for the Destroyers this season.

The Destroyers have yet to pick up their second win of the season; only one other time has the team been this late in the season without seeing win No. 2. The Destroyers dropped their first 12 games of the 1999 season before picking up their only win of the season the following week.

Dallas enters Friday's game coming off an 83-71 loss to the San Jose SaberCats last Friday night. The combined 154 points scored was tied for the sixth most in a single game in league history. Dallas hasn't tasted victory since a 72-50 win over Los Angeles on March 18.

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (1-10)
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 L (64-28) 1-10
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

DALLAS DESPERADOS (6-4-1)
Date Opponent Time Result Record
1/30 CHICAGO 3:00 W (66-65)ot 1-0
2/06 @New York 1:00 L (55-45) 1-1
2/13 COLUMBUS 3:00 W (35-31) 2-1
2/17 ORLANDO 8:30 W (42-28) 3-1
2/27 @Philadelphia 3:00 W (72-43) 4-1
3/05 NEW ORLEANS 8:30 L (53-51) 4-2
3/13 @Austin 3:00 W (52-28) 5-2
3/18 @Los Angeles 10:30 W (72-50) 6-2
3/25 COLORADO 8:30 L (66-58) 6-3
4/08 NASHVILLE 8:30 T (41-41) 6-3-1
4/15 @San Jose 10:30 L (83-71) 6-4-1
4/22 @Columbus 7:00 - -
4/29 NEW YORK 8:30 - -
5/07 @Las Vegas 10:30 - -
5/14 @Georgia 7:00 - -
5/22 PHILADELPHIA 3:00 - -
*All Times Eastern

A COLUMBUS WIN OVER DALLAS WOULD...

· Give the Destroyers their second win of the season
· Give the Destroyers their second home win of the season
· End the Destroyers current eight-game losing streak
· Give the Destroyers their second all-time win over Dallas
· Give the Destroyers their first win over a divisional opponent

DESTROYERS Last Week:
Columbus Destroyers 28 New Orleans VooDoo 64
The New Orleans VooDoo scored 20 unanswered points during the second and third quarters on their way to a 64-28 decision over the visiting Columbus Destroyers in front 16,108 fans at the New Orleans Arena last Saturday night.

Destroyers quarterback Matt D'Orazio finished 16-of-25 passing for 129 yards and one touchdown. Backup QB Scott McMullen saw extended minutes in the fourth quarter, completing 8-of-14 passes for 90 yards and added the first passing touchdown of his career to offensive specialist Damien Groce. Groce finished with a team-high eight catches for 70 yards and two scores.

The VooDoo jumped out to an early 16-0 advantage following a safety and a pair of touchdown passes by Kelly, first on a 40-yard pass to Bond and then on a 13-yard strike to offensive specialist Aaron Bailey at the 6:15 mark of the first quarter. The Destroyers would break the scoring column on a Juan Long one-yard touchdown run as the VooDoo led 16-7 after one quarter.

New Orleans outscored Columbus 21-7 in the second quarter to take a commanding 37-14 lead at the break. The VooDoo added to their lead on the opening possession of the third quarter when Kelly found Bond for an eight-yard touchdown to extend the New Orleans lead to 30 with 12:35 left in the third quarter. The Destroyers responded by driving the ball 35 yards on five plays, looking for their third score of the night.
However, after pulling in one of his three pass receptions of the game, Juan Long fumbled the ball after being hit by VooDoo lineman Mike Landry. The ball bounced out of the endzone for a touchback, giving New Orleans possession. It was the first of two second half turnovers for the Destroyers.

The VooDoo held the Destroyers scoreless in the third quarter and were unable to make up any group as the two clubs would trade scores in the game's final period.

THIS WEEK's OPPONENT:
The Desperados remain atop the Eastern Division standings despite an 83-71 loss in San Jose Friday night. Dallas' play was improved following a disappointing tie with Nashville on April 8. But the erratic play of the defense, which allowed the SaberCats to score the second highest amount of points in team history, can be viewed as a question mark. After some struggles offensively, expect coach Will McClay to look closely at the players on the other side of the football prior to Friday night's game. The Desperados had to work hard for a 35-31 victory against the Destroyers in Big D on Feb. 13.

LAST MEETING WITH DALLAs:
The Destroyers exploded out of the gates, scoring 24 first-quarter points in the first meeting with Dallas in week three on February 19. However, the Destroyers only managed to tack on seven points in the final three quarters to drop a 35-31 decision to the Desperados at the American Airlines Center.

The game saw seven combined turnovers between the two squads with Columbus finishing minus one in the turnover ratio. Both teams lost three fumbles. But the game's pivotal turnover came on a Will Pettis interception midway through the fourth quarter, which eventually resulted in Dallas taking the lead for good on a Bobby Sippio touchdown.

After scoring on their first four possessions of the game, Columbus scored just once in their final six possessions, including four turnovers.
Dallas fumbled the ball on their first three possessions of the game, losing two, as the Destroyers jumped out to an early 17-0 lead. Groce opened the scoring with a 35-yard touchdown reception two minutes into the contest. Dallas coughed up the ball once again on their ensuing possession, leading to another Destroyers score on a 3-yard rushing touchdown courtesy of fullback Chris Pope. Kicker Steve Videtich added a 22 yard field goal late in the first quarter to give Columbus their biggest lead of the contest.

The Destroyers claimed a 24-6 advantage at the end of the first quarter. However the Desperados would score 15 unanswered points to close the gap to three at the 2:45 mark of the second quarter. The Destroyers had the ball at the Dallas four yard line inside one minute looking to re-gain some breathing room, however Salisbury was hit in the backfield, losing the ball, as time expired in the first half. Columbus led 24-21 at the break.

Trailing 31-28 early in the fourth quarter, Dallas forced the ball lose following a Salisbury completion to White. Dallas linebacker Duke Pettijohn picked up the fumble and headed toward the endzone for a go-ahead score. However, Columbus lineman Curtis Eason caught Pettijohn from behind forcing him to fumble, which Columbus recovered. Eason's effort was spoiled six plays later when Salisbury was picked off by Pettis at the Dallas six yard-line before Sippio's game-clenching score.

ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS VS DALLAS
Date Score
February 29, 2004 DALLAS 35, COLUMBUS 31
May 22, 2004 COLUMBUS 68, DALLAS 56
February 13, 2005 DALLAS 35, COLUMBUS 31
DESTROYERS NOTABLES:


MCMULLEN TO MAKE DEBUT AS STARTING QB
Former Ohio State quarterback Scott McMullen will make his first professional start on Friday night, leading the Destroyers into an Eastern Divisional matchup with the Dallas Desperados.

McMullen was signed to the club's practice squad in January before being signed to the active roster two weeks ago. In two games, McMullen has completed 12-of-20 passes for 124 yards and 1 touchdown while serving as a backup to Matt D'Orazio. He also has one rushing touchdown to his credit this season.

McMullen joined the Destroyers after a successful collegiate career at The Ohio State University from 2000-2003. The Buckeyes No. 2 signal caller in 2003, McMullen began his career at Ohio State as a red-shirted freshman in 1999 before seeing his first action the following season. He would go on to appear in 20 games during his collegiate career, completing 87-of-141 passes for 1,103 yards and nine touchdowns.

COACH SPIELMAN ON MCMULLEN...
"When Scott has been put in the game during the past few weeks he has shown good decision making ability and has been a presence on the field," said Head Coach and General Manager Chris Spielman. "Scott has produced when he's been in there and in my eyes deserves a shot to play a full game. I think it's especially true when you have a player who might be a part of your team going forward and you need to get a look at him to see what he can do when the lights are on."

A FAMILIAR RESULT
The Destroyers and Desperados first met on February 29, 2004 with Dallas coming out on top 35-31 in Columbus. Nearly a year to the date later, on February 13, 2005, in the first meeting of the season, Dallas bested Columbus by the same count of 35-31, this time in Dallas.

D'ING UP DALLAS
The Desperados sport one of the top receiving trios in the AFL, made up of Jason Shelley, Bobby Sippio and Will Pettis. However in three meetings the Dallas offense is averaging only 42 points per game, a modest number for the AFL.



SLIDE EXTENDS TO EIGHT
The Destroyers have dropped eight consecutive games, dating back to week five when the team's losing streak began with a loss to the Grand Rapids Rampage. Only one previous time have the Destroyers endured a longer losing streak. That honor goes to the 1999 squad that lost the first 12 games of the season.

CENTURY MAN
Offensive specialist Damien Groce has five 100 yard receiving games this season, tying the all-time franchise record for a single season along with fellow OS Gunnard Twyner (2003). Groce had four consecutive 100 yard games until that streak was broke last week in New Orleans. Groce needs only one more 100 yard game in the final five games of the season to claim six 100 yard games to become the franchise's single season leader. On the season, Groce is Columbus' leading receiver with 76 catches for 968 yards and 14 touchdowns.

CAREER NUMBERS
Damien Groce needs only 32 yards receiving on Friday to break 1,000 yards receiving for the season. It would be the first time in his five-year career he eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving. His previous high was 881 with Carolina in 2004.

RETURN GAME
The Destroyers continue to lead the league in kick return yards, currently with 1,425 through 11 games. Columbus also had five kicks returned for a touchdown, which is second in the league behind only the New York Dragons (6).

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 second in the AFL in attendance, averaging 16,204 fans in attendance per home game. The Destroyers have played five home games this season with three remaining.

TEAM AVG. ATTENDANCE
Philadelphia Soul 16,217
Columbus Destroyers 16,204
New Orleans VooDoo 15,388

NEXT WEEK
Following Friday's game with Dallas, the Destroyers remain at home, hosting the Austin Wranglers on Saturday, April 30. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two franchises.

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 Andy Kelly (New Orleans)
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 B.J. Cohen (New Orleans)
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 Carl Bond (New Orleans)
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 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.

2005 PLAYOFF PICTURE

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
TEAM W L T PCT
*GEORGIA 9 3 0 .750
*DALLAS 6 4 1 .591
ORLANDO 8 4 0 .667
NEW ORLEANS 7 4 0 .636

TAMPA BAY 7 4 0 .636
NEW YORK 6 5 0 .545
PHILADELPHIA 5 7 0 .417
AUSTIN 4 8 0 .333
COLUMBUS 1 10 0 .091

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
TEAM W L T PCT
*COLORADO 8 3 0 .727
*SAN JOSE 7 4 0 .636
CHICAGO 7 4 0 .636
LAS VEGAS 7 5 0 .583

LOS ANGELES 6 5 0 .545
NASHVILLE 3 7 1 .318
ARIZONA 3 8 0 .273
GRAND RAPIDS 1 10 0 .091

* Division Leader

· Eight teams qualify for the playoffs
· 4 Teams qualify from each Conference
· 2 Division Champions from each Conference
· 2 Wild Card from each Conference (teams with the remaining best records within the Conference)
· Playoffs are separated into conferences with the Division Champions hosting First round games. The highest ranked Division champion hosts the lowest ranked Wild Card team and the second highest ranked Division Champion hosts the highest ranked Wild Card team.

DESTROYERS RECENT Transactions:

4/19/04: Placed OS Bobby Olive on injured reserve

4/15/05: Signed Justin Isom to the practice squad

4/14/05: Activated WR/DB Lenzie Jackson off injured reserve; placed DS Jeremy Unertl on Refused to Report

4/12/05: Waived DS Justin Isom

4/11/05: Awarded DS Jeremy Unertl off waivers

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


COLUMBUS DESTROYERS 2005 RECORD WHEN...
HOME 1-4
AWAY 0-6
VS EASTERN 0-3
VS CENTRAL 1-3
VS WESTERN 0-2
VS SOUTHERN 0-2
JANUARY 0-1
FEBRUARY 1-2
MARCH 0-4
APRIL 0-3
MAY 0-0
AHEAD AT HALF 1-2
BEHIND AT HALF 0-7
TIED AT HALF 0-1
AHEAD AFTER 3RD QTR 1-1
BEHIND AFTER 3RD QTR 0-9
TIED AFTER 3RD QTR 0-0
PLUS TURNOVER RATIO 1-0
EVEN TURNOVER RATIO 0-2
MINUS TURNOVER RATIO 0-8
MORE TOTAL OFFENSE 1-3
LESS TOTAL OFFENSE 0-7



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 20, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Columbus Destroyers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central