Columbus Destroyers game notes

Published on May 11, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Columbus Destroyers (1-13) at
Philadelphia Soul (6-8)
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2005
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. (ET)
Site: Wachovia Center (17,639)
Officials: Pat Garvey, Referee; Paul King, Umpire; Bill Ward, Head Linesman; Bob McKelwee, Line Judge; Dino Paganelli, 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 Soul own a 3-0 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers, including a 62-45 win over Columbus on April 3.
Series Streaks: Philadelphia has won all three meetings with the Destroyers. Philly has taken one at home and two on the road. The Soul took game one of the season series in week 10 after sweeping the season series a year ago.
Coaches: Columbus, Chris Spielman, 1st season (1-13 in 2005, 1-13 overall). Philadelphia, James Fuller, 1st season (4-5 in 2005, 4-5 overall).

OVERVIEW: The Destroyers, now 1-13, have matched the 1999 squad that finished the organization's inaugural season with the same mark of one up and 13 down. The Destroyers need a win Sunday versus the Philadelphia Soul to avoid dropping 14 games for the first time in the franchise's seven-year history.

Columbus has lost 11 consecutive games, an undesirable streak that began in week five with a loss on the road to Grand Rapids. The club's latest defeat came at the hands of the Eastern Division-leading New York Dragons last Saturday night. The Destroyers were outscored in every quarter, however managed to keep pace with the Dragons until late in the game. Trailing by five, an unsuccessful onside kick returned for a touchdown sealed the win for the Dragons.

The Soul are coming off a bye week following a narrow four-point win over Orlando two weeks ago in Philly. The win improved the Soul's mark to 6-8, with a .500 record still in sight. The team is 4-5 under head coach James Fuller, who took over for the fired Michael Trigg.

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (1-13) *All Times EST
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 L (55-33) 1-11
4/30 AUSTIN 7:00 L (58-55) 1-12
5/07 @ New York 7:00 L (56-44) 1-13
5/15 @ Philadelphia 1:00 - -
5/22 TAMPA BAY 3:00 - -

PHILADELPHIA SOUL (6-8) *All Times EST
Date Opponent Time Result Record
1/30 @ Austin 12:00 W (66-35) 1-0
2/06 @ Chicago 1:00 L (51-41) 1-1
2/13 NASHVILLE 3:00 W (59-48) 2-1
2/20 @ New Orleans 12:00 L (61-47) 2-2
2/27 DALLAS 3:00 L (72-43) 2-3
3/06 NEW YORK 12:00 L (61-54) 2-4
3/11 @ San Jose 10:30 L (52-26) 2-5
3/20 TAMPA BAY 12:00 W (69-63) 3-5
3/27 GRAND RAPIDS 3:00 W (64-41) 4-5
4/03 @ Columbus 12:00 W (62-45) 5-5
4/10 @ Colorado 1:00 L (77-56) 5-6
4/17 LAS VEGAS 1:00 L (56-49) 5-7
4/24 @ New York 1:00 L (51-37) 5-8
5/01 ORLANDO 1:00 W (64-60) 6-8
5/15 COLUMBUS 1:00 - -
5/22 @ Dallas 3:00 - -

A COLUMBUS WIN OVER PHILADELPHIA WOULD...

· Give the Destroyers their second win of the season
· Give the Destroyers their first road win of the season
· End the Destroyers' current 11-game losing streak
· Give the Destroyers their first ever win over the Soul
· Prevent the Destroyers from losing 14 games in a single season for the first time in team history

DESTROYERS Last Week:
Columbus Destroyers 44 New York Dragons 56

Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia threw seven touchdown passes, three of which went to receiver/linebacker Chris Anthony, as the New York Dragons bested the Destroyers by a count of 56-44 at the Nassau Coliseum last Saturday night.

Destroyers quarterback Ryan Vena completed 13-of-23 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions before giving way to Matt D'Orazio early in the third quarter. D'Orazio finished 14-of-23 for 219 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

Offensive specialist Damien Groce led Columbus in receiving with a game-high 11 catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns. His 11 catches tied a season and career-high. Groce also set a franchise record, becoming the club's all-time leader in single-season receiving yards, surpassing the old mark of 1,184 set by Bobby Olive in 2000. In 13 games, Groce has accumulated 1,250 yards receiving in his first season with the team.

The Dragons broke the scoring column on the first play of the game following a 34-yard touchdown connection between Garcia and offensive specialist Kevin Swayne. The extra point was missed however as the Dragons claimed an early 6-0 advantage.

Following a New York field goal, the Destroyers marched 32 yards on seven plays, capped off by a four-yard touchdown reception by Groce. The touchdown made the score 9-7 New York at the end of the first quarter.

New York would outscore Columbus 12-7 in the second quarter before taking a 21-14 lead into the break. Dragons kicker Rob Bironas missed all three of his extra point attempts in the first half to keep the Destroyers within seven.

The two teams traded touchdowns throughout the third quarter. The Destroyers broke serve on their first possession of the fourth, settling for a 22-yard field goal from kicker Steve Videtich. New York responded with a 26-yard touchdown from Garcia to fullback Josh White, giving the Dragons their first double digit lead of the game at 42-30 with 8:53 left in the fourth quarter.

The Destroyers scored 17 points in the final ten minutes of the game, however it wasn't enough to keep pace with New York as the Dragons handed Columbus their 11th consecutive loss.

THIS WEEK's OPPONENT:
The Philadelphia Soul enters this week's play a team not mathematically out of the playoffs, but a long shot at best following losses in three out of their last four games. The Soul would need to win out and have help from more than one team to sneak in; a scenario unlikely to happen.
Led by All-Arena quarterback Tony Graziani, the Soul has picked up six wins and ensured themselves an improvement record-wise from a year ago when the club finished 5-11 during their inaugural season.

Graziani, one of the most coveted free agents this past offseason, has completed 281-of-469 passes for 3,665 yards and 80 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. Graziani's 80 touchdown passes ranks third in the league, while his 3,665 yards passing currently ranks fourth.
Steve Smith leads all Soul receivers with 87 catches for 1,190 yards and 23 touchdowns. His average of 85 receiving yards per game ranks 10th in the AFL.

Philadelphia sports the fifth-best scoring offense in the league, averaging 52.6 points per game. However, on the other side of the ball, the team has struggled. Entering Sunday's game with the Destroyers, the Soul have the 15th ranked scoring defense in the league, giving up an average of 55.2 points per game this season.

LAST MEETING WITH PHILADELPHIA:
Marcus Knight caught three touchdown passes and Philadelphia's defense stopped a rally by Columbus to give the Soul a 62-45 victory over the Destroyers before a crowd of 15,316 at Nationwide Arena on April 3. The Destroyers cut a 20 point second half deficit to three late in the fourth quarter, however Philadelphia scored with one minute left when Tony Graziani hit Tyronne Jones on a 3-yard pass to make the score 55-45. Knight capped the afternoon with a 38-yard touchdown catch with 0:25 left that put the game out of reach for the Destroyers. Columbus was led by Damien Groce, who made nine catches for 109 yards with two touchdowns. Sedrick Robinson added four catches for 38 yards and one touchdown.

ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS VS PHILADELPHIA
Date Score
February 21, 2004 PHILADELPHIA 56, COLUMBUS 34
March 13, 2004 PHILADELPHIA 43, COLUMBUS 41
April 3, 2005 PHILADELPHIA 62, COLUMBUS 45
DESTROYERS NOTABLES:

DAMIEN GROCE SETS RECEIVING STANDARD
Offensive specialist Damien Groce set a Destroyers franchise record last Saturday in New York. He became the club's all-time leader in single season receiving yards, surpassing the old mark of 1,184 set by Bobby Olive in 2000. With 127 yards receiving Saturday, Groce's season total climbed to 1,250 yards in 13 games. He also needs only seven more catches to become the all-time leader in single season receptions.

SINGLE SEASON RECEIVING LEADERS
PLAYER YEAR CATEGORY STAT
Damien Groce 2005 Receiving Yards 1,250
Bobby Olvie 2000 Receiving Yards 1,184
Bobby Olive 2000 Receptions 106
Damien Groce 2005 Receptions 100
Cornelius White 2004 Receiving TDs 23
Damien Groce 2005 Receiving TDs 19
Sedrick Robinson 2004 Receiving TDs 19

GROCE ACCUMULATES OVER 100...AGAIN
Two weeks ago, OS Damien Groce set the franchise record for most 100 yard receiving games in a single season, surpassing the old mark of five. Last week, Groce once again reached the century mark with 127 yards receiving versus New York. He extended his own record to seven games with over 100 yards receiving. He has had over 100 yards in six of the last eight games.

BRITTON MAKES A SPLASH
Defensive specialist Bobby Britton made his AFL debut last Saturday in New York after spending the first 14 weeks of the season as a practice squad player. In his debut, Britton made his presence felt registering 1.5 tackles and two forced fumbles. It was the first time in franchise history a player forced two fumbles in a single game.

A RECORD UNDESIRED
The Destroyers have lost 13 games this season, tying the record for the most loses in a single season originally set in 1999. With one more defeat, the Destroyers' loss total will reach 14 for the first time in the franchise's seven-year history.

ADD ONE NOTCH TO THE CHAIN
With last week's loss to New York, the Destroyers' current losing streak grew to 11 consecutive games. Only one previous time have the Destroyers endured longer losing streak. That honor goes to the 1999 squad that lost the fist 12 games of the season.

NO LETDOWN
Though the Destroyers came up short last Saturday in the New York game, a promising sign was the fact that the team's play improved over the course of the game. A problem this season has been a letdown in the second half. However, on Saturday the Destroyers scored more points in the second half than in the first; and scored more fourth quarter points than they did in the third. It was only the third time all season the Destroyers have scored more second half points than first half points.

PLAYING SPOILER
With a record of 1-13, the Destroyers are clearly not headed towards the playoffs. However, the club's motivation in the final two games of the season is to spoil the chances of their opponents to reach postseason play. If Columbus beats Philly, the Soul will be eliminated from playoff contention. The club's final game is with Tampa Bay, who is currently in if the postseason began today. A Tampa loss to the Destroyers on May 22 could end up preventing the Storm from reaching postseason play.

GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY
The Destroyers brought four quarterbacks into camp before the season with the likes of Chad Salisbury, Ryan Vena, Matt D'Orazio and Scott McMullen. All four signal callers have been given a chance to showcase their abilities on the field. Each QB has started at least one game this season, with D'Orazio making the most starts with seven so far.

NAME No. of Starts
Matt D'Orazio 7
Ryan Vena 4
Chad Salisbury 2
Scott McMullen 1

TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how the Destroyers and Soul match up after 15 weeks of play.

2005 LEAGUE TEAM RANKINGS – STAT (RANK)
Category Columbus Philadelphia
Scoring Offense 43.6 (16th) 52.6 (15th)
Scoring Defense 55.6 (16th) 52.2 (15th)
Total Offense 265.4 (15th) 271.2 (11th)
Total Defense 281.6 (9th) 301.1 (14th)
Pass Offense 243.6 (14th) 259.0 (9th)
Pass Defense 256.4 (6th) 263.5 (10th)
Rushing Offense 21.9 (6th) 12.2 (14th)
Rushing Defense 25.2 (16th) 37.6 (17th)
Field Goal Percentage 48.0 (7th) 37.0 (15th)
Kick Return Yards 1,856 (1st) 1,351 (9th)
Kickoff Return Average 20.4 (3rd) 18.5 (6th)
Kick Return Touchdowns 6 (2nd) 3 (T-5th)
Kickoff Coverage 15.2 (1st) 17.1 (7th)
3rd Down Efficiency 51-121(T-15) 44-84 (4th)
4th Down Efficiency 19-37 (6th) 6-19 (17th)
Red Zone Offense 43-57 (16th) 51-62 (8th)
Red Zone Defense 58-67 (T-14) 58-68 (T-14)
Turnover Margin -15 (17th) -1 (10th)

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 Clint Stoerner (Dallas
Week 14 4/30 vs AUS Damien Groce (Columbus)
Week 15 5/07 at NYD Aaron Garcia (New York)
Week 16 5/15 at PHI 1 p.m. (ET)
Week 17 5/22 vs TBS 3 p.m. (ET)

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 Hamin Milligan (Dallas)
Week 14 4/30 vs AUS Cedric Walker (Austin)
Week 15 5/07 at NYD Will Holder (New York)
Week 16 5/15 at PHI 1 p.m. (ET)
Week 17 5/22 vs TBS 3 p.m. (ET)

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 Bobby Sippio (Dallas)
Week 14 4/30 vs AUS Kevin Nickerson (Austin)
Week 15 5/07 at NYD Chris Anthony (New York)
Week 16 5/15 at PHI 1 p.m. (ET)
Week 17 5/22 vs TBS 3 p.m. (ET)

NEXT WEEK
Following Sunday's game in Philadelphia the Destroyers return home for the final game of the 2005 season when the club hosts the Tampa Bay Storm at Nationwide Arena on Sunday, May 15. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. (ET). The Storm holds a 3-0 all-time series advantage over the Destroyers, including a 46-36 victory over the Destroyers on April 25 of last season.

2005 PLAYOFF PICTURE

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
TEAM W L T PCT
+GEORGIA 10 4 0 .714
*NEW YORK 9 5 0 .643
ORLANDO 9 6 0 .600
TAMPA BAY 8 6 0 .571

NEW ORLEANS 8 6 0 .571
DALLAS 7 6 1 .536
PHILADELPHIA 6 8 0 .429
#AUSTIN 6 9 0 .400
#COLUMBUS 1 13 0 .071

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
TEAM W L T PCT
*COLORADO 9 5 0 .643
*LOS ANGELES 9 5 0 .643
CHICAGO 8 6 0 .571
SAN JOSE 8 6 0 .571

LAS VEGAS 8 6 0 .571
NASHVILLE 6 7 1 .464
#ARIZONA 5 9 0 .357
#GRAND RAPIDS 2 12 0 .143

+ - Clinched Division
* - Division Leader
# - Eliminated from Playoffs

· 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.

2005 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE:
Divisional Round: Sunday, May 29
Conference Championship Games: Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5
ArenaBowlXIX Las Vegas: Sunday, June 12

DESTROYERS RECENT Transactions:

5/5/05: Signed DS Bobby Britton from practice squad; activated OS Bobby Olive off injured reserve; placed WR/LB Sedrick Robinson on injured reserve; waived QB Scott McMullen

4/28/05: Activated QB Ryan Vena off injured reserve; placed WR/DB Lenzie Jackson and OL/DL Ronnie Washburn on injured reserve

4/25/05: Signed FB/LB Deon Dyer to practice squad

4/19/05: Activated DS Jeremy Unertl off Refused to Report

4/18/05: 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

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS 2005 RECORD WHEN...
HOME 1-6
AWAY 0-7
VS EASTERN 0-5
VS CENTRAL 1-3
VS WESTERN 0-2
VS SOUTHERN 0-3
JANUARY 0-1
FEBRUARY 1-2
MARCH 0-4
APRIL 0-5
MAY 0-1
AHEAD AT HALF 1-2
BEHIND AT HALF 0-9
TIED AT HALF 0-2
AHEAD AFTER 3RD QTR 1-1
BEHIND AFTER 3RD QTR 0-11
TIED AFTER 3RD QTR 0-1
PLUS TURNOVER RATIO 1-1
EVEN TURNOVER RATIO 0-3
MINUS TURNOVER RATIO 0-9
MORE TOTAL OFFENSE 1-4
LESS TOTAL OFFENSE 0-9

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 11, 2005


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