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March 1, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


WEEK 1

Columbus Destroyers (0-0)

at

Nashville Kats (0-0)

March 1, 2007 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Gaylord Entertainment Center (15.711)

Nashville, TN

Referee: Dave Lambros, Umpire: Al Granado, Head Linesman: Mike McCabe

Line Judge: Brian Matthew, Back Judge: Joe Duncan

DESTROYERS/KATS PREVIEW

The Columbus Destroyers (0-0) will begin the road to ArenaBowl XXI against the Nashville Kats (0-0) at Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Ten. The Destroyers will open their fourth season in Columbus. They have a 2-1 record to open the season. The Destroyers and Kats have met on opening night once at Nationwide Arena on January 28, 2005, the Kats were victorious 47-38. The Destroyers open the season with 10 returnees from last season's squad. B.J Barre, Jerald Brown, Howard Duncan, Brad Greetis, Brandon Hefflin, Ken Jones, Kelvin Kinney, Darcey Levy, David Saunders and Harold Wells return from a team that delivered it's best record in franchise history (8-8). The Destroyers are joined by new faces in 2007 on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Matt Nagy will make his debut in a Destroyers uniform. Nagy will be looking to find fellow newcomers Josh Bush and Damien Groce. Key returnees David Saunders and Darcey Levy will also be on the receiving end of Nagy's scoring strikes.

The Kats qualified for the AFL playoffs last season for the first time in four seasons (2001). Behind the arm of quarterback Clint Stoerner and a Kats defense that led the league surrendering 263 yards of offense per contest. Leading the charge for the defensive front led by Joe Minucci and James Baron. Minucci, led the Kats last season with 5.5 sacks and Baron is the Kats all-time leader in sacks with 32.5. On offense, Stoerner will look to wide receiver Jason Shelley. Shelley was acquired during the off-season from the Dallas Desperados.

DESTROYERS 2006 REVIEW

The 2006 campaign for the Columbus Destroyers was the best in franchise history as the team set records for wins in a season and posted the best record yet. The team went 8-8 on the year and narrowly missed the playoffs by one game. The turnaround from 2005 to 2006 was remarkable. After a 2005 season that saw the Destroyers go 2-14, there was a major overhaul. Head Coach Doug Kay took the helm and built a team of outstanding veterans and top, young talent available. After starting the season 1-3, the team rallied to 5-4 after defeating the defending ArenaBowl Champion Colorado Crush, 65-21, in Denver. Defensive Back Jerald Brown became the first player in franchise history to win the AFL's Defensive Player of the Year award. Brown finished the year ranked second in the AFL with 11 interceptions and 133 interceptions return yards.

STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT NOTE

The Columbus Destroyers are playing in their fourth AFL season opener in franchise history since the team has relocated from Buffalo to Columbus. They have a record of 2-1 in Week 1 of their schedule. Last season, the Destroyers played host to the Grand Rapids Rampage on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena and won 53-30. The Destroyers are averaging 48.3 points in their season opener while surrendering an average of 38.7.

2004 at Indiana Firebirds - W, 54-48

2005 vs. Nashville Kats - L, 47-38

2006 vs. Grand Rapids Rampage - W, 53-30

CALLING THE SHOTS

Quarterback Matt Nagy was acquired from the Georgia Force in August of 2006. In 2006, Nagy led the league in completion percentage (70.6) and was the most efficient quarterback in the AFL as he led the league in quarterback rating (125.5).

Last season with the Georgia Force he set franchise passing records for yardage (7,268), attempts (960), completions (632) and touchdowns (151). In 2006, he also set the season marks for all Force quarterbacks for passing yardage (4,265), attempts (527), completions (372) and touchdowns (85).

Nagy led the Force to a National Conference Championship in 2005 and a berth in ArenaBowl XIX in Las Vegas.

O-H-I-O

Six Destroyers player have ties to the Buckeye state.

DB B.J. Barre

- Grew up in Toledo, attended Whitmer High School and played at The Ohio State University one season.

DB Brandon Hefflin

- Attended the University of Toledo

WR Tony Locke

- Born in Springfield, attended Urbana High School and played at The Ohio State University

OL Juan Porter

- Prepped at St. Ignatius High School (Cleveland) and played at The Ohio State University

DB Anthony Floyd

- Born in Youngstown

QB Josh Harris

- Prepped at Westerville High School and played quarterback at Bowling Green State University



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 1, 2007


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