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Columbus falls 64-57 in final minute to New York

April 14, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio -Columbus Destroyers defensive specialist Jerald Brown intercepted a league-high ninth interception, which set a Destroyers' single season record, but it was not enough as Columbus fell to New York 64-57 in front of 10,306 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena Friday night.

Columbus and New York finished the night with a combined 12 lead changes, 40 first downs and 37 fourth quarter points between the teams.

Brown earned Defensive Player of the Game honors. Brown recorded four tackles (4 solo), one interception and one pass breakup. New York wide receiver/defensive back Mike Horacek earned Offensive Player of the Game honors for his 10 receptions for 158 yards and four touchdowns performance. Dragons' wide receiver/linebacker Chris Anthony sealed the New York win with an interception with less than 10 seconds remaining. Anthony caught six passes for 53 yards and added an assisted tackle on defense to take home Ironman of the Game honors.

With the score knotted at 57-57, the Dragons worked down the field and scored with 21 seconds remaining when quarterback Nick Browder found Horacek from 30 yards out to give New York a 64-57 lead. Browder finished the night completing 31-of-46 passes for 387 yards and seven touchdowns and only one interception.

The Destroyers opened the contest playing near-perfect football. Quarterback John Kaleo completed his first four passes for 39 yards on four plays as the Destroyers marched to the 1-yard line, where fullback/linebacker Leroy Thomas bulldozed his way into the endzone for the first score of the game. Following a New York touchdown, Barre would return the kickoff 48 yards to the Dragons 2-yard line, where kicker Mark Lewis would convert a league's second best 13th field goal of the season.

On the following drive, Brown intercepted New York in the endzone for his league-leading ninth of the season. The interception also set a new single-season record for the Destroyers.

Following a New York touchdown, Kaleo connected with wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders from 32-yards out, as the Destroyers reclaimed the lead at 17-13. Fullback/linebacker Harold Wells would then add a touchdown of his own, rushing in from a yard out. Columbus and New York would end the half exchanging field goal as the Destroyers entered halftime with a 27-16 lead.

New York scored on their first drive of the third quarter, only to see Kaleo find Saunders in the back of the endzone for a 24-yard touchdown pass as the Destroyers reclaimed their 11-point lead with a score of 34-23.

Angered by two consecutive New York touchdowns, Columbus returned to the following kick off 34 yards. With excellent field position, Kaleo found a wide-open wide receiver/linebacker Marcus Knight for a 16-yard touchdown, ending the third quarter with 41-37 Columbus lead.

Columbus and New York would spend the fourth quarter exchanging touchdowns. After a New York touchdown, Columbus reclaimed the lead for the fourth time when Kaleo and Levy connected for a 21-yard touchdown. New York returned with a touchdown of their own, as they took a 50-48 lead. However, a fumbled snap on the extra point was returned by Brown for two points and a 50-50 tie.

The Destroyers will embark on a two-game road trip beginning Friday, Apr. 21, when they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Soul. Kickoff at Wachovia Center is set for 7 p.m.

Single game tickets starting as low as $10 are on sale now and pro-rated season tickets also available by calling (614) 246-HITS or by visiting www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. In addition, high school and college students (23 years and under) with a valid student ID may purchase a specially priced $7 ticket beginning two hours before each home game at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office only.

Individual tickets may also be purchased at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, or by phone at (614) 431-3600. Tickets are also available at the Blue Jackets Zones located at Chiller Dublin, Chiller Easton and Chiller North. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.

Entering its fourth season, NBC will continue its coverage of the AFL on Sundays throughout the season. Be sure to watch the AFL on NBC. Check local listings for complete details.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 14, 2006


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