Cooper Leads Destroyers To 49-46 Win
May 19, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY) â Buffalo Destroyers OS Lamont Cooper returned to the lineup and instantly sparked the Destroyers as they grab a piece of first place in the Eastern Division with a 49-46 win over the Toronto Phantoms Saturday night in front of 8,014 at the HSBC Arena.
Cooper took the first kickoff back 25 yards then caught a 28 yard touchdown strike from QB Fred McNair on the team's first play from scrimmage. The next time the Destroyers touched the ball, Cooper returned the kickoff 54 yards for another touchdown. Cooper touched the ball three times in the first six minutes of the game and had 106 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game with 217 all-purpose yards and game MVP honors. He also passed the 5,000 career receiving yards mark.
"He's amazing," said Destroyers head coach and general manager Ray Bentley. "You could see how badly he wanted to play."
McNair ran in two touchdowns in the second quarter, but the Phantoms took a 31-28 lead into the locker room at halftime.
McNair tossed three touchdowns in the second half, two to WR/DB Bret Cooper and another to WR/DB Carlos James. James was named Ironman of the Game with three receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown to go along with a team high 7.5 tackles (7 solo).
DS Corey Johnson also had 7.5 tackles (7 solo), one pass defense and an interception. Rookie DS Dwaine Carpenter added 3.5 tackles and a pass defense.
"This is a group of warriors," Bentley added. "We fought for a full 60 minutes and if we continue to do that, we have a chance to win every time out."
Buffalo improves to 3-2 on the season and Toronto drops to 3-2.
The fleet head to Grand Rapids (3-2) next Saturday May 25 to meet the ArenaBowl XV champion Rampage at 7:00PM in Van Andel Arena. The Destroyers return home June 1 as they host Western Division leader the San Jose Sabrecats at 7:00PM in the HSBC Arena.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 19, 2002
- Lyles Relieved of Duties as Head Coach of Force - Georgia Force
- Phantoms fall in âBorder Warâ - Toronto Phantoms
- Cooper Leads Destroyers To 49-46 Win - Buffalo Destroyers
- Dickens' Seven TDs Lead Rush Past Georgia - Chicago Rush
- Toronto Phantoms at Buffalo Report - Toronto Phantoms
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- Rush Shakes Up Roster - Chicago Rush
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