Defending Champs Too Much For Destroyers
March 15, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(SAN JOSE, CA)- The Buffalo Destroyers gave the defending ArenaBowl champions everything they had but it wasnÂ’t enough as the San Jose Sabercats came away with a 58-41 victory Friday night in front of 13, 407 fans at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.
Buffalo came out firing as QB Jeff Loots connected with OS Gunnard Twyner on the gameÂ’s first play for a 45 yard touchdown. The Sabercats Clevan Thomas would put San Jose on the board when he returned the ensuing kickoff 54 yards for a touchdown, the extra point was missed as Buffalo led 7-6. San Jose QB Mark Grieb would hook up with WR/LB James Roe for the first of his three touchdowns in the first half to give the Sabercats a 13-7 advantage after the first period.
Loots found a diving Twyner in the end zone for a 22 yard strike in the second quarter to pull Buffalo within five at 19-14. After a San Jose rushing touchdown and two more touchdown receptions by Roe, San Jose led at the half 32-14.
The third quarter provided many fireworks for Buffalo. Thomas returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown, his second of the game, to put San Jose ahead 39-14, but on the ensuing kickoff, BuffaloÂ’s Jarrail Jackson returned the favor with a 55 yard return for a touchdown of his own. Buffalo got within 11 points when DS JoJo Polk picked off Grieb and returned it 20 yards for the score, Buffalo was down 39-28. Grieb would hit Roe for the fourth time to go up 46-28 but Buffalo would just not go away. On San JoseÂ’s next offensive drive, Grieb fumbled and Buffalo OL/DL Ken Bouie recovered the ball. Jackson would run it in from two yards out as Buffalo remained close at 46-35 after three periods.
In the fourth, San Jose took the wind of the Destroyers sails putting together a 13 play 49 yard drive which ate up 9:07 on the clock ending with Grieb finding Roe for a fifth time making the score 52-35 midway through the fourth. Loots tossed a 25 yard score to WR/LB Cornelius White for the Destroyers only points of the quarter.
Loots finished 19 of 32 for 240 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions. Twyner led all receivers with 117 yards on seven catches and two touchdowns.
Buffalo (3-4) returns home Sunday, March 23 hosting division rival the Las Vegas Gladiators at noon at the HSBC Arena. Mini packs and group tickets are on sale now, call the Destroyers ticket office at 716-881-4444! Single game tickets can be purchased online at tickets.com and at all tickets.com locations including Tops Friendly Markets or by phone at 1-888-223-6000.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 15, 2003
- Rampage Gain Two, Lose Two - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Defending Champs Too Much For Destroyers - Buffalo Destroyers
- San Jose beats Buffalo 58-41 for 16th straight at home - San Jose SaberCats
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