Desperados Defeat Crush 73-55 to Remain Perfect at Home

Published on March 7, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release


The Dallas Desperados remained perfect at Reunion Arena this season, defeating the Colorado Crush 73-55 in front of 14,951 fans. In running their record to 4-2, Dallas was led by game MVP quarterback Jim Kubiak, who finished 24-of-34 for 274 yards and seven touchdowns. WR/LB Andy McCullough earned Ironman of the Game honors after catching six passes for 67 yards, intercepting a pass, breaking up another and recovering a late fumble which he returned for a touchdown.

Colorado opened the scoring early in the first quarter when John Dutton found Damian Harrell with a 34-yard scoring pass. Dallas quickly responded with a 31-yard Jason Wells field goal. Five plays later, Dutton hooked up with Joe Douglass on an 11-yard touchdown pass for a 14-3 Crush lead.

Early in the second period, Dallas cut their deficit to 14-9 with a one-yard Patrise Alexander touchdown run (PAT failed). Andre Cooper then returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for the touchdown and a 21-9 Colorado advantage. Four plays later, Kubiak found Shannon Culver with a five-yard scoring pass to cut Dallas' deficit to five points. After holding the Crush on downs, Dallas took the lead with a two-yard Kubiak-to-Dialleo Burks touchdown pass with 0:47 remaining in the half. Colorado then retook the lead with a 23-yard Dutton-to-Harrell scoring toss. As the first half expired, Wells converted a 38-yard field goal attempt for a 28-26 halftime score.

The Desperados opened the third quarter with a 14-yard Kubiak-to-Culver touchdown pass to claim their first lead of the game. Four plays later, Dutton was intercepted by Jermaine Jones, who raced 45 yards for the touchdown and a 39-28 Dallas lead. Colorado quickly responded as Dutton hooked up with Harrell from nine-yards out for the score. Three plays later, Kubiak and Burks hooked up again, this time from nine-yards out, to maintain Dallas' 11 point advantage.

As the final period got under way, McCullough intercepted Dutton and returned the theft to the Crush one-yard line. Following a delay of game penalty, Kubiak again hooked up with Burks on a six-yard scoring pass for an 18-point Dallas advantage. Dutton quickly drove Colorado to the end zone, connecting with Harrell on a 24-yard scoring pass. Colorado was offside on the ensuing onside kick, giving Dallas the ball at the Crush one-yard line, where Kubiak found D.J. Cooper with a one-yard scoring toss. On Colorado's next play, Dutton found Anthony Derricks down the right sideline with a 45-yard touchdown pass. The Desperados then put together a six play drive that Kubiak culminated with a 10-yard scoring pass to Luke Leverson. On the Crush's next offensive play, Tom Briggs and Tim Martin sacked Dutton, forcing a fumble that McCullough returned two yards for the touchdown. Derricks returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for the touchdown to close out the scoring. Dallas recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock to secure the victory.

The Desperados return to Reunion Arena next week, hosting Central Division rival Grand Rapids Rampage on Sunday, March 16. The Crush remain on the road, traveling to Arizona to take on the Rattlers on Sunday, March 16.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 7, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central