Desperados Edge Columbus, 52-38
Published on February 11, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release
The Desperados knew getting to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history wouldn't be easy, but the Columbus Destroyers made them sweat for longer than even they anticipated.
Dallas watched its 21-point lead get trimmed to seven in the fourth quarter, but WR/LB Andrew Layton's interception return for a touchdown helped the Desperados pull away for a 52-38 road victory Saturday night at Nationwide Arena.
"(If) we want to get to where we want to go we've got to do the little things, finish out games and not make it close in this hostile environment," Desperados head coach Will McClay said. "Because they damn near came back on us."
After entering halftime tied 24-24, the Desperados outscored Columbus 21-0 in the third quarter and appeared to be cruising toward a third consecutive win. But the Destroyers answered with two straight touchdowns to cut the lead to 45-38. Their second score came off a fumble by Desperados FB/LB Duke Pettijohn.
With Columbus driving again later in the quarter, the Desperados' defensive line pressured Destroyers quarterback John Kaleo into an ill-advised throw. Layton picked it off and ran in untouched for the game-preserving score.
Desperados quarterback Clint Dolezel completed 23 of 34 passes for 281 yards and six touchdowns. Dialleo Burks and Terrill Shaw each had two touchdown catches.
Desperados WR/DB Will Pettis led all Dallas receivers with 112 yards and a touchdown on six catches. He also had an interception on defense.
Defensive specialist Jermaine Jones had a team-high seven tackles for Dallas.
The Desperados (3-0) jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter thanks to a couple of stops by their defense. Destroyers kicker Mark Lewis missed a 55-yard field goal attempt on the opening drive, and the Desperados held Columbus (1-2) to an 18-yard field goal on the next series.
Dolezel fired a touchdown pass to each of his three starting receivers - Burks, Pettis and Shaw - in the first half. But Columbus took a 17-14 lead in the second quarter when Will Pettis fumbled a kickoff return and Destroyers WR/DB B.J. Barre recovered the ball in the end zone for an easy score.
Just before halftime, Desperados kicker Carlos Martinez tied the game at 24 with a 39-yard field goal.
Rookie Roc Haith started at defensive specialist in place of Hamin Milligan, who was inactive with an ankle injury. Second-year veteran Bobby Perry got extended time at wide receiver and caught two passes for 21 yards.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 11, 2006
- Preds beat Philly, 47-33 - Orlando Predators
- Desperados Edge Columbus, 52-38 - Dallas Desperados
- Dragons outlast Blaze - New York Dragons
- Super Bowl under a roof - look familiar to Arena folks - OSC Original by John Hahn
- SaberCats make roster moves - San Jose SaberCats
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