Desperados intercept three Destroyers passes en route to Eastern Division win

April 1, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


DALLAS - In a battle of the Arena Football League's two best teams in forcing turnovers, the Dallas Desperados got the best of the Columbus Destroyers. The Destroyers were intercepted three times and were unable to overcome a 31-13 halftime deficit and fell 51-30 to the Desperados in front of 12,821 fans at American Airlines Center on Saturday night.

Destroyers' defensive specialist had another double digit output in tackles with 11 (10UT-2AT) on the night. He also broke up a game-high five passes. Offensively, wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders had five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown to lead the receiving corps.

Dallas quarterback took home Offensive Player of the Game honors after he completed 22-of-37 passes for 279 yards and five touchdowns. Dallas fullback/linebacker Duke Pettijohn was named Defensive Player of the Game after recording two tackles, a tackle for a loss and a sack, while Dallas wide receiver/defensive back Dialleo Burks took home Ironman of the Game honors after he caught nine passes for 83 yards and a score on offense. Defensively, he had an interception and an assisted tackle.

The Destroyers (5-5) took the opening kickoff and marched down the field and took a 3-0 lead when kicker Mark Lewis drilled a 25-yard field goal, and after a Desperados touchdown, he would add a 27-yarder, and the Destroyers trailed 14-6 with 12 minutes, 26 seconds left in the first half.

The Desperados (8-2) added to that lead with 9:43 remaining in the first half when wide receiver/defensive back Dialleo Burks intercepted a John Kaleo pass at the 7-yard line and scampered into the end zone untouched to push the Dallas lead to 21-6.

On the ensuing Destroyers possession, wide receiver/linebacker Thabiti Davis made a highlight reel style catch to set Columbus up at the Desperados 5-yard line. Three plays later, fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson scored from one-yard out to make it 21-13.

After wide receiver/defensive back Will Pettis picked off a Kaleo pass, Dallas kicker Carlos Martinez made a 29-yard field goal as time expired to give the Desperados a 31-13 lead at the half.

The Destroyers got their first stop of the game on the first Desperados drive of the second half when they did not allow Dallas to convert on a fourth-and-four attempt from the Columbus 22-yard line. The next play, offensive specialist Carl Bond made a highlight reel catch off the wall in the end zone to bring the Destroyers within 11 at 31-20.

After a questionable defensive pass interference call on fourth down, the Desperados got a second life on the next drive and took advantage of it when quarterback Clint Dolezel found Shaw on a 27-yard score. Martinez missed the extra point off the right net and it was 37-20 with 5:45 left in the third quarter.

The Desperados appeared to have another stop, but a face-mask penalty on fourth down gave the Destroyers life. Three plays later, Kaleo hooked up with wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders from three yards out to cut the Dallas lead to 37-27.

Dallas would answer right back when Dolezel hit Shaw from eight yards out to push the Desperados lead back to 44-27 with 10:21 remaining in the game. Lewis would add his third field goal of the game, this time from 26 yards out, to pull the Destroyers within 44-30.

But the Desperados would answer right back when Dolezel hooked up with Shaw for a 43-yard score. Dallas led 51-30 with 4:16 left in the game. A late interception by defensive specialist Bobby Perry sealed the win.

The Destroyers return home on Sunday, Apr. 9, to take on the Orlando Predators. Kickoff on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena is set for 3 p.m. It will be Zooperstars Character Night and Dispatch/Mix 97.1 Family Game. The Zooperstars are hilarious characters dance, flip, bounce, shake, and just plain entertain.

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 1, 2006


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