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Desperados Oust Avengers, 72-50

March 19, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release


DALLAS - The Desperados might have lit up the scoreboard Friday night against the Los Angeles Avengers, but they didn't need the standard bushel of passing yards from quarterback Clint Stoerner.

The Desperados scored four rushing touchdowns and sparked another strong defensive effort in a 72-50 victory over Los Angeles (4-3) at STAPLES Center. Friday's win marks Dallas' best start since its inception in 2002 equaled the club's season-high scoring total (72) Feb. 27 against Philadelphia.

"It was a good win on the road," said Desperados head coach Will McClay, whose team won its second road game in six days after beating Austin last Sunday. "We've just got to continually get better and play smarter. We've got to play smarter. It's going to get tougher down the road but I'm happy with the win."

Stoerner had a relatively quiet night, completing 18-of-30 passes for 143 yards and four touchdowns. But he had plenty of help on the ground from fullbacks Duke Pettijohn and Ja'Mar Toombs, who combined for three rushing touchdowns.

Avengers quarterback John Kaleo completed 20-of-33 passes for 240 yards and six touchdowns, but the Desperados held Los Angeles to 247 total yards.

After taking a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter, the Desperados quickly scored again on the ensuing kickoff when WR/LB Sippio returned a live ball that bounced off the iron for a touchdown.

Both teams then traded touchdowns throughout the first half until FB/LB Duke Pettijohn's 1-yard touchdown run gave the Desperados a 35-21 lead with 30 seconds left. The Avengers then settled for a 41-yard field goal as time expired to cut into Dallas' lead.

Dallas got its first defensive stop midway through the third quarter when defensive specialist Jermaine Jones returned an interception for a touchdown. The Desperados then forced another stop when OL/DL Ernest Allen sacked Kaleo in the end zone for a safety, extending their lead to 51-31 with 8:25 left in the third.

Dallas outscored Los Angeles 21-19 the rest of the way to earn its sixth win of the season. The Desperados now will return home for next Friday's game against the Colorado Crush at American Airlines Center (7:30 p.m. CST kickoff).

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