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Destroyers and Dragons to meet in Eastern Division battle

February 27, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


RECAP: The Columbus Destroyers returned to the winning column this past Friday as they defeated the Arizona Rattlers by a count of 42-26 in front of 12,097 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena. Destroyers' defensive specialist Jerald Brown intercepted two passes for the second straight week to take home ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors. Quarterback John Kaleo completed 21-of-34 passes for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Kaleo also became the seventh player in Arena Football League history to rush for 50 touchdowns or more in his career when he rushed for his first of two scores Friday.

THIS WEEK: The Destroyers will hit the road for the third time this season and will take on Eastern Division rival New York (3-2). The Dragons and Destroyers have met 12 times with the Dragons holding an 8-4 edge, including a 4-1 mark at home. The Dragons, as well as the Las Vegas Gladiators, are the most common opponent for the Destroyers, as the Destroyers have played both teams 12 times each. This is the second divisional match-up this season for the Destroyers.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: The practice schedule for this week is below. Practices times and locations are subject to change. All practices at the Columbus FieldHouse are open to the public. Practices/Walk-Thru's at Nationwide Arena are closed to the public.

Day Event Time Place

Monday Practice 10:15 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Tuesday Practice 10:15 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Wednesday Practice 8:30-10:30 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Thursday Walk-Thru 8:30-9:20 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Depart for New York 12:15 p.m.

Friday Game at New York 7:30 p.m. Nassau Coliseum

Saturday Return from New York 9:30 a.m.

Film Review 12:30 p.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Sunday Off

FORWARD MOTION: After Friday's game at New York, the Destroyers will return home for their first two-game homestand of the season. On Friday, Mar. 10, the Destroyers will host the Georgia Force (3-2) at 7 p.m. and return to Eastern Division action the following weekend when they host the Philadelphia Soul on Saturday, Mar. 18. The Destroyers and Force have met four times in history with the Force holding a 3-1 edge. The Destroyers and Force met in Week 6 in 2005 with the Force winning 55-48.

WHAT CAN BROWN DO FOR YOU?, PART 2: Destroyers defensive specialist Jerald Brown is really coming on as of late. For the second consecutive week, Brown intercepted two passes. This past weekend, he helped the Destroyers hold off the Arizona Rattlers 42-26. In his first game against his former team, Brown picked off AFL veteran quarterback and former teammate Sherdrick Bonner first in the Rattlers' endzone to stop Arizona's first drive of the second half with the Destroyers leading 28-20. The Destroyers went on to score on the ensuing drive to take a 35-20 lead into the fourth quarter. Brown then sealed the victory in the fourth quarter when he picked off Bonner's pass with 18 seconds remaining on the clock. He combined to return both kicks for a total of 60 yards. On the season, he has returned four interceptions for an Arena Football League best 108 yards. His four interceptions rank second-best in the League.

RUSHING TO A RECORD: The game of Arena Football is not known for its running game, rather, it is more widely known for its passing game. However, the Destroyers this season have seen two players hit career milestones on the rushing side of things. Earlier this season, fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson rushed for his 1,000th career rushing yard, becoming the sixth player in AFL history to do so. This past weekend against the Rattlers, quarterback John Kaleo hit a career milestone when he rushed for his 50th and 51st touchdowns of his career. Kaleo is the seventh player in AFL history to rush for 50 or more touchdowns in his career. He joins teammate Thompson (64), Todd Hammel (64), Les Barley (71), Bo Kelly (73), Andre Bowden (93) and Barry Wagner (125).

DEFENSE CONTINUES TO SHINE: The Columbus Destroyers defense has been a force all season and has really given opposing offense's some fits. That trend continued this past weekend, as the Destroyers forced two turnovers and held the Rattlers to 26 points en route to a 42-26 victory. The Destroyers are second in the League in points allowed, giving up an average of 41.2 points per outing. They rank in the top five in the remaining defensive categories. The team leads the AFL in fewest touchdowns allowed. On the season, Destroyers opponents have scored 23 touchdowns against the defense. The Nashville Kats are second, having allowed 24 touchdowns this season, and the Kansas City Brigade is third having allowed 25 touchdowns this season.

ON THE AIR: As the Destroyers prepare for New York, fans can listen to the insiders' preview on "Destroyers Weekly" Monday, Feb. 27, from 7-8 p.m. on 107.1 FM, The Big Wazoo in Columbus. The live hour-long show will be hosted by WLVQ/WAZU Sports Director "Archie" and Destroyers play-by-play announcer Marty Bannister. This week's show will feature head coach Doug Kay, offensive specialist Carl Bond as well as New York head coach Weyland Harding.

GAME PROMOTIONS: On Friday, Mar. 10 the Destroyers will host the Georgia Force. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena. It is DYNAMITE NIGHT presented by Pepsi. This movie-themed night includes a special appearance by Uncle Rico, the popular character from the comedy hit, Napoleon Dynamite. There is a Special Offer for this night. If you purchase the special ticket package you will get a FREE "Vote 4 Pedro" t-shirt (while supplies last). To order, visit www.ColumbusDestroyers.com or call (614) 246-HITS.

This season the Destroyers will again team with the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to "Tackle Hunger" in Central Ohio. Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to each home game for donation to the Mid-Ohio FoodBank. In turn, fans will receive one raffle ticket per donated food item for a chance to win a team-autographed, authentic AFL football. One winner will be announced during the fourth quarter of each game. Last season, the Destroyers raised enough resources to provide over 27,000 meals to those in need right here in our community.

TICKET INFORMATION: Single game tickets are now available starting as low as $10 and are 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.

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