Destroyers, Bees Sting Firebirds
April 26, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY)- The Buffalo Destroyers defense stopped a two point conversion with no time left on the clock as the Destroyers got the better of the Indiana Firebirds 36-35 in front of 7,691 fans Saturday night at the HSBC Arena.
Buffalo QB Bob Bees, their fifth starter of the season, threw for three touchdowns and 237 yards in his first AFL game since the 2000 season.
"I think he still has a little bit of first game jitters," said Destroyers head coach Ron Selesky. "He did all the right things though and did what we have not done in the last three weeks - get in the endzone."
Buffalo got on the board when WR/DB Jarrail Jackson ran it in from two yards out with 5:55 left in the second quarter. Indiana led 10-7. FB/LB Juan Long tallied the Destroyers second touchdown late in the second on a one yard run. It was Long's fifth rushing touchdown of the season and set a career high for rushing yards in a season with 62 yards this season. Indiana led at halftime 20-14.
Buffalo opened the second half with Bees hitting OS Gunnard Twyner for a 24 yard touchdown as Buffalo took its first lead of the game 21-20. That was Bees first career touchdown pass. Indiana K Clay Rush hit a 40 yard field goal on the ensuing play as the Firebirds took a 23-21 lead into the fourth quarter.
WR/LB Cornelius White caught a three yard touchdown pass in the back of the endzone with 7:28 left in the game as Buffalo regained the lead 28-23. After an Indiana touchdown, White reeled in a 23 yard pass from Bees to go back up 36-29 with less than one mintute to play.
Indiana scored at the final buzzer, but the conversion failed and Buffalo came away with the win.
Twyner finshed with seven receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown. White had four receptions for 49 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson earned Ironman of the Game honors with 111 all-purpose yards (72 kick return, 20 receiving, 16 missed field goal return and three rushing) and one touchdown.
DS Dwaine Carpenter was named game MVP with a game high nine tackles (nine solo) and three pass breakups. OL/DL Ken Bouie and OL/DL Silas Demary each added a sack.
Buffalo (5-8) heads to Motown this Thursday, May 1 to meet the Detroit Fury at 7:30 p.m. at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Destroyers return home for the final time in 2003 as they host the New York Dragons Sunday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m. at the HSBC Arena. Mini packs and group tickets are on sale now, call the Destroyers ticket office at 716-881-4444! Single game tickets can be purchased online at tickets.com and at all tickets.com locations including Tops Friendly Markets or by phone at 1-888-223-6000.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 26, 2003
- Destroyers, Bees Sting Firebirds - Buffalo Destroyers
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