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Destroyers can't force win, fall 68-50 to Georgia

March 10, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus wide receiver/linebacker Eddie Galles ran over a defender and had his helmet ripped off as he ran in for his first touchdown of the night in a losing effort as the Destroyers fell to the Georgia Force 68-50 in front of 10,801 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena.

The game was a true quarterback challenge with Columbus quarterback John Kaleo completing 28-of-35 passes for 342 yards and five touchdowns and Georgia quarterback Matt Naggy completing 23-of-28 passes for 210 yards and seven touchdowns.

Georgia offensive specialist Chris Jackson earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after finishing the night with 10 receptions for 90 yards and four touchdowns. Force teammate Jamin Elliot won Ironman of the Game honors after recording six receptions for 56 yards and three touchdowns, as well as two tackles and one fumble recovery on defense. The Defensive Player of the Game Award went to Georgia offensive/defensive lineman Adam Metts for his two sacks for 13 yards.

Georgia got on the board first with a three-play drive, culminating with a six-yard touchdown reception by offensive specialist Jamin Elliot. Columbus would then fumble the ensuing kick off, which would be recovered by the Force in the endzone, bringing the score to 13-0 after a failed extra point.

The Destroyers' offense then matched Georgia's, with quarterback John Kaleo completing his first three passes, the last one landing in the hands of wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders for a 12-yard touchdown reception.

Georgia responded with two touchdowns of their own, bringing the score to 27-7, before wide receiver/defensive back B.J. Barre ran one in from the one-yard line for a score of 27-13. After a Georgia score, Columbus fullback/linebacker Chris Browning pounded his way into the endzone from two yards out. Kaleo and offensive specialist Carl Bond would proceed to convert on the two-point conversion, bringing the score to 34-21. The first half would end with a 23-yard field goal by Mark Lewis and a 40-24 score.

The Destroyers offense came out firing in the third quarter, scoring on a 41-yard pass to Barre. Georgia would respond with a touchdown of their own before Columbus would score again, this time on a 48-yard drive resulting with a 16-yard touchdown reception by offensive/defensive lineman Ken Jones, bringing the score to 47-38. The nine-point differential would be the closest the Destroyers would come to, finishing the night with a disappointing 68-50 loss.

The Destroyers celebrate the great game of football from Pop Warner to the NFL with Professional Football Night when the Destroyers take on the Philadelphia Soul on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, March 18 at 7 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come to the game wearing their favorite team gear. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Fans are invited to visit The Blue Jackets Bistro before, during and after every home game for great food and drink specials. The Bistro, located outside section 118, opens two hours before kickoff and features Rooster's wings along with beer specials from Anheuser Busch.

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 March 10, 2006


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