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Destroyers can't overcome turnovers in 45-24 loss to Brigade

February 19, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Destroyers Defensive specialist Jerald Brown had a pair of interceptions in the endzone, but it was not enough as the Brigade defense forced five turnovers and held the Destroyers to xx points and won their first game in franchise history 45-24 in front of a crowd of 14,632 fans at Kemper Arena on Sunday.

In what could be considered a defensive battle in the game of Arena Football, both Columbus and Kansas City failed to score a passing touchdown until the end of the third quarter when Brigade quarterback Andy Kelly found offensive specialist Jerel Myers for an 11 yard touchdown to give the Brigade a 28-10 lead after three quarters.

The Destroyers looked to be in control from the start when Brown picked off a Kelly pass at the goal line and returned it 26 yards deep into Brigade territory on Kansas City's first drive. It appeared that the Destroyers would score first, but as fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson was tackled near the end zone, the ball popped loose and the Brigade recovered.

The Brigade (1-3) got on the scoreboard first when Kelly marched the Brigade down the field and capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. After tacking on a field goal, Kansas City added to its lead when defensive specialist Denario Smalls intercepted a Billy Dicken pass and returned it 39 yards for a score.

The Destroyers (1-3) got on the board thanks to the defense. Wide receiver/linebacker Thabiti Davis recovered a Kansas City fumbled kickoff and returned it seven yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 15-7.

The teams then traded field goals after that. Destroyers emergency kicker Danny Kight drilled a 46-yarder to cut the Brigade lead to 18-10. Brigade kicker Tim Seder added a 22-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to give Kansas City a 21-10 lead at the break.

Dicken started in place of John Kaleo, who was battling a back strain. Kaleo entered the game with five and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter. He completed his first two passes, but was intercepted at the goal line on his third attempt.

Thompson got a second chance at the start of the fourth quarter. After wide receiver/defensive back Lincoln Dupree returned a kickoff back to the Brigade 8-yard line, Thompson rushed around the left side on the very next play to bring the Destroyers within 28-16.

After Kansas City added its fourth field goal, Abdul-Salam Noah recovered a Destroyers fumbled kickoff in the end zone to push the Brigade lead to 38-16. The Brigade put the game out of reach when they forced another Destroyers fumble and marched down the field to score again and push its lead to 45-16.

The Columbus Destroyers invite football fans to meet Ohio State University Head Football Coach Jim Tressel at Nationwide Arena on Friday, Feb. 24, when the Destroyers face the Arizona Rattlers at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. when Coach Tressel will conduct a chalk talk for all fans who arrive early.

Following the chalk talk in the arena bowl, Coach Tressel will take part in a pre-game autograph session on the Bud Light Terrace along with five members of his 2002 National Championship team - safety Will Allen, defensive tackle Tim Anderson, punter Andy Groom, safety Donnie Nickey and defensive tackle Kenny Peterson. The autograph session is scheduled to run from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. followed by kickoff at 7 p.m. Visit www.coachtressel.com for a chance to win tickets to the game.

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 Sunday's throughout the season. Be sure to watch the AFL on NBC. Check your local listings for the game in your area.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 19, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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