Destroyers Can't Weather The Storm
March 8, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(TAMPA, FL)- The Buffalo Destroyers outscored the Tampa Bay Storm 21-13 in the second half but it was not enough as the Storm defeated Buffalo 52-27 in front of 15,848 fans Saturday night at the St. Petersburg Times Forum.
"We came back in the second half and fought hard," said Destroyers head coach Ron Selesky. "We did have a good effort in the second half and our defense played well enough to put us in position to win.
Tampa jumped out to a 14 point lead in the first quarter on two touchdown passes from QB John Kaleo, a 32 yarder to WR/LB Lawrence Samuels and a 29 yard pass to OS Freddie Solomon. The first Buffalo drive was stalled on a missed field goal of 41 yards and the second drive was stopped after Buffalo could not convert on a fourth down.
The Destroyers held Tampa to a 20 yard field goal after the Storm got a first and goal on the four yard line to open the second quarter. Buffalo came up with a big stop as Storm K Ian Howfield missed a 40 yard field goal attempt but on the next offensive play for Buffalo, QB Jeff Loots was sacked in the end zone for a safety. On the ensuing free kick, Solomon returned it 55 yards for a touchdown to extend the Storm lead to 26-0.
Buffalo got on the board with 4:11 remaining in the first half on a FB/LB Juan Long 10 yard run, the extra point was blocked, Buffalo was down 20. Tampa came right back as Kaleo hit Samuels for the second time and after the extra point was missed, the Storm led 32-6. The Storm closed the fist half when OL/DL BJ Cohen intercepted a Loots pass and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown to give Tampa a 39-6 lead at halftime.
Buffalo scored on their first drive of the second half on a FB/LB Anthony Hicks one yard touchdown run. Tampa missed a 52 yard field goal on their first possession of the second half but the Destroyers could not capitalize as they went four plays and out. Tampa scored on a fourth down from the two yard line as Kaleo hit WR/DB Alvin Ashley. Tampa led after three periods, 45-13.
Hicks was denied at the goal line on fourth and goal from the one to start the fourth quarter. Hicks got some redemption one the next drive, picking off Kaleo and pitching it back to WR/DB Chuck Wesley who returned it 19 yards for a touchdown. Buffalo's two point conversion failed, Tampa led 45-19. After Kaleo and Samuels hooked up for their third score, Loots threw his first touchdown of the game to OS Gunnard Twyner. Loots then hit WR/DB Jarrail Jackson on the two point conversion to close out the game.
Loots, in his first game back from a separated shoulder, was 21 of 34 for 190 yards one touchdown and one interception. WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson led the Destroyers with eight receptions for 78 yards. Twyner had six catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
DS Dwaine Carpenter led the defense with a game high 7.5 tackles and two pass breakups. DS JoJo Polk added five tackles and one pass defense.
With Detroit losing Friday night to Arizona, the Destroyers and Fury remain tied for first place, both with records of 3-3.
Buffalo plays the defending ArenaBowl Champion San Jose Sabercats this Friday, March 14 at 10:30 p.m. (EST) at the HP Pavilion. The game will be televised live on the Empire Sports Network. The Destroyers return home Sunday, March 23 hosting the Las Vegas Gladiators at noon 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.
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