Destroyers Clinch Playoff Berth, Fall to LA
July 21, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(LOS ANGELES, CA) - The Buffalo Destroyers qualified for the 2002 Arena Football League playoffs despite dropping a 46-41 decision to the Los Angeles Avengers in front of 14,427 fans Saturday night at the Staples Center. Buffalo earns a birth in the playoffs by holding tie-breakers over teams that share the same record.
QB Jeff Loots started in place of Fred McNair who was nursing a sore knee. He came out of the gate quickly, hitting OS Jarrail Jackson on a four yard touchdown pass on the Destroyers first drive to tie the game at 7-7. On that PAT, K Steve McLaughlin set the Destroyers single season and career PAT record with his 71. Mike Black held both records with 70 in 2000.
The Avengers opened the second quarter with a FB/LB Chad Dukes touchdown run and missed the extra point, but the Fleet could not take advantage as McLaughlin missed a 45 yard field goal as LA stayed up 13-7. After another LA touchdown, Loots and Jackson connected again, this time on a 28 yard score, LA led 20-14.
McLaughlin missed a 48 yard field goal to begin the third and LA answered with a touchdown to extend their lead to 27-14. On the Destroyers next possession, OS Lamont Cooper reeled in a 28 yard touchdown from Loots as the Fleet were down six going into the fourth 27-21.
The Destroyers defense came up big at the beginning of the fourth, holding LA to a field goal after they had first and goal on the one yard line. OL/DL Silas Demary sacked LA QB Tony Graziani on third and goal; K Remy Hamilton's field goal gave LA a 30-21 lead. On the ensuing play, Loots ran it in from one yard out to close the gap to 30-27. After another LA touchdown, Buffalo shot back as Loots found Jackson for his third touchdown of the game as Buffalo closed within a field goal at 37-34. The Avengers matched with a touchdown on their next drive and Buffalo retaliated with a Loots three yard touchdown to Lamont Cooper put the Destroyers within two at 43-41. After Hamilton tacked on a field goal to put LA up 46-41, the Fleet had one more chance with :15 seconds left and a chance to win. Lamont Cooper ran the kickoff back 30 yards to the 25 yard line. With seven ticks left on the clock, LA's Mark Ricks tipped a Loots pass in the end zone as it was just missed by Lamont Cooper. On the last play of the game, Loots looked to the end zone but was sacked by Dukes and the Avengers escaped with a victory.
Lamont Cooper finished with a game high 235 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Loots was 19 of 32 for 253 yards five touchdowns and one interception. Jackson reeled in four catches for 63 yards and three scores.
DS Corey Johnson had a game high 5.5 tackles (5 solo) one interception and one pass breakup. The Destroyers fall to 6-8 on the season and will be on the road next weekend for the first round of the playoffs. Buffalo will find out their playoff opponent late Sunday afternoon.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 21, 2002
- Avengers to Host AFL Playoff Game on Saturday - Los Angeles Avengers
- Desperados Host Inaugural Playoff Game - Dallas Desperados
- Rampage Begin Title Defense on Sunday, July 28 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Destroyers Clinch Playoff Berth, Fall to LA - Buffalo Destroyers
- SaberCats open playoffs with Noon game on August 3rd - San Jose SaberCats
- Saturday Game Recaps - AFL I
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