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Destroyers close out home stand Friday night against Eastern Division rival New York

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


RECAP: The Columbus Destroyers held the Orlando Predators to six second half points, but were unable to overcome a 33-14 halftime deficit and fell 39-36 in front of 11,551 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena Sunday. The Destroyers (5-6) scored with 2.5 seconds remaining in the game to cut the Predators (7-4) lead to three, but were unsuccessful in recovering an onside kick. Wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders had a game-high eight receptions for 90 yards and three touchdowns in the loss. Wide receiver/defensive back B.J. Barre took home Defensive Player of the Game honors after he recorded a game-high 11 tackles (9UT-4AT), broke up two passes, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.

THIS WEEK: The Destroyers close out this two-game home stand when they host their Eastern Division rival New York Dragons (6-5) on Friday. Kickoff on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena is set for 7 p.m. It will mark the second meeting of the season between the teams. The Destroyers rallied from a 31-17 halftime deficit to win 65-53 in front of 10,173 fans at Nassau Coliseum on Mar. 3. The Destroyers have faced the Dragons more so than any other team, 13 times to be exact. The Dragons hold an 8-5 edge in the all-time series.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: The practice schedule for this week is below. Practice times and locations are subject to change. All practices at the Columbus FieldHouse are open to the public. Practices/Walk-Thru's at Nationwide Arena are closed to the public.

Day Event Time Place

Monday Film Review 10 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Tuesday Practice 10:15 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Wednesday Practice 10:15 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Thursday Practice 9:15-11:30 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Friday Game vs. New York 7 p.m. Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena

Saturday Film Review 10 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Sunday Off

FORWARD MOTION: The Destroyers hit the road for the first of back-to-back road tests when they travel to take on Eastern Division rival Philadelphia. The Destroyers and Soul met once this season, on Mar. 18, and Columbus held Philadelphia to its fewest points scored in team history in a 53-20 victory. Defensive specialist Jerald Brown intercepted two passes and returned one for a score to lead the defense. Quarterback John Kaleo completed 25-of-35 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders caught seven passes for 100 yards and two scores. The Destroyers and Soul have met five times in history with Philadelphia holding a 3-2 edge.

SEVENTH HEAVEN: When it comes to consistency, Destroyers wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders knows a thing or two about the subject. In his past seven games, Saunders has caught at least one touchdown pass. In this past Sunday's loss to the Orlando Predators, Saunders led the Destroyers and the game in receiving with eight catches for 90 yards and three scores. He also had a two-point conversion reception on the afternoon. It was the fourth time that he has hauled in at least two touchdown receptions. In the past two weeks, Saunders has jumped to the top of the Destroyers receiving chart, leading the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns. For the year, Saunders has 48 receptions for 546 yards and 12 touchdowns.

DEFENSE STILL STANDS STRONG: Adversity. The Destroyers defense looked that word in the eye this past Sunday against Orlando and laughed. After losing both defensive specialists in the first half of Sunday's game, the Destroyers defense went on to hold the Predators to six second half points, and for the fifth time this season, held an opponent under 40 points. The defense ranks first in points allowed, giving up an average 41.7 points per game, ahead of Dallas, who is allowing 44.6 points per game. The Destroyers rank in the top five of every other defensive statistical category. Leading the defense is second-year Destroyers' defensive specialist Brandon Hefflin, who has recorded 50.5 tackles (41UT-19AT), two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, six pass breakups and an assisted tackle for a loss.

ROOKIE IRONMAN: Destroyers rookie wide receiver/defensive back B.J. Barre defies the word Ironman. Barre does everything he can for the Destroyers, except pass and kick. This past weekend against the Predators, Barre led the game defensively with 11 tackles (9UT-4AT), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups. Offensively he returned five kickoffs for 119 yards and had a long return of 43 yards. He also had a 25-yard pass reception. Barre took home Defensive Player of the Game honors for his performance defensively. Earlier this season, Barre was named Ironman of the Game against New York. Barre has had a balanced season to this point. He has caught 21 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns and returned 23 kickoffs for 459 yards. On the other side of the ball, he has recorded 37.0 tackles (31UT-12AT), forced and recovered two fumbles, intercepted two passes, broke up three more and has a tackle for a loss to his credit.

ON THE AIR: As the Destroyers prepare for New York, fans can listen to the insiders' preview on "Destroyers Weekly" Monday, Apr. 10, from 7-8 p.m. on 107.1 FM, The Big Wazoo in Columbus. The live, hour-long show will be hosted by WLVQ/WAZU Sports Director "Archie" and Destroyers play-by-play announcer Marty Bannister. This week's show will feature offensive assistant/special teams coordinator Chris MacKeown, kicker Mark Lewis, as well as New York quarterback Nick Browder.

GAME PROMOTIONS: The Columbus Destroyers along with 92.3 WCOL and Mountain Dew recently conducted an on-air radio contest to select one special fan who experienced the proverbial "15 minutes of fame," the phenomenon identified and made famous by the late Andy Warhol. Fans will be introduced to the WCOL listener who shared the most unique and humorous story when the Destroyers host the New York Dragons on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. During the game, the winner will enjoy an additional "15 minutes" by participating in nearly every in-game promotion and on-field contest, starring in a specially produced video recreating the "famous" experience that will be shown on the video board and taking part in the post-game, on-field autograph session presented by Nationwide.

This season, the Destroyers will again team with the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to "Tackle Hunger" in Central Ohio. Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to each home game for donation to the Mid-Ohio FoodBank. In turn, fans will receive one raffle ticket per donated food item for a chance to win a team-autographed, authentic AFL football. One winner will be announced during the fourth quarter of each game. Last season, the Destroyers raised enough resources to provide over 27,000 meals to those in need right here in our community.

TICKET INFORMATION: Single-game tickets start as low as $10 and are 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.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 10, 2006


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