Destroyers' comeback falls short in 39-36 loss to Orlando

April 9, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers' defense forced two fumbles and outscored the Predators 21-6 in the second half in a valiant effort, but fell 39-36 to the Orlando Predators in front of 11,551 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena on Sunday.

Columbus wide receiver/defensive back B.J. Barre was named Defensive Player of the Game after he recorded 11.0 tackles (9UT-4AT), forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and added two pass breakups. Orlando wide receiver/linebacker Javarus Dudley was named Offensive Player of the Game for his eight receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Dudley's teammate, wide receiver/linebacker Jerrian James earned Ironman of the Game honors after he hauled in five passes for 53 yards and a score and added 6.5 tackles and one fumble recovery on defense.

The Destroyers and Predators opened the game exchanging touchdowns. Saunders tied the game at 7-7 with a 30-yard touchdown reception from quarterback John Kaleo. The touchdown brings Saunders' streak to seven consecutive games with a touchdown reception. Columbus' defense, not to be out done by the offense, proceeded to force a defensive stop by tackling James on the 1-yard line.

Kaleo, spreading the wealth, found wide receiver/linebacker Thabiti Davis in the back of the endzone for a 14-yard touchdown pass with 1 minute to go in the half. After a failed onside kick, Orlando quarterback Joe Hamilton rushed in from 13 yards out to end the half with the Predators leading 33-14.

After some key halftime adjustments, the Destroyers opened the second half by forcing an Orlando fumble, which offensive/defensive lineman Mike Sutton would recover on the Predator's 15-yard line. Kaleo and Davis would turn the fumble into a seven-point swing for the Destroyers.

The Destroyers began the fourth quarter in the same fashion as the third, by forcing an Orlando fumble. Saunders would then earn his second touchdown reception of the evening after Kaleo's pass bounced off the defender and then the sidewall, before falling into Saunders' hands. Kaleo would once again find Saunders in the back of the endzone, this time for the two-point conversion. After Saunders third touchdown of the night, the game would end in a 39-36 defeat.

The Destroyers close out this two-game home stand when they welcome their Eastern Division rival New York Dragons to Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena on Friday, Apr. 14. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. It will be 15-Minutes of Fame night.

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 April 9, 2006


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