Destroyers Defense Seals Win Over Detroit 49-21
Published on May 11, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY) â Shortly after finding out their best offensive threat OS Lamont Cooper had to miss the game, it was the Destroyers defense that stepped up causing five turnovers en route to a 49-21 victory over the Detroit Fury in front of 7,991 fans Saturday night at the HSBC Arena.
Cooper was hospitalized late Friday night after he passed out and lost a significant amount of blood. Doctors believe he has an ulcer, but he will have more tests Sunday to determine the exact problem.
"It is gratifying to win when our best player wasn't with us," said Destroyers head coach and general manager Ray Bentley. "Our defense has been picked on the last two games, we have had a chance to make plays and tonight we did."
The 21 points given up by the Destroyers is the fewest allowed in team history. The previous mark of 23 was set in 1999 vs. Portland. Corey Johnson picked off two passes and Dwaine Carpenter added another. FB/LB Juan Long, who was named Ironman of the Game, forced a fumble in the fourth quarter that was scooped up by OL/DL David Caldwell for a Destroyers touchdown. The Defense also had two sacks, three tackles for loss and six pass defenses.
QB Fred McNair was named game MVP completing 21 of 33 for 237 yards and five touchdowns. WR/LB Kevin Mason caught three passes for 38 yards and two scores. He also had one rush for 34 yards, a Destroyers team record. The Destroyers rushed 16 times for 65 yards. Those 16 rushing attempts are a team record. WR/DB Eddie Brown, WR/DB Bret Cooper, OS Jarrail Jackson and WR/DB Carlos James also caught touchdown passes.
The Destroyers improve to 2-2 on the season, while Detroit falls to 1-3.
The Destroyers host Eastern Division rival the Toronto Phantoms (3-1) in the "Border War" next Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 PM at the HSBC Arena. Group and single game tickets are on sale now. Call 881-4444.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 11, 2002
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- Buffalo Destroys Detroit 49-21 - Detroit Fury
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