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Destroyers face VooDoo

May 27, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers will travel to take on the New Orleans VooDoo at New Orleans Arena on Friday, May 30. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. (ET). Below is a look ahead at this week's opponent, practice schedule, team news and notes and broadcast information.

DESTROYERS/VOODOO PREVIEW: This marks the fourth meeting all-time between the two franchises, the VooDoo lead the series 3-0. All three previous games have been played at New Orleans Arena also known as "The Graveyard."

The Destroyers will return to the site of ArenaBowl XXI, where they represented the National Conference nearly a year ago in July. After coming off their third win of the season, Columbus will be in the hunt for their first win streak of the season and first victory over New Orleans.

Quarterback Matt Nagy has completed 123-of-199 passes for 1,795 yards, 28 touchdowns and only four interceptions over the last six weeks. Averaging just under 300 yards passing per game (299.2) over the last six contests has moved the Destroyers passing attack from last in the AFL (227.7) in Week 7 to 12th in the League (258.5) this week.

Second-year quarterback Danny Wimprine leads the way for the VooDoo offense. The University of Memphis product, has completed 250-of-409 passes for 2,964 yards, 59 touchdowns and six interceptions. New Orleans leads the AFL in giveaway/takeaway ratio with a plus-16. The VooDoo defense allows only 48.3 points per game (third in the league) but surrenders 295 yards through the air (15th in the AFL).

PROTECTING "THE ROCK": The Destroyers lead the League with only nine turnovers this season (six interceptions and three fumbles). Since the team moved to Columbus in 2004, the Destroyers fewest turnovers in a season is 26 set by last year's National Conference championship team.

Quarterback Matt Nagy is second among all-AFL passers with a 1.5 interception percentage (six interceptions on 398 attempts). Nagy's career low for a season is 11 interceptions set in 2006 with the Georgia Force.

DEEP THREAT: Rookie wide receiver/return specialist Calvin Russell, boasts a 4.28 second 40-yard dash time. The Tuskegee (Ala.) graduate is 22nd in the AFL with a 17.2 kickoff return average. He is also 14th in the League (and leads all rookies) with 1,332 all-purpose yards.

In 12 games this season he is second on the team with 57 receptions for 856 yards and seven touchdowns. His speed often separates him from a defensive back in the AFL as he averages 37.0 yards on each of his touchdown receptions.

ON THE AIRWAVES: This week's contest between the Destroyers and VooDoo can be heard on your home for Destroyers football, WNKK 107.1 FM, with the broadcast tandem of Todd Walker (play-by-play) and Rob Blackman (color commentator) on the call. Tune in at 8 p.m. (ET) as the Destroyers pre-game show gets underway with a one-on-one interview with Destroyers Head Coach Doug Kay, player interviews and insider information.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: Join us for the Rooster's Wing Bash before the game on Saturday, June 7 against the Georgia Force presented by NTE Supplements. The party on the plaza gets underway at 4 p.m. (ET) along with Rooster's wings, fans will be treated to LIVE music from Jakob Freely and the Mixtape Bandits. The Dispatch/Mix 97.1 Family Night package will also be available and includes four tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns, four Pepsi products, four Dispatch Ice Haus skate passes, family discount admission to Pro Football Hall of Fame and one foam football for just $66.

TICKET INFORMATION: Single game tickets starting at just $15 are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, ticketmaster Ticket Centers, ticketmaster.com, ColumbusDestroyers.com and FSN Ohio Blue Line team stores located at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, Chiller Easton, Chiller Dublin and Chiller North. Only on game nights, the Huntington $10 Ticket Blitz offers available lower bowl seats, regularly priced at $26, for just $10 at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office two hours prior to game time. Also two hours before kickoff at the arena ticket office, college and high school students with a valid full-time student ID can purchase Raising Cane's Student Tickets for just $7. Students receive a voucher for a FREE Raising Cane's box combo with each ticket purchased.

RUSSELL ATHLETIC ESPN ARENA FOOTBALL MONDAY NIGHT: This week catch the New York Dragons (6-6) as they head west for a meeting with the Colorado Crush (4-8) on Monday, June 2. Kickoff on ESPN2(HD) is set for 10:30 p.m. (ET).

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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