Destroyers fall in Grand Rapids, 66-57

February 27, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Columbus Destroyers quarterback Matt D'Orazio threw for a career-high five touchdowns Sunday afternoon, however his efforts were not enough as the Destroyers dropped a 66-57 decision to the Grand Rapids Rampage an Van Andel Arena.

D'Orazio finished 20-of-37 for 258 yards and five touchdowns in a losing effort. Reveiver Cornelius White led Columbus with seven catches for 80 yards and a score. Damien Groce followed with four catches for 74 yards and a score.

Grand Rapids quarterback Michael Bishop completed 12-of-20 passes for 171 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Rampage to their first win of the season.

In keeping with the season's trend, the Destroyers jumped out to an early lead, enjoying a10-3 advantage following a 17-yard field goal from kicker Steve Videtich and six-yard touchdown connection between D'Orazio and tight end Jamarr Ward. The Destroyers have been the first to break the scoring column in four consecutive games.

Grand Rapids would then go on a 20-0 run to take a 23-10 lead midway through the second quarter on two touchdown passes from Bishop and a three-yard run by fullback Chris Avery. After trading touchdowns late in the second quarter, the Destroyers strung together a scoring binge of their own, outscoring the Rampage 19-0 to close out the quarter before taking a 36-29 lead into the break.

The Destroyers' defense held Bishop, who entered as the league's leading rusher, to -3 yards rushing in the first half on just two carries. Columbus dominated time of possession in the game's opening 30 minutes, controlling the ball for 20:53.

The two teams would alternate scores throughout the third quarter before Grand Rapids scored 14 unanswered points, first on a three-yard run by Bishop and then on a 16-yard pass play from Bishop to Robinson on the final play of the third quarter. Bishop's pass deflected off the rebound net and into the arms of Robinson, which accounted for his only catch of the game.

The game's pivotal play came early in the fourth when D'Orazio was intercepted by Robinson, who returned the ball to the Rampage 15 yard-line. The Rampage took advantage of the turnover five plays later on a eight-yard touchdown pass from Bishop to Jackson. The score gave the Rampage a 57-43 lead midway through the fourth quarter. It was a lead the Destroyers couldn't overcome, eventually dropping their third game of the season.

The Destroyers return to action this Sunday when the club travels to Georgia to face the Force at Philips Arena.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 27, 2005

• Avengers Crushed in Colorado - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
• Dragons defense ties AFL interception record - AFL I
• Avengers crushed at Colorado, 58-40 - Los Angeles Avengers
• Colorado's Rashad Floyd adds another tackling record - AFL I
• Destroyers fall in Grand Rapids, 66-57 - Columbus Destroyers
• Dragons Pick Off Rattlers with 6 interceptions - New York Dragons
• Rampage win 66-57 over Columbus - Grand Rapids Rampage
• Desperados Dominate Soul, 72-43 - Dallas Desperados
• Crush Sprints Past Avengers - Colorado Crush
• Colorado's Clay Rush connects on 62-yard field goal - AFL I
• Gladiators prevail on the road in Nashville, 40-32 - Las Vegas Gladiators
• Gladiators defeat Nashville - Nashville Kats

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