Destroyers Fall In Home Finale
July 15, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY)- The Buffalo Destroyers dropped their third straight game falling victim to the Carolina Cobras 52-31 in front of 6,685 fans Friday night at the HSBC Arena.
The Destroyers offense came out sharp scoring on their only possession of the first quarter. The Fleet put together six play 37 yard drive while QB Fred McNair hit WR/LB Eddie Brown on a 13 yard touchdown. The score was tied 7-7 after the first period.
Carolina missed two field goals in the second quarter, one blocked by Destroyers OL/DL Jerry Sharp. K Steve McLaughlin hit a 22 yard field goal for Buffalo but Carolina QB John Fitzgerald threw two touchdown passes as the Cobras led at the break 21-10.
The Destroyers turned the ball over on downs to begin the third quarter. Carolina then scored on a FB/LB Andre Bowden three yard run to increase their lead to 28-10. McNair hit WR/DB Bret Cooper with a 20 yard touchdown as Buffalo closed the gap to 28-17. The Cobras shot right back as Fitzgerald hit WR/DB Kerry Hayes for a touchdown. The Destroyers retaliated as McNair connected with WR/LB Thomas Bailey on a 40 yard pass play with the Cobras up 35-24 at the end of the third quarter.
The Cobras proved too much for the Destroyers in the fourth outscoring the Fleet 17-7 in the final frame. The lone Destroyers score came on a McNair to Bailey 9 yard touchdown pass.
"It hurts to lose a game like this, but it is not the end of the world," said Destroyers head coach Ray Bentley. "We must be able to perform next week in Los Angeles."
McNair was 18 of 34 for four touchdowns and one interception. OS Lamont Cooper finished with a game high 182 all-purpose yards (151 kickoff return, 25 receiving, six rushing). Cooper passed the 13,000 career all-purpose yards mark. He is only the seventh player in league history to accomplish that feat. Bret Cooper led the Destroyers receivers with seven receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. Bailey added three catches for 61 yards and two scores.
DS Corey Johnson had a game high 9.5 tackles (9 solo) and one pass breakup. DS Prentice Taylor registered six tackles (5 solo) and a pass breakup.
The Destroyers fall to 6-7 on the season and finish 4-3 at HSBC Arena for the second straight season. Carolina ups their record to 6-7.
The Destroyers finish the regular season Saturday, July 20 as they travel to Los Angeles to square off with the Avengers at 10:30 PM at the Staples Center. The game will be televised live on Empire Sports Network and on radio at WNSA 107.7 FM and WJTN 1240 AM.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 15, 2002
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