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Destroyers fall short at home, 43-41

March 13, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH – For the second time in three home games this season the Columbus Destroyers (1-5) were upended in the final minute of play, this time at the hands of the Philadelphia Soul (3-3). The Destroyers dropped their third home game in a row and fifth overall to Soul, 43-41, at Nationwide Arena Saturday night. The loss was the second in the last three weeks to the Soul, also falling short on February 21 in Philadelphia.

The game came down to fourth and ten play with 23 seconds left in the game, Philadelphia down 41-37 and with possession. Soul QB Nick Browder connected with WR/LB Ricky Ross for the 25 yard score to go on top with 18 seconds left and the final score of the night.

Destroyer QB Ryan Vena led all passers with 18 completions on 34 attempts, two touchdowns passing and two more rushing. WR/LB Sedrick Robinson added a touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, throwing a 12-yard scoring pass to OL/DL LaKendrick Jones on a flea-flicker to give Columbus a brief 34-30 lead.

OS CoCo Blalock led Columbus and all other receivers with seven catches for 86 yards. WR Cornelius White was on pace with the first meeting between the two teams with five catches and 56 yards in the first half. But, following the final play of the first half White and Soul WR/DB Joseph Todd got into an altercation, resulting in White being ejected from the game.

Browder lad the Soul in passing with 16 completions on 34 attempts and two interceptions, one being returned for a touchdown. Ross led the Soul in receiving with three receptions, 61 yards and a touchdown.

Columbus was able to keep the game close thanks to excellent defensive play, forcing three turnovers. The first came on the first series of the game. OL/DL Wilky Bazile sacked Browder, forcing a fumble to be recovered by WR/LB Titcus Pettigrew at the Soul 19. One play later, Vena found White streaking towards the end zone for the 19 yard score. The touchdown marked the first time is season that the Destroyers were the first team to score.

Pettigrew, who would eventually leave the game with a separated shoulder, came up big in the second quarter when he returned an interception 25 yards to the end zone to reclaim the lead from Philadelphia 13-10.

Penalties once again got the best of the Destroyers, being penalized 16 times for 113 yards. Perhaps, one of the most decisive penalties came with time expired after the second quarter when White was called for an unsportsmanlike personal foul and was removed from the game. White, who ran amuck against the Soul earlier this season for 141 yards, left the game with 56 yards and two touchdowns.

This was the third time the Destroyers led the game entering the final minute of play and the second time losing under the same scenario. In week one, the Destroyers were able the stymie the Indiana Firebirds' final minute drive, but failed to do so the Following week at home against Carolina.

Columbus scored on a two-yard run by Vena around the right side with one minute left in the contest to take the lead 41-37. Browder then methodically led the Soul down the field ending in the touchdown pass to Ross.

The Destroyers had a chance to win the game, but in the ensuing kickoff Blalock fumbled the ball on the four yard line, turning the ball over with 16 seconds left, ending any hope of a comeback.

The Destroyers return to the road next Saturday when the team travels to New York to face the Dragons in Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. The Destroyers' next home game is set for Sunday, April 4 at 12 p.m. when they host the Orlando Predators.

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