Destroyers fall to SaberCats

Published on May 14, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Columbus Destroyers were unable to hold onto a 44-33 halftime lead and fell 68-47 to the San Jose SaberCats in front of 12,354 fans at HP Pavilion at San Jose Saturday night. The loss eliminates the Destroyers from playoff contention.

For the first time in the Destroyers eight-year history, the club finished with a record of .500 or better, as the 2006 Destroyers close the season with an 8-8 record.

San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after he completed 26-of-42 passes for 311 yards and eight touchdowns. Ironman of the Game honors went to SaberCats wide receiver/linebacker James Roe, who caught six passes for 93 yards and four touchdowns. He added two tackles and a tackle for a loss on defense. San Jose offensive/defensive lineman Wes Stephens was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game after he recorded two tackles, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and added a sack.

After receiving the opening kickoff, the Destroyers wasted no time in marching down the field. Quarterback John Kaleo and wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders connected for a touchdown for the 11th straight game, this time a 24-yard hookup for a 7-0 Columbus lead.

On the ensuing SaberCats possession wide receiver/defensive back B.J. Barre forced a SaberCats fumble, which defensive specialist Cecil Doggette recovered. The next play, Kaleo hit offensive specialist Darcey Levy on a 24-yard touchdown pass to give the Destroyers a 14-0 lead less than five minutes into the game.

San Jose got on the board when Grieb hit Roe on a crossing route in the back of the end zone from eight yards out to cut the Columbus lead to 14-6 after a missed extra point. The Destroyers answered right back when Kaleo hit Levy for the second time, a 15-yard connection to push the lead to 20-6.

After a Destroyers turnover, the SaberCats cut the lead to 20-19 when Grieb hit Roe on an 18-yard passing touchdown. Kaleo and Levy connected for a third time with just over 12 minutes left in the first half. Kaleo hit Levy on a go route at the San Jose 20-yard line. Levy then wrestled a defender all the way to the end zone to give Columbus a 27-19 lead.

The Destroyers forced their second turnover of the night when Saunders punched the ball out of the hands of Roe. A few plays later, Kaleo rushed in untouched from two yards out to push the lead back to 34-19 with 7:27 left in the half. The teams traded scores and Destroyers kicker capped the first half scoring with a 37-yard field goal as time expired and the Destroyers led 44-33 at the half.

San Jose got on the board quick to start the second half. Grieb hit Nelson on a 34-yard touchdown pass to pull the SaberCats within 44-40. San Jose forced a three-and-out and took over at its own 22-yard line. Three plays later, the SaberCats took their first lead of the game when Grieb hit Roe from 18 yards out to go up 47-44, which is how the third quarter would end.

San Jose started the scoring in the fourth quarter when Grieb hit wide receiver/linebacker Barry Wagner in the back of the end zone on fourth down to give the SaberCats a 54-44 lead with 6:47 left.

Through its fourth season, NBC will continue its coverage of the AFL throughout the ArenaBowl XX playoffs. Be sure to watch the AFL on NBC and OLN. Check local listings for complete details.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 14, 2006


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