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Destroyers fall to VooDoo

April 17, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans VooDoo scored 20 unanswered points during the second and third quarters on their way to a 64-28 decision over the visiting Columbus Destroyers in front 16,108 fans at the New Orleans Arena Saturday night.

Destroyers quarterback Matt D'Orazio finished 16-of-25 passing for 129 yards and one touchdown. Backup QB Scott McMullen saw extended minutes in the fourth quarter, completing 8-of-14 passes for 90 yards and added the first passing touchdown of his career to offensive specialist Damien Groce. Groce finished with a team-high eight catches for 70 yards and two scores.

VooDoo quarterback Andy Kelly led New Orleans to their seventh win of the season by completing 19-of-27 passes for 229 yards and six touchdowns on his way to Offensive Player of the Game honors. VooDoo wide receiver/defensive back Carl Bond led all receivers with nine catches for 102 yards and three scores.

The VooDoo jumped out to an early 16-0 advantage following a safety and a pair of touchdown passes by Kelly, first on a 40-yard pass to Bond and then on a 13-yard strike to offensive specialist Aaron Bailey at the 6:15 mark of the first quarter. The Destroyers would break the scoring column on a Juan Long one-yard touchdown run as the VooDoo led 16-7 after one quarter.

New Orleans outscored Columbus 21-7 in the second quarter to take a commanding 37-14 lead at the break.

The VooDoo added to their lead on the opening possession of the third quarter when Kelly found Bond for an eight-yard touchdown to extend the New Orleans lead to 30 with 12:35 left in the third quarter. The Destroyers responded by driving the ball 35 yards on five plays, looking for their third score of the night. However, after pulling in one of his three pass receptions of the game, Juan Long fumbled the ball after being hit by VooDoo lineman Mike Landry. The ball bounced out of the endzone for a touchback, giving New Orleans possession. It was the first of two second half turnovers for the Destroyers.

The VooDoo held the Destroyers scoreless in the third quarter and were unable to make up any group as the two clubs would trade scores in the game's final period.

The Destroyers return home next Friday, April 22 when the club hosts the Dallas Desperados at Nationwide Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (ET).

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