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Destroyers finish 2006 season with best record in franchise's eight year history

May 15, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


RECAP: The Columbus Destroyers led 44-33 at halftime, but were unable to hang on and fell 68-47 to the San Jose SaberCats in front of 12,354 fans at HP Pavilion at San Jose on Saturday night. The loss eliminated the Destroyers from playoff contention. Quarterback John Kaleo completed 14-of-15 passes for five touchdowns in the first half while offensive specialist Darcey Levy caught nine passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders had a pair of touchdown grabs as well.

THIS WEEK: The Destroyers will wrap up administrative duties with the players this week, which includes exit physicals and player meetings. Most of the players will return to their respective hometowns later this week.

FRANCHISE BESTS: The 2006 season proved to be the best season in the franchise's eight year history in the Arena Football League. The franchise set records for wins in a season (eight) and road wins in a season (four). The club also tied a record for home wins in a season (four). Numerous players set career and single-season records throughout the 2006 season, too. Quarterback John Kaleo set Destroyers' season and career records for passes attempted (525) while setting a season record for completions (319). Defensive specialist Brandon Hefflin is the new career and single-season leader in fumbles recovered. He has recovered six in his career, including four this year. Defensive specialist Jerald Brown holds the Destroyers single-season record for interceptions (11) and interception return yards (133), while rookie wide receiver/defensive back B.J. Barre set career and single-season marks for fumbles forced (four).

BIG 12: Destroyers' wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders and quarterback sure showed this season that they have played together previously. In 12 straight games, Saunders and Kaleo hooked up for at least one touchdown pass. In those 12 games, Kaleo hit Saunders for two or more scores on five occasions. In this past Saturday's game at San Jose, Saunders caught five passes for 51 yards and two touchdowns. He added a forced fumble on defense. Saunders was the Destroyers top receiver this season, despite playing in only 14 games. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. For the 2006 campaign, Saunders caught 77 passes for 844 yards and 19 touchdowns.

LEVY BIG LATE SEASON ADDITION: Offensive specialist Darcey Levy could have rivaled Saunders for the top receiver had he been around all season. After two of the Destroyers top receivers suffered season ending injuries early in the year, Levy was signed to the Practice Squad on March 15. After spending some time learning the Destroyers offense, Levy was signed to the Active Roster on April 8, in time for the Destroyers game against the Orlando Predators. Levy played in five of the Destroyers final six games, missing one game due to injury. In those five games, he caught 26 passes for 431 yards and eight touchdowns. Had Levy played a full season, he would have caught 83 passes for 1,379 yards and 26 touchdowns. He was the team's leading receiver this past weekend at San Jose where he caught nine passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns.

ON THE AIR: Fans can listen to the final edition of the 2006 version of "Destroyers Weekly" Monday, May 15, from 7-8 p.m. on 107.1 FM, The Big Wazoo in Columbus. The live, hour-long show will be hosted by WLVQ/WAZU Sports Director "Archie" and Destroyers play-by-play announcer Marty Bannister. This week's show will feature head coach Doug Kay and fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson.

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