Destroyers Leave Phantoms In Their Wake
June 14, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(TORONTO, ONT) - The Buffalo Destroyers dominated the first half and fourth quarter as they sweep the season series with the Toronto Phantoms and pick up their first road win of 2002 with a 55-27 victory in front of 6,728 fans Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre.
The Destroyers got off to a quick start with QB Fred McNair hitting WR/DB Carlos James for two first quarter touchdowns (21 yards, 38 yards) as they led 14-7 after the first period. The Destroyers caused two turnovers in the first; a DS Corey Johnson interception and FB/LB Juan Long recovered a fumble after OL/DL Hardy Mitchell sacked Phantoms QB Chad Salisbury.
K Steve McLaughlin opened the second quarter with a 39 yard field goal to go up 17-7. The Destroyers intercepted two more passes (DS Dwaine Carpenter and WR/LB Thomas Bailey) and McNair tossed two more touchdowns one to OS Lamont Cooper and another to James, his third of the game, as the Fleet took a 31-10 lead into halftime.
The Phantoms WR/LB Kerry Brown scored two early touchdowns in the third to pull within seven points at 31-24. Brown caught a 31 yard touchdown pass from Pat O'Hara, then on the ensuing drive, Brown recovered a McNair fumble in the end zone. The teams exchanged field goals as Buffalo held a 34-27 lead after three periods.
The Fleet went back to work in the fourth, Bailey caught a 27 yard touchdown pass and OL/DL Jerry Crafts intercepted a pass and rumbled 39 yards for a score.
"The defense was unbelievable tonight," said Destroyers head coach and general manager Ray Bentley. "We only gave up 13 points on defense (Phantoms defense scored two of their touchdowns). We are finally to that point where our guys can communicate without thinking, it's second nature."
WR/DB Bret Cooper caught three passes for 44 yards and a touchdown as he passes the 5,000 career receiving yards mark. He is only the 22nd player in Arena Football League history to reach that plateau.
Carpenter was named game MVP with 10.5 tackles (10 solo), four pass defenses and one interception.
James picked up his fourth Ironman of the Game award in five weeks with three catches for 67 yards and three touchdowns. He also had four tackles.
McNair was 11 of 22 for 172 yards and five touchdowns. Lamont Cooper had 165 all-purpose yards and a touchdown catch.
The Destroyers improve to 5-4 and move a half game behind New Jersey (5-3) for first place in the Eastern Division.
The Fleet get a 10-day break before they hit the road again for a first place showdown as they battle the New Jersey Gladiators, Sunday, June 23 at the Continental Airlines Arena at 7:00 PM. The Destroyers return to the HSBC Arena, Friday, June 28 as they host the Arizona Rattlers at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now. Call 881-4444.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 14, 2002
- Detroit Falls to the Firebirds 56-38 - Detroit Fury
- Destroyers Leave Phantoms In Their Wake - Buffalo Destroyers
- Thursday Game Recap - AFL I
- Pearson, Field Claimed Off Waivers - Portland Forest Dragons
- Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
