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Destroyers Rattle Rattlers, win 42-26

February 24, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus Destroyers quarterback John Kaleo had two second half touchdown runs to break open a one-point game at the half as the Destroyers defeated the Arizona Rattlers, 42-26 in front of 12,097 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena. Kaleo's touchdown runs were the 50th and 51st of his career, which ranks sixth all-time.

Arizona offensive specialist Damien Groce earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after he caught five passes for 84 yards and three touchdowns. Columbus fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson and defensive specialist Jerald Brown earned Ironman of the Game and Defensive Player of the Game awards, respectively.

Thompson finished the game with 28 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries as well as a tackle and pass breakup on defense. Brown recorded two interceptions, one pass breakup and a tackle.

The Destroyers defense flexed their muscles on the opening drive, stopping the Rattlers on four consecutive plays from within the 10-yard line, including two plays from the 1-yard line. The Destroyers took over on downs and proceeded to march the length of the field as Thompson ran the ball in from the three yards out to give the Destroyers a 7-0 lead.

After the Destroyers' defense posted their second consecutive defensive stop, the offense responded with their second consecutive touchdown. An 11-yard touchdown pass from Kaleo to offensive specialist Carl Bond, gave the Destroyers a 14-0 lead in the opening minutes of the second quarter, a lead the Destroyers would refuse to relinquish.

Arizona would respond with two touchdowns of their own. The first would come off of a 16-yard run from fullback/linebacker Bo Kelly. After an Arizona defensive hold, Arizona quarterback Sherdrick Bonner found Groce in the back of the endzone. A missed extra point would prevent the Rattlers from tying Columbus, leaving Arizona down 14-13.

Keeping the score close, Columbus and Arizona entered halftime with the Destroyers leading 21-20 after exchanging touchdowns. Columbus fullback/linebacker Harold Wells scored his first career rushing touchdown on an 11-yard plunge.

Bonner and Groce then hooked for a second touchdown pass, this time from 20 yards out.

Columbus opened the second half with a 1-yard touchdown run by Kaleo, which was his 50th all-time. After Brown intercepted Bonner in the endzone, Bond again found himself on the receiving end of a Kaleo touchdown pass, putting the Destroyers up 35-20 at the end of the third quarter. Columbus and Arizona would once again exchange touchdowns to finish the game with a 42-26 Columbus victory.

The Destroyers once again hit the road for the third time this season when the travel to New York to take on the Dragons Friday, Mar. 3. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (ET).

The Destroyers return home to Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena Friday, Mar. 10 to host the Georgia Force. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. There will be a special appearance by Uncle Rico from Napolean Dynamite.

The Destroyers return to action next Friday when they travel to New York to face the Dragons. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The Destroyers next home game is 7 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 10 against the Georgia Force.

Single game tickets starting as low as $10 are on sale now and pro-rated season tickets also available by calling (614) 246-HITS or by visiting www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. In addition, high school and college students (23 years and under) with a valid student ID may purchase a specially priced $7 ticket beginning two hours before each home game at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office only. Individual tickets may also be purchased at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, or by phone at (614) 431-3600. Tickets are also available at the Blue Jackets Zones located at Chiller Dublin, Chiller Easton and Chiller North. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.

Entering its fourth season, NBC will continue its coverage of the AFL on Sunday's throughout the season. Be sure to watch the AFL on NBC. Check local listings for complete details.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 24, 2006


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