Destroyers Set to Face Cobras on Friday
July 11, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, N.Y.) â The Buffalo Destroyers look to clinch a playoff spot when they host the Carolina Cobras on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30PM at the HSBC Arena.
Friday's game is the last regular-season home contest for the Destroyers. Buffalo stands at 6-6 and Carolina is 5-7 heading into Friday's game. A win on Friday will put the Fleet in the playoffs for the second time in franchise history.
"It is a big game this week because if we win, we clinch a playoff spot," said Destroyers head coach and general manager Ray Bentley. "We have a lot to play for...there is a lot at stake."
There are five Destroyer players who will compete against their former team on Friday. Destroyers QB Fred McNair, FB/LB Jason Bratton, DS Corey Johnson, OL/DL Jerry Sharp and OL/DL Silas Demary played for Carolina last season. Demary was activated from injured reserve on Wednesday. He replaces OL/DL Jeremy Johnson who was placed on IR after he tore is ACL last week at Georgia.
The Destroyers will try and snap a two game losing streak against the Cobras on Friday. The last two times Buffalo had a two game losing streak this season, they have bounced back with a win at home.
"A key for us will be getting off to a fast start," said Bentley. "The past few weeks we have fallen behind early and that hurt our chances for victory."
Leading the Cobras into battle is QB John Fitzgerald. He threw for six touchdowns and 287 yards in the Cobras victory over Toronto last week.
"Fitzgerald did a good job against Toronto," said Bentley. "Along with a great group of receivers...the offense is the strength of their team."
The Destroyers will counter with OS Lamont Cooper. He has 2,329 all-purpose yards this season. Cooper is in the top ten in four major statistical categories and also a candidate for Offensive Player of the Year and the Don 't Blink Player of the Year.
Friday's game will be on radio at 107.7 FM WNSA and 1240 AM WJTN.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 11, 2002
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- Rampage Lose Two More to Injury - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Destroyers Set to Face Cobras on Friday - Buffalo Destroyers
- Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I
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