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Destroyers travel to the Big Apple to take on the first of three consecutive Eastern Division oppone

April 7, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers travel to take on Eastern Division rival New York Dragons Sunday, April 13, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. (ET) at Nassau Coliseum. The Destroyers (2-4, 0-2) have a record of 1-2 on the road, while the Dragons are 2-1 at home. Below is a look ahead at this week's opponent, practice schedule, team news and notes and broadcast information.

FIRST LOOK, NEW YORK DRAGONS: This marks the 17th contest all-time between the two squads, the most games played against any one opponent in franchise history. The Dragons lead the series 7-9 but since the arrival of Doug Kay as the Destroyers Head Coach in 2006, Columbus has defeated the Dragons three of the past four contests.

In their last meeting on June 23, 2007, the Destroyers offense exploded for a 74-43 victory on Long Island. The 74 points were the second-most points in a single-game in franchise history. The win also locked up the final National Conference playoff spot, the club's first playoff berth since the franchise moved to Columbus in 2004. Quarterback Matt Nagy completed 25-of-33 passes for 256 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Dragons are led by future AFL Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Garcia. Now in his 14th Arena Football League season, the Sacramento, Calif. native has thrown 818 career touchdown passes and is only one of three quarterbacks in the League's history to throw for over 800 touchdowns (Dallas Desperados - Clint Dolezel 877 and Chicago Rush - Sherdrick Bonner 854).

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: The practice schedule for this week is below. Practice times and locations are subject to change. All practices at the Columbus FieldHouse (6124 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229) are open to the public. Practices/Walk-Thru's at Nationwide Arena are closed.

Day Event Time Place

Wednesday Practice/Conditioning 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Thursday Practice/Conditioning 9:30-11:35 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Friday Practice 9-11 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

Saturday Walk-Thru 8-9 a.m. Columbus FieldHouse

LEE-DING THE WAY: Destroyers wide receiver Derek Lee ranks among the top-five in every AFL receiving category after Week 6. He is second in receptions (57), fourth in yards (652), tied for fourth in touchdowns (16) and tied for fourth in scoring (96).

The fourth-year AFL veteran is on pace to make 144 receptions, tally 1,728 receiving yards and catch 40 touchdowns. Former Destroyers wide receiver Damien Groce holds the franchise records for receptions (116) and receiving yards (1,426), both set in 2005. He also caught 27 touchdowns last season, a franchise record.

KEEP HITTING THE WELLS: In his third season with the Destroyers, fullback Harold Wells is the franchise's all-time leading rusher, carrying the ball 141 times for 406 yards and 23 touchdowns. This season he leads the AFL with 44 carries, is third with 115 rushing yards and leads all ball carriers with eight touchdowns.

This season, the Atlanta Ga. native has also diversified his game, catching nine passes and has set career highs with 123 receiving yards and four touchdowns in just six games. With 74 points scored this season (48 rushing, 24 receiving), he leads all fullbacks in scoring and is ranked ninth overall in the AFL.

ON THE AIRWAVES: This week's contest between the Destroyers and Dragons can be heard on your home for Destroyers football, WNNK 107.1 FM with the broadcast tandem of Todd Walker (play-by-play) and Archie (color commentator) on the call. Tune in at 2:30 p.m. (ET) as the Destroyers pre-game show gets underway with a one-on-one interview with Destroyers Head Coach Doug Kay, player interviews and insider information.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: Monday, April 21, is Nationwide Night "White Out" T-Shirt Night. The first 12,000 fans in attendance will receive a T-shirt compliments of Nationwide. The Pro Football Hall of Fame will display items on the Pepsi Parkway. The game between the Destroyers and the Philadelphia Soul will be shown to a national viewing audience on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday Night on ESPN2 (HD). Fans can also purchase tickets for All You Can Eat Night. The all-you-can-eat package includes hot dogs, bratwurst, popcorn, peanuts and any 22-ounce Pepsi product, for only $30.

TICKET INFORMATION: The Destroyers 2008 home schedule features seven Saturday night games and one Monday night contest. Single game tickets start at just $15 and are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, ticketmaster Ticket Centers, ticketmaster.com and all FSN Ohio Blue Line team stores located at Chiller Easton, Chiller Dublin and Chiller North. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group rates by calling (614) 246-HITS.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 7, 2008


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.

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