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Destroyers win fourth straight at home

May 4, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers, presented by Germain, won their fourth consecutive home game of the season in a 51-42 win over the New York Dragons in front of 14,009 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena Friday night.

Matt Nagy was named Offensive Player of the Game completing 18-of-28 for 251 yards and five touchdown passes, to four different wide receivers. Defensive lineman Ken Jones was named Defensive Player of the Game as he had two sacks totaling a loss of 13 yards and a forced fumble.

The Destroyers (5-4) relied on big plays on offense, defense and special teams throughout the game to defeat the Dragons (2-7). However, it was interceptions on New York's final two drives of the game that sealed the victory for Columbus.

Columbus began the game with a big play, when Nagy hit B.J. Barre for a 45-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. New York also scored on its first drive, a 20-yard touchdown pass to tie the game 7-7. The Destroyers got another big play on special teams as Damien Groce returned the ensuing kickoff to the Dragons two-yard line; a 54-yard return. Fullback Harold Wells finished a two-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run for a 14-7 lead.

After another Dragons score, Columbus kicker Peter Martinez made a 45-yard field goal at the beginning of the second quarter to put Columbus back in front 17-14.

Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia found wide receiver Mike Horacek for a 7-yard touchdown pass and catch to take the lead for the first time in the contest. The Destroyers didn't take long to regain the lead, as Nagy completed a short pass to Marcus Knight who took it 24 yards for a touchdown. Nagy added a seven yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Bush with 30 seconds remaining in the half for a 31-21 lead.

In his first game with the team, wide receiver/linebacker Jason Shelley had an interception in the end zone with 3:21 remaining in the game to halt a Dragons scoring opportunity. The next time New York had the ball, defensive back Brandon Hefflin intercepted Dragons quarterback Garcia in the end zone and the Destroyers would run out the final 38 seconds of the game for the win.

New York had began the second half with a scoring drive, capped off by a 26-yard touchdown pass from Garcia to wide receiver Chris Anthony, making the score 31-28. Columbus answered on its next possession and scored on a 10-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver B.J. Barre but missed the extra point and led 37-28.

The teams traded scores at the end of the third quarter and New York got seven more points to begin the fourth frame on a two-yard touchdown run by Ja'Mar Toombs, cutting the Destroyers lead to two points. However, Nagy followed that drive by completing one of three long scoring passes to wide receiver Damien Groce from 25 yards.

The Destroyers will host Buckeye Coaches Night on Friday, May 11 when the club hosts the Grand Rapids Rampage. The evening will feature appearances by The Ohio State University football coaches Earle Bruce, John Cooper and Jim Tressel prior to the game, which is set for a 7 p.m. (ET) kickoff on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena.

Doors will open at 4:45 p.m. and beginning at 5 p.m. Coach Bruce and Coach Cooper will sign autographs on the Bud Light Terrace (limited to the first 300 fans). The coaches will then be joined by Coach Tressel and for a question and answer session on the Bud Light Terrace from 6:15-6:45 p.m. All three coaches will be a part of the coin toss ceremony prior to kickoff.

Following the Destroyers post-game autograph session, Buckeye football legend Chris Spielman will share an inspirational message prior to the Faith and Family Night Concert featuring New Method.

The Huntington $10 Ticket Blitz continues for every home game during the 2007 Destroyers season. A minimum of 225 lower bowl seats will be available for $10 at the Nationwide Arena Box Office two hours prior to every home game. The regular price on lower bowl seats is $26.

The Destroyers and Giant Eagle are teaming up with the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to TACKLE HUNGER in Central Ohio. Last year, with the help fans, the Destroyers raised enough resources to provide over 27,000 meals to those in need. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to all Destroyers home games to receive a raffle ticket. In addition to the food drive, if fans bring a Giant Eagle branded non-perishable food item they will receive a voucher for $3 off a regularly priced ticket.

WE BELIEVE that you can never get enough football. Single game tickets for the 2007 season are available starting at $12 by visiting www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. For information on season tickets call (877) COLS-AFL. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group rates by calling (614) 246-HITS.

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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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