Dragons upend Destroyers 69-54
April 29, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(UNIONDALE, NY) - The Buffalo Destroyers got a tough test in their 2002 road debut dropping a 69-54 decision to their Eastern Division rival the New York Dragons Sunday afternoon at Nassau Coliseum.
The Dragons drew first blood as OS Steve Papin caught a 19 yard touchdown pass from Matt Nagy as the Dragons led 7-3 after the first quarter.
The Destroyers fought back in the second as OS Lamont Cooper ran in a two yard touchdown, tying the game at 10. On the ensuing kickoff, DS Corey Johnson recovered the kick off the net and returned it six yards for another Buffalo score as the Destroyers took 17-10 lead. QB Fred McNair scored on a two yard run as the Destroyers went into the locker room with a 31-27 lead.
Both teams scored two touchdowns a piece in the third, Lamont Cooper caught an eight yard touchdown pass and returned a kick 56 yards for another touchdown.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Dragons as they outscored the Destroyers 29-7. The lone Destroyers touchdown was a McNair seven yard strike to Carlos James.
"It was a bitter disappointment," said head coach and general manager Ray Bentley. "We did not start strong and we did not finish strong. Hats off to coach Gregory for the effort they put forth today."
McNair went 26 of 42 for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Lamont Cooper finished with 222 all purpose yards and three touchdowns.
K Steve McLaughlin finished with 10 points (one field goal and seven PAT's) to move into eighth place all-time in the Arena Football League for scoring by a kicker with 461 career points. McLaughlin passed former Destroyer Bjorn Nittmo who has 453 points.
Johnson led the team with 10 tackles. He also had one fumble recovery and a pass defended.
The Destroyers continue their two-game road trip as they head to the Motor City Saturday May 4 at 7:30 PM to meet the Detroit Fury at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Destroyers return home Saturday, May 11 as they finish their home-and-home series with the Fury at 7:30 PM at the HSBC Arena. Tickets are on sale now, call 881-5676 today!
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 29, 2002
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- Dragons upend Destroyers 69-54 - Buffalo Destroyers
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