Former Buckeye Zwick to make AFL QB debut in Destroyers' final home game of 2008

Published on June 9, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers will host the Grand Rapids Rampage on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, June 14. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below is a look ahead at this week's opponent, practice schedule, team news and notes and broadcast information.

DESTROYERS/RAMPAGE PREVIEW: This marks the ninth meeting all-time between the two franchises. The two teams last met May 11, 2007 with the Destroyers recording a 59-56 victory at home. Columbus held a 21-point advantage, 56-35, to begin the fourth quarter before Rampage were able to mount a comeback. Columbus quarterback Matt Nagy completed 16-of-23 passes for 175 yards and four touchdowns in that contest.

The Rampage (4-10) has never won on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena, losing all three contests they have played in the "Capital City." In the three games played in Columbus, the Destroyers average margin of victory is 19 points per game. Grand Rapids holds a 5-3 advantage in the all-time series.

This season, Grand Rapids is led by quarterback James MacPherson the eighth-rated quarterback (118.0) in the AFL. He has completed 274-of-403 passes for 3,399 yards, 75 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The Rampage running attack boasts almost 32 yards per contest, led by MacPherson and University of Toledo product wide receiver Kenny Higgins. The two have combined for 10 rushing touchdowns.

In addition to running the ball, Higgins leads Rampage receivers with 99 receptions for 1,365 yards and 29 touchdowns. Last week Grand Rapids had three receivers go over the century mark in yards receiving; Higgins (101), Chris Johnson (132) and former Destroyers' receiver Cole Magner (111). All three receivers caught three touchdowns each in an 84-65 victory over the Colorado Crush.

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 on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena are closed.

DESTROYERS DEBUT: Former Ohio State quarterback Justin Zwick will make his AFL debut under center. Zwick, who is playing in his first AFL season, has not seen action at the position for the Destroyers through the first 14 games of the campaign. Veteran Matt Nagy, who has been outstanding for the club in 2008 completing 310-of-484 passes for 65 touchdowns with seven interceptions, will start Saturday's game before Zwick makes his debut.

SECOND OPTION: C.J. Johnson has played in seven games and hauled in 47 passes for 654 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, giving Columbus an outstanding second option at receiver. The fourth-year AFL veteran from Tennessee State is a great compliment to the consistent play of Derek Lee and the deep threat of rookie speedster Calvin Russell. Already setting a career-high with 11 touchdown receptions, he needs 20 receptions and 90 yards to set new career-highs in those categories (66 receptions for 743 yards with Chicago in 2006). A little known fact about Johnson, in his AFL career he has completed all four of his passing attempts for 12 yards and four touchdowns giving him a career quarterback rating of 118.8.

LEE-PING RECORDS: In just 14 games, wide receiver Derek Lee is re-writing the Destroyers' record book. Entering last week's game against the Georgia Force, he owned the record for most touchdown receptions in a season. After his 11 reception, 112 yard and one touchdown performance against Georgia, he now owns three franchise single-season receiving records with 124 receptions for 1,506 yards and 29 touchdowns. He is tied for 10th in the League with 174 points in 2008, which is nine points from breaking Sedrick Robinson's franchise record of 182 points scored, set in 2004.

ON THE AIRWAVES: This week's contest between the Destroyers and Force can be heard on your home for Destroyers football, WNKK 107.1 FM, with the broadcast tandem of Todd Walker (play-by-play) and Rob Blackman (color commentator) and Archie (sideline reporter) on the call. Tune in at 6:30 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: The Destroyers will offer a Father's Day Football Ticket Package, presented by Wendy's, for their final home game against the Rampage on Saturday, June 14. With the purchase of a $22 ticket, fans will receive a lower bowl sideline ticket (a savings of $14 per ticket) to the game against Grand Rapids and a voucher good for one-of-three Cincinnati Reds baseball games. Fans are also invited to the "Budweiser Tailgate Zone" on the McConnell St. plaza from 5-7 p.m. for beer from Budweiser, Bud Select and Bud Light, food from Donatos, prize giveaways and music from QFM 96, 95.5 The Hawk and WINK 107.1 FM. Fans can also purchase tickets for All You Can Eat Night presented by 99.7 The Rock. The all-you-can-eat package includes hot dogs, bratwurst, popcorn, peanuts and a 22-ounce Pepsi product, for only $30.

TICKET INFORMATION: Single game tickets starting at just $15 are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, ticketmaster Ticket Centers, ticketmaster.com, ColumbusDestroyers.com and FSN Ohio Blue Line team stores located at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, Chiller Easton, Chiller Dublin and Chiller North. Only on game nights, the Huntington $10 Ticket Blitz offers available lower bowl seats, regularly priced at $26, for just $10 at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office two hours prior to game time. Also two hours before kickoff at the arena ticket office, college and high school students with a valid full-time student ID can purchase Raising Cane's Student Tickets for just $7. Students receive a voucher for a FREE Raising Cane's box combo with each ticket purchased.

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