Kats Come Back With A Win
Published on January 29, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Nashville Kats News Release
After more than three years away, the Nashville Kats returned to arena football with a 47-38 win in their season opener Friday night in Columbus against the Destroyers.
Leon Murray was outstanding, completing 25-of-35 passes for 232 yards, no interceptions and three touchdowns in the win, earning Offensive Player of the Game honors. He also ran for 36 yards and two scores, including one with 39 seconds remaining that sealed the game.
The Kats, who were traditionally among the league's leaders in rushing during their previous stint in Nashville, ran for a whopping 82 yards on 22 carries in a dominant performance.
"This is a big win, but it's just one win," said Kats head coach Pat Sperduto. "It was a gritty performance by every guy out there. They kept their cool and came through every time they needed to."
The game saw nine lead changes before Nashville helped seal the win with two DeRon Jenkins interceptions in the fourth quarter. In fact, it was the Kats defense that stepped up big to hold the Destroyers to just seven points in the fourth quarter after falling behind, 38-33, early in the period.
Columbus quarterback Chad Salisbury threw for 236 yards and four TD's, but was picked off three times in the loss.
The game had a wild start after the Destroyers recovered an onside kick on the opening kickoff, then cashed in on a 35-yard TD pass from Salisbury to Damien Groce on the next play. The game was back-and-forth from that point, however, with neither eam able to settle into any kind of comfortable lead.
Fred Coleman led all receivers with nine grabs for 94 yards and a score. Jarrick Hillery also caught a TD pass and picked one off as well. Dan Alexander scored on a 24-yard swing pass and on a one-yard run in the game.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 29, 2005
- VooDoo-Force rescheduled for Sunday - New Orleans VooDoo
- Force postpone home opener due to severe weather - Georgia Force
- Kats Come Back With A Win - Nashville Kats
- Rampage lose 58-38 in season opener - Grand Rapids Rampage
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