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Time Runs Out On Buffalo

May 1, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Fury News Release


(AUBURN HILLS, MI) - The Buffalo Destroyers defense forced a turnover on downs as the clock was running down to less than two seconds, but did not get to have one last offensive play as the clock was run out after the play as the Destroyers lost a tough 50-48 decision to the Detroit Fury in front of 4,713 fans Thursday night at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit went up 13-0 before the Destroyers had the ball on offense but Buffalo quickly made the score 14-13. On their first possession, QB Bob Bees tossed a 16 yard touchdown to WR/LB Cornelius White. When Detroit got the ball back, OL/DL Alex Houston sacked Fury QB Andy Kelly forcing him to fumble and Houston recovered on the Fury 18 yard line. On the next play, Bees found OS Carl Bond in the endzone for an 18 yard score. The Fury scored as time expired in the first to lead 20-14.

Detroit scored 10 points in the last 16 seconds of the second quarter, a field goal by K Nick Gatto and a net recovery in the endzone by WR/LB Ty Grovesteen to take a 30-14 lead into the locker room.

White opened the scoring in the second half reeling in a 32 yard touchdown from Bees to close within nine at 30-21. DS Dwaine Carpenter intercepted Kelly in the endzone, his sixth of the season and his ninth of his career to set a Destroyers career record. Buffalo could not capitalize on the turnover, the Fury led 30-21 going into the fourth quarter.

Detroit extended their lead to 37-21 on Kelly's third touchdown pass of the game early in the fourth. Buffalo pulled within nine again on a wild play as Bees hit White on a screen pass and White leaped at the goal line, fumbled and the ball was recovered by OL/DL Steve Scifres in the endzone for the Buffalo touchdown. It was Scifres first career touchdown. After a Detroit score, Buffalo came right back as Bees and Bond hooked up for a nine yard touchdown. Detroit led 43-34. On the next Fury drive, Kelly was intercepted by WR/DB Chuck Wesley and on the next play Bees rewarded Wesley with a 24 yard touchdown as Buffalo pulled within two at 43-41 with 1:36 left in the game. Buffalo forced a fourth and long with 45 seconds left but Detroit scored on a questionable touchdown as Grovesteen caught a pass that appeared to go out of bounds. Buffalo recovered quickly as Wesley caught his second touchdown from nine yards out to once again close the gap to two at 50-48 with 24 seconds left. The Fury went four plays and out with two seconds left but the clock continued to run as the game ended without Buffalo getting one last chance to have an offensive play.

Bees finished 18 of 29 for 238 yards and six touchdowns. White led the receivers with eight receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Bond added four catches for 58 yards and two touchdowns.

Wesley had a solid game on both sides of the ball with four receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns. He had five tackles, one interception and two pass breakups on defense.

DS Dwaine Carpenter led the Destroyers defense with seven tackles, one interception and one pass breakup. DS JoJo Polk had five tackles and three pass breakups.

Buffalo (5-9) returns home for the final time in 2003 regular season as they host the New York Dragons Sunday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m. at the HSBC Arena. Group tickets are on sale, call the Destroyers ticket office at 716-881-4444! Single game tickets can be purchased online at tickets.com and at all tickets.com locations including Tops Friendly Markets or by phone at 1-888-223-6000.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 1, 2003


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