Turnovers lead to sixth loss of season for Destroyers

Published on March 20, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


DENVER – Colorado Crush wide receiver/defensive back Kevin McKenzie intercepted a Ryan Vena pass early in the fourth quarter and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown to break open what had been a closely contested game as the Colorado Crush bested the Columbus Destroyers, 52-37, at the Pepsi Center Sunday afternoon.

Vena made his first start of the season for the Destroyers (1-6), completing 24-of-39 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions. His 308 yards passing was a season-high. Offensive Specialist Damien Groce led Columbus' aerial attack with a game-high 11 catches for 141 yards. Receiver Sedrick Robinson followed with seven catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson also ran for a touchdown in the game.

Quarterback John Dutton led Colorado (5-2) to their fourth win in a row after completing 17-of-29 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns before being named Offensive Player of the Game. Receiver/linebacker Andy McCullough led all Crush receivers with six catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Offensive specialist Damian Harrell finished with four catches for 53 yards and a score.

The Crush enjoyed an early 15-point advantage following a pair of touchdown passes by Dutton and a mishandled kick return recovered in the endzone for a touchdown by McCullough to give Colorado a 21-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Destroyers bounced back with 13 unanswered points early in the second quarter, first on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Vena to receiver/linebacker Cornelius White followed by another 30-yard connection, this time between Vena and offensive specialist Randall Lane. Colorado added a touchdown late in the second and the Destroyers tacked on a field goal on the final play of the quarter to cut the deficit to six. The Destroyers trailed 28-22 at the break.

The Destroyers recovered an on-side kick to open up the second half, taking over possession of the ball on their own 16 yard-line. Six plays later, Robinson found the endzone on a seven-yard sweep to give the Destroyers their first lead of the game at 29-28 with 11:06 left in the third quarter.

The Crush would outscore the Destroyers 21-8 in the fourth quarter, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns, to take control of the game and remain atop the Central Division through eight weeks of play.

The Destroyers return home to take on the New York Dragons, next Saturday, March 26 at Nationwide Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (ET).

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 20, 2005


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