Destroyers Enjoy Saturday Night Surprise in Indiana
K.E. Schlosser
Monday February 9, 2004
The Firebirds led for most of the first three quarters, as both teams traded touchdowns throughout the game. While the Firebirds were never up by more than two touchdowns, every time the Destroyers had a score, the Firebirds had an answer. Entering the fourth quarter, the Destroyers found themselves facing a 41-28 deficit. With the game on the line, the Destroyer defense came to play and left it all on the field. Their inspired play enabled the team to make a stand and pull the stunner with many big plays and big hits, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
While the Destroyers accomplished their first goal of the season by winning their opener, there are many more goals that need to be worked towards as the season progresses. While Coach Bruce set the lofty goal of the Destroyers winning all of their home games, he is more interested in seeing week to week improvement by each individual player as well as each unit. Saturday night was a great start for the Destroyers. While the game may not have been as pretty as he had hoped, a win is a win and it does wonders for the confidence and focus of the team as they prepare for their home opener this week against the Carolina Cobras.
Game Notes:
Quarterback Ryan Vena led the Destroyers’ offensive, completing 19 of 25 pass attempts for 202 yards and four touchdowns. Vena also gained another 21 yards on the ground in his Arena Football League debut.
Offensive sparkplug CoCo Blalock led the Destroyers in receptions with six catches for 66 yards and a first quarter touchdown.
Wide receiver/linebacker Cornelius White excelled on both sides of the ball, with four catches for 48 yards and two touchdowns on offense. White also had a game-high five tackles with a nine-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Wide receiver/linebacker Sedrick Robinson was named Ironman of the Game. Offensively, he had four catches for 45 yards and one touchdown. Robinson also returned two kickoffs for a total of 75 yards, including a 57-yard return for a touchdown.
Indiana fullback/linebackers Leroy Thompson and Jeff Cogell led all rushers with 29 yards.
The Destroyers return to action this Friday at 7:00 p.m. when they host the Carolina Cobras in their inaugural home opener at Nationwide Arena. Carolina enters the game 1-0 after a 67-48 victory on the road against the Dallas Desperados.
