Destroyers Reduce Mistakes, Deny Predators
K.E. Schlosser
Wednesday April 7, 2004
Two months of misery compounded by two narrow defeats, several blowouts, a whole lot of heartache, and the heavy load of a prolonged losing streak ended on Sunday with the Columbus Destroyers’ 55-46 victory over the visiting Orlando Predators. The secret to the successful end of the Destroyers six-game losing streak and picking up their first home victory was simple: playing fundamentally sound Arena League Football.
For the first time in forever, the Destroyers were able to consistently execute. Columbus made plays while minimizing their own mistakes, turnovers and penalties, while at the same time forcing, taking advantage of and capitalizing on the mistakes of their opponent. Throughout the last two months, players and coaches alike have preached that the fundamentals were the answer. Sunday afternoon, their words were translated into action and a victory resulted on the field against the Predators.
Throughout the game on Sunday, the Destroyers played inspired football. When the Predators scored, the Destroyers answered. With two defensive stands on fourth down in the first half, Columbus showed the Predators they were there to play. Despite settling for field goals both times when the Predators turned the ball over on downs, the Destroyers were able to stay with Orlando early, as they were able to consistently put points on the board. In just the second quarter alone the lead would change hands a number of times before Orlando scored with seven seconds left to tie things up 27-27 just before halftime.
The Destroyers came out of the locker room in the second half focused and ready to play instead of their usual reactionary mode as they quickly scored two touchdowns to take a lead that they would never relinquish. While the Predators had their chances and responded by putting points on the board, they were never able to retake the lead as quarterback Ryan Vena put the nail in the coffin when he scored the final touchdown with 34 second to go in the game.
For the Destroyers, the victory meant they had something to cheer and feel good about for the first time in a long time. Both the team and the fans can always wonder what the score would have looked like had they not turned the ball over on downs inside the Predator 5-yard line or scored touchdowns instead of field goals, but they simply need to take this victory for what it’s worth: a win and something to build on. While their ability to minimize mistakes and avoid turnovers cost them several games early and several other close losses turned into blowouts, this week they were at the opposite end of the spectrum and came out on top.
The mission for the Destroyers this week is to put the win behind them and focus on the next game as they host the New York Dragons on Saturday night. The Dragons come to Columbus on a roll with four consecutive victories, including a lopsided victory over Columbus. While the two teams may be looking at each other from opposite ends of the standings, this game can prove to be very competitive and pivotal for both teams.
For the Destroyers to win this game, the game plan is simply to follow the same script as last Sunday: reduce or minimize your own mistakes, penalties, and turnovers while taking advantage of what your opponent gives you. The Destroyers may also find the going a little bit easier if they can mount a better pass rush to take the pressure off the defensive backs and if they can provide better blocking up front to afford Ryan Vena more time than Rayborn got the last time these two teams met in New York. A Dragons’ victory assures them at least a tie for the Eastern Division lead and helps with their playoff position. A win by the Destroyers is something to continue to build upon and a chance to crawl out of the cellar.
