Destroyers Start Fast & End Slow in Defeat
K.E. Schlosser
Tuesday April 27, 2004
The Destroyers played the first half like a team that was better than their record reflects as they jumped out to take a quick lead and continued to build upon it to carry a 22-17 advantage into the half. Indications of old habits were evident as penalties, mental mistakes, and missed assignments were seen in the first half, but their damage was somewhat minimized as the Destroyers were able to keep control of the ball and put points on the board.
The Destroyers team that came out of the locker room after halftime appeared to be the same team that entered it, but they played much more like the Destroyers of old, instead of what fans, players, and coaches have come to expect in recent weeks.
Off of the second half kickoff, the Storm were able to march the ball down the field and punch it in the end zone. The Destroyers were essentially punched in the gut on the ensuing possession as QB Ryan Vena threw an interception for a touchdown as he scrambled under pressure in his own end zone.
While the Destroyers were able to score on their next possession, they were unable to keep the Storm from finding the end zone on their remaining possessions. Tampa pulled away and closed out the game, 46-36. As sour as another defeat may taste, the Destroyer defense didn’t throw in the towel. They kept fighting through two successive goal line stands, but they still came up a fourth down stop short each time.
What can the Destroyers take from this game? When they come to play, they can beat any team in the league if they minimize their own mistakes and take advantage of those of their opponents; essentially the story of their season. Up next for the Destroyers is a road trip to North Carolina to play the Cobras. If Columbus needs any motivation, all they need to do is think back to week 2 and remember the first one that got away.
