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Destroyers Earn First Playoff Win in Franchise History Over Five-Time World Champion

June 30, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Columbus Destroyers, presented by Germain, defeated the Tampa Bay Storm, 56-55, in front of 10,221 fans at St. Pete Times Forum Saturday afternoon. The win is the franchise's first in three playoff appearances. The game was broadcast live on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football.

With 1:06 remaining in regulation, Destroyers quarterback Matt Nagy led the charge as he capped off a 7-play drive culminating with a one-yard touchdown run. The Destroyers led 56-55 with :07 seconds remaining in the game. After the ensuing kickoff Storm kicker Seth Marler missed a 56-yard field goal wide left with no time left.

Nagy finished the contest completing 19-of-26 passes for 260 yards and five touchdowns. Destroyers leading receiver Damien Groce, caught seven passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns.

Storm wide receiver Terrill Shaw was named Offensive Player of the Game after hauling in nine passes for 112 yards and a game-high four touchdowns. Destroyers defensive back B.J. Barre was named Defensive Player of the Game as he intercepted a pass and returned it the length of the field to give the Destroyers their first lead of the game early in the second quarter. Including the interception, Barre finished with six tackles (4UT-4AT).

With the score tied 14-14 at the end of the first quarter, Barre returned a Brett Dietz pass 50 yards for the touchdown. The Destroyers took their first lead of the game, 21-14, with 12:39 remaining in the second quarter.

The teams traded touchdowns, including a 23-yard strike from Nagy to Marcus Knight and an end-around by Barre from two yards. The Storm closed out the scoring on the first half as Shaw caught his third touchdown of the game from two yards. The two teams went to the locker room at halftime tied at 35-35.

After the two teams combined for 70 points on 10 touchdowns in the first half, the two teams scored 14 points in the third quarter. Storm fullback Torrance Marshall rushed in from one-yard for a touchdown and Damien Groce caught a 30-yard strike for the score. The third quarter closed with the teams deadlocked at 42-42.

Dietz found Shaw for his fourth touchdown of the game to give the Storm a 49-42 early in the fourth quarter. Facing a fourth down and goal situation from the three yardline, Nagy rolled out to his right and found David Saunders wide open in the end zone to knot the score at 49-49. Dietz found wide receiver Hank Edwards in the back of the end zone from 17 yards out to give the Storm the lead with 1:06 remaining in the contest. Marler missed the extra point attempt and the Storm led 55-49.

The Destroyers march to ArenaBowl XXI continues Saturday, July 7, when they travel to take on the Dallas Desperados. Kickoff at American Airlines Arena is set for 8 p.m. (ET) with live coverage on Russell Athletic Arena Football on ESPN. The Destroyers Radio Network and flagship station WINK 107.1 FM will air the National Conference Divisional Round game with the pre-game show beginning at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

WE BELIEVE that you can never get enough football. Stay tuned to www.ColumbusDestroyers.com for updates on the Mitsubishi Motors Drive to ArenaBowl XXI. For information on 2008 Destroyers season tickets call (877) COLS-AFL. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group rates by calling (614) 246-HITS.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 30, 2007


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