Columbus Wild Dogs (IFL)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

2/24/06

Sputtering offense, injuries concern Destroyers

Columbus in midst of three-game skid with Arizona on tap

Friday, February 24, 2006

Dave Devereux
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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After finishing with an Arena Football League-worst 2-14 record in 2005, the Destroyers returned this season with a new coach, a new-look lineup and plenty of optimism.
So far, 2006 is not going the way coach Doug Kay and his players envisioned it.
The Destroyers (1-3) are wobbling into their game tonight against the Arizona Rattlers (1-3) in Nationwide Arena.
They’re in the midst of a three-game losing streak, and injuries are a concern. As is the inconsistent passing game, which has bothered the offense since the opener.
"Right now, we’re physically tired," offensive specialist Thabiti Davis said. "We have to keep an eye on where we are mentally going into the game, because in addition to physical fatigue there is also some mental fatigue."
Davis, the Destroyers’ leading receiver, has been slowed this week because of a hamstring injury. That’s another potential blow to the offense, which expected to be much improved because a host of veterans signed in the off-season, including quarterbacks John Kaleo and Billy Dicken.
Kaleo, a 13-year veteran, has thrown for more than 30,000 yards in his career and guided Tampa Bay to an ArenaBowl title. He was brought in to play the role of the savvy starter.
Dicken, who averaged 3,000 yards passing in three seasons in Chicago, was expected to be a competent backup.
But in three straight losses — to Nashville, Dallas and Kansas City — neither quarterback found a rhythm necessary to give the Destroyers a chance to win.
In a 53-27 loss to Nashville, the Destroyers scored seven points in the first half. Kaleo was 17 of 40 passing with two interceptions. The following week in a 52-38 loss to Dallas, Kaleo completed 15 of 38 passes for 186 yards and two interceptions.
With Kaleo fighting a back strain, Dicken started against Kansas City but failed to throw a touchdown pass before being pulled in the third quarter of a 45-24 loss.
"We have to take a look at what’s worked for us and build off of that," said Davis, who has 22 receptions and five touchdowns this season. "We have to maintain the belief that the guys we have are going to get it done."
Not all the blame falls solely on the quarterbacks’ shoulders. Only four players returned from last season’s team, and this year’s squad is comprised of proven AFL players at virtually each position.
Combined with the losses, injuries the past couple of weeks have forced Kay and his staff to consider all options.
Receiver/defensive back Ira Gooch suffered a torn knee ligament against Dallas and will miss the remainder of the season. Henry Douglas, who the Destroyers acquired in a trade from Chicago, is dealing with a high ankle sprain and a sore hamstring.
"The main thing right now is if we maintain a positive attitude the fatigue won’t have any significance," Davis said. "Obviously, if the losing continues, changes will need to be made."
[email protected]

Friday, February 24, 2006

Friday, February 24, 2006

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

2/25/06

DESTROYERS 42 | RATTLERS 26

Offense finally surfaces in victory

Kaleo throws 2 TD passes, rushes for two touchdowns

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Dave Devereux
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>NEAL C . LAURON | DISPATCH </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Destroyers defensive specialist Jerald Brown is hit by Bo Kelly of the Rattlers after making one of his two interceptions. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


With an offense in a season-long slump, the Destroyers turned to their defense to supply an early spark. But as is often the case in arena football, the initial defensive surge quickly succumbed to a game defined by the ability to outscore the opponent.
And the Destroyers did it however they could.
John Kaleo threw two touchdown passes and scored his 50 th and 51 st career rushing touchdowns, and the Destroyers defeated the Arizona Rattlers 42-26 last night in front of 12,097 fans in Nationwide Arena.
They also used powerful touchdown runs by fullbacks Leroy Thompson (3 yards) and Harold Wells (11 yards) to help snap a three-game losing streak.
"It’s a step," Kaleo said. "We were able to move the ball when we needed to move the ball and we were able to punch it in when we needed to punch it in."
It’s looking more like the offense of an arena football team instead of whatever it was the past three weeks.
Leading 21-20 at halftime, the Destroyers capped their first drive of the third quarter with a 1-yard scoring run by Kaleo. On the Rattlers’ next possession, it appeared the Destroyers held when an errant sideline pass by Sherdrick Bonner was picked off by Brandon Hefflin, but a roughing-the-passer penalty gave the Rattlers another chance.
When Bonner’s end-zone pass sailed into the arms of defensive specialist Jerald Brown, the Destroyers and the crowd finally celebrated a key stop.
Brown, who intercepted two passes last week against Kansas City, intercepted two against the Rattlers. He had one with less than a minute to play to preserve the win.
Brown drew a key assignment guarding Rattlers offensive specialist Damien Groce, who played for the Destroyers last season. Groce escaped for 84 yards and three touchdowns, but Destroyers coach Doug Kay believed Brown won their competition.
"Jerald did a great job on Damien," Kay said. "I understand Damien got three touchdowns but he did a great job on him, taking him out of a rhythm."
The Destroyers deferred the coin toss, handled by Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, and the defense responded with a spirited goal-line stand that would have made any Buckeyes fan proud.
After the Rattlers advanced to the 2-yard line, the Destroyers stuffed two running attempts and on fourth down a pass from Bonner went off the fingertips of an open Wendall Gaines.
The Destroyers took the ball the length of the field on their first possession, keyed by a third-down pass from Kaleo to Davis for 24 yards. Thompson’s 3-yard run capped the drive.
The defense held the Rattlers on their next possession and Kaleo threw a 7-yard touchdown to Carl Bond to stretch the lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter.
"The way the defense has played, honestly, we shouldn’t have lost a game this year," Kaleo said. "Having said that, were still learning to play with one another."
Kaleo finished 21-of-34 passing for 202 yards and Bond caught six passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
The Destroyers outscored the Rattlers 21-6 in the second half.
"The entire attitude of the team rests on whether we can take the ball down the field and score," Kay said. "It rejuvenates everyone on the football team."
[email protected]

 

[scooter1369]

Another write up from the game.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Destroyers quarterback John Kaleo had two second half touchdown runs to break open a one-point game at the half as the Destroyers defeated the Arizona Rattlers, 42-26 in front of 12,097 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena. Kaleo's touchdown runs were the 50th and 51st of his career, which ranks sixth all-time.



Arizona offensive specialist Damien Groce earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after he caught five passes for 84 yards and three touchdowns. Columbus fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson and defensive specialist Jerald Brown earned Ironman of the Game and Defensive Player of the Game awards, respectively.



Thompson finished the game with 28 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries as well as a tackle and pass breakup on defense. Brown recorded two interceptions, one pass breakup and a tackle.





The Destroyers defense flexed their muscles on the opening drive, stopping the Rattlers on four consecutive plays from within the 10-yard line, including two plays from the 1-yard line. The Destroyers took over on downs and proceeded to march the length of the field as Thompson ran the ball in from the three yards out to give the Destroyers a 7-0 lead.



After the Destroyers' defense posted their second consecutive defensive stop, the offense responded with their second consecutive touchdown. An 11-yard touchdown pass from Kaleo to offensive specialist Carl Bond, gave the Destroyers a 14-0 lead in the opening minutes of the second quarter, a lead the Destroyers would refuse to relinquish.



Arizona would respond with two touchdowns of their own. The first would come off of a 16-yard run from fullback/linebacker Bo Kelly. After an Arizona defensive hold, Arizona quarterback Sherdrick Bonner found Groce in the back of the endzone. A missed extra point would prevent the Rattlers from tying Columbus, leaving Arizona down 14-13.



Keeping the score close, Columbus and Arizona entered halftime with the Destroyers leading 21-20 after exchanging touchdowns. Columbus fullback/linebacker Harold Wells scored his first career rushing touchdown on an 11-yard plunge.



Bonner and Groce then hooked for a second touchdown pass, this time from 20 yards out.



Columbus opened the second half with a 1-yard touchdown run by Kaleo, which was his 50th all-time. After Brown intercepted Bonner in the endzone, Bond again found himself on the receiving end of a Kaleo touchdown pass, putting the Destroyers up 35-20 at the end of the third quarter. Columbus and Arizona would once again exchange touchdowns to finish the game with a 42-26 Columbus victory.



The Destroyers once again hit the road for the third time this season when the travel to New York to take on the Dragons Friday, Mar. 3. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (ET).



The Destroyers return home to Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena Friday, Mar. 10 to host the Georgia Force. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. There will be a special appearance by Uncle Rico from Napolean Dynamite.



The Destroyers return to action next Friday when they travel to New York to face the Dragons. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The Destroyers next home game is 7 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 10 against the Georgia Force.



Single game tickets starting as low as $10 are on sale now and pro-rated season tickets also available by calling (614) 246-HITS or by visiting www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. In addition, high school and college students (23 years and under) with a valid student ID may purchase a specially priced $7 ticket beginning two hours before each home game at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office only. Individual tickets may also be purchased at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, or by phone at (614) 431-3600. Tickets are also available at the Blue Jackets Zones located at Chiller Dublin, Chiller Easton and Chiller North. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.



Entering its fourth season, NBC will continue its coverage of the AFL on Sunday’s throughout the season. Be sure to watch the AFL on NBC. Check local listings for complete details.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

3/3/06

ARENA FOOTBALL

Destroyers’ Brown shines in big-play role

His interceptions bolstering defense

Friday, March 03, 2006

Dave Devereux
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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Destroyers quarterback John Kaleo and defensive specialist Jerald Brown are 10 years apart in age and Arena Football League experience. They hadn’t played on the same team before this season.
Yet Kaleo, a 13-year veteran, immediately had an idea of what to expect from Brown.
"He’s from Washington, D.C., my hometown," Kaleo said. "That means he’s tough."
Five games into the season, Kaleo is discovering what his D.C. counterpart brings to the defensive specialist position, responsible for alerting the defense of checks and keeping the secondary aligned.
"This is his first full season as a middle (defensive specialist)," Kaleo said, "but he’s proving throughout the league that he’s a force to be reckoned with."
Brown, who signed as a free agent in the off-season, is with his third team, after playing for New York as a rookie in 2004 and Arizona last season.
Since the opener, he has shown the ability to make big plays, cover the opposing team’s best receiver and direct one of the league’s top-ranked defenses.
In the Destroyers’ 53-30 win over Grand Rapids in Week 1, Brown returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown, sparking a 21-0 lead. He intercepted two passes in each of the past two games, including a 42-26 win over Arizona last Friday.
Brown, assigned to the Rattlers’ best offensive threat, Damien Groce, gave up three touchdowns, but his secondhalf interceptions of Rattlers quarterback Sherdrick Bonner came at critical times.
"I go into it knowing that it’s one of the hardest positions to play," Brown said. "The offense is going to score, but if you can get some interceptions it changes the complexion of the game."
Brown and Cecil Doggette are the Destroyers’ primary defensive specialists. The position allows the defense to substitute two of the best cover men on the team for the offensive specialist and quarterback.
Doggette has played the middle spot throughout most of his 12-year career.
"Cecil for a lot of years was probably the premier middle safety in the league," coach Doug Kay said. "He’s still capable of doing it, but right now Jerald is playing it and I think playing it as well as anybody in the league."
Heading into the game tonight against the New York Dragons, Brown is tied for second in the league with four interceptions, but he credits the defensive front for doing its part.
The Destroyers will look to take advantage of Dragons rookie quarterback Juston Wood. They were expecting to face Aaron Garcia, who was voted the 11 th-greatest player in league history before the season, but Garcia is out for the season after suffering a fractured right tibia in last week’s win over Orlando.
"We gave one of the all-time greats (Bonner) some problems, so with a rookie quarterback, I hope that we can do the same thing," Brown said.
"As coach says, ‘You can make him a star in 30 seconds if he makes that quick big play and gains confidence, but he can also lose it in 30 seconds.’ "
[email protected]

Friday, March 03, 2006

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

3/4/06

DESTROYERS 65 | DRAGONS 54

Destroyers bust out with big second half

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Joe McDonald
FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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NEW YORK — In past weeks, the Destroyers might have lost this game. But after every setback last night, they refused to be denied and responded with a season-best scoring output in a 65-54 win over the New York Dragons in Nassau Coliseum.
After a lackluster first half, the Destroyers clicked for 48 points in the second half.
"It’s more like arena football and I wish we could have done it at home," said quarterback John Kaleo, who had 186 of his 305 passing yards, four of his six touchdown passes and one rushing score in the second half.
"I got into a really nice groove with (offensive specialist) Carl Bond and it was a really good performance overall."
Trailing 31-17 at halftime, Columbus (3-3) came out smoking in the second half with two quick strikes to Bond — touchdowns of 31 and 17 yards — to tie the score.
"(The players) just understood what they were capable of doing," coach Doug Kay said.
"We needed to score and needed to stop, then needed to score and needed to stop. It became a possession game."
With a new ballgame, Columbus went to work trying to forge a precious lead. It happened with 8:85 left in the fourth quarter, when Kaleo ran in the go-ahead score from the 1-yard line to put the Destroyers ahead 51-45.
The Dragons (3-3) blocked the extra-point attempt and converted it into a defensive score to cut their deficit to 51-47. New York quarterback Justin Wood — who threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns with four interceptions in his first Arena Football League start — ran for a touchdown to put the Dragons ahead by three with 3:48 to go.
Not to be denied, on the next drive Kaleo connected again with Bond on a 30-yard touchdown pass to put the Destroyers ahead for good, 58-54.
"We knew how to pull together," said Bond, who had 142 of his 190 receiving yards in the second half with three touchdowns.
"We are a veteran team and we cleaned up the mistakes."
A bit of controversy ensued before all was said and done, though.
It appeared Destroyers defensive lineman Ken Jones knocked the ball out of Wood’s hand for a fumble into the end zone to ice the game. However, it was ruled an incomplete pass.
Destroyers defensive back B.J. Barre then made his second key interception of the game, taking the ball to the New York 4-yard line.
Three plays later, fullback Howard Wells ran it in from the 2 to clinch it.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

3/10/06

Offense shows signs of coming together

Friday, March 10, 2006

Dave Devereux
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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Six games into the Arena Football League season, the Destroyers are just starting to produce the kind of offensive attack they anticipated when they signed veteran quarterback John Kaleo in the off-season.
The team averaged 30 points per game in consecutive losses to Nashville, Dallas and Kansas City, but Kaleo tossed two touchdown passes and ran for two scores in a 42-26 win over Arizona. He followed that with six TD passes as the Destroyers rallied from a 31-17 halftime deficit to win 65-54 last Friday in New York.
"I’ve taken on more responsibility with the game plan and decision-making," Kaleo said. "I’m working with (offensive coordinator) Ken Matous more to get a better understanding of what we want and need to accomplish on offense."
The emergence of Carl Bond at offensive specialist has been a big help.
Bond, a six-year veteran, was limited to the practice squad through the first three games. When offensive specialist Ira Gooch was injured and lost for the season, Bond seized the opportunity.
He has 21 receptions for 338 yards and six touchdowns in three games.
"He’s a good route runner with excellent hands and excellent knowledge of the game," Kaleo said. "He was in camp with us, but it was a numbers game. Since he’s taken the responsibility at the OS position, the offense has picked up from there."
Along with the passing game, the offensive scheme has featured a running game opposing teams must respect.
In the win over Arizona, fullbacks Leroy Thompson and Harold Wells each found the end zone. Last week against the Dragons, Wells scored on runs of 7 and 3 yards in the fourth quarter.
"I feel it’s a team that’s coming together," Wells said. "A lot of these guys came from different teams and different backgrounds. Over the weeks, we’ve had time to meet and jell."
The Destroyers enter the game tonight with the Georgia Force in Nationwide Arena tied for second place in the Eastern Division. They share a 3-3 record with three other teams in the conference, including the Force.
Although mathematically the Destroyers are in the fifth playoff spot (six teams make it), they’re entering a difficult stretch of games, including matchups against the Force, Philadelphia, defending Arena Bowl-champion Colorado and division-leading Dallas.
"We’re going into a hard stretch," Wells said. "But the guys have a lot of motivation."
Kaleo said, "We’re starting to find the right chemistry now. I’m curious to see where that takes us."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

3/11/06

FORCE 68 | DESTROYERS 50

Force offense dominates

Destroyers sputter early; defense can’t make a stand

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Dave Devereux
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>ADAM CAIRNS | DISPATCH </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>B.J. Barre of the Destroyers outraces Force defenders Derek Lee (8) and Robert Thomas on his way to a touchdown in the third quarter. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


The teams’ records were both .500, but Destroyers coach Doug Kay knew the challenge presented by the Georgia Force, the defending National Conference champion.
"They’re one of the best teams in the league," Kay said. "They have good receivers, and they move the ball well."
No doubt about that.
The Force, which has lost three games by a combined four points, scored touchdowns on its first nine possessions and defeated the Destroyers 68-50 last night in front of 10,801 fans in Nationwide Arena.
Quarterback Matt Nagy threw seven touchdown passes — four to Chris Jackson and three to Jamin Elliott — against a Destroyers defense that was ranked first in the Arena Football League in fewest touchdowns allowed (29) and third in points allowed (43.3 points per game).
"It was our best offensive performance of the year," Georgia coach Doug Plank said. "There’s not a question, this was Matt Nagy’s best game."
The Destroyers (3-4), who are making a habit of falling behind early, trailed 13-0 before their offense touched the ball.
Elliott caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Nagy on the opening drive and then recovered the ensuing kickoff, which was misplayed off the net by B.J. Barre.
"For some reason, we don’t understand the game starts at the opening kickoff," Kay said. "We have difficulty understanding that, and it’s on my shoulders."
Coming off a 305-yard passing performance against New York, Destroyers quarterback John Kaleo remained efficient, completing 28 of 35 passes for 342 yards and five touchdowns.
He got the Destroyers on the board at the 8:31 mark of the first quarter on a 12-yard fade pass to David Saunders, who had eight catches for 70 yards.
But Nagy remained equally sharp. He completed 16 of 18 passes with five touchdowns in the first half, and the Force (4-3) built a 40-24 lead.
"They kept it simple," Kay said. "(Nagy) was just rising up out of a three-step drop. We didn’t cover well."
Barre supplied a spark at the start of the third quarter when he caught a quick screen and raced 41 yards to the end zone to bring the Destroyers to 40-31.
Kaleo added touchdown passes to Saunders, Ken Jones and Eddie Galles, but the Force answered every time.
"We put ourselves in a bind early against a good Georgia team," Barre said. "We had to fight back, but sometimes you don’t make it."
[email protected]

 

[CausticMick]

I tried Arena three times and hate it. We have a relative plaing in LA so from now on that will be the only way I watch it. I do have one question, who is B.J. Barre (see picture in above post)? The program said he played at tOSU, never heard of him playing. Name sounds a little familiar, don't know why.

 

[BB73]

I tried Arena three times and hate it. We have a relative plaing in LA so from now on that will be the only way I watch it. I do have one question, who is B.J. Barre (see picture in above post)? The program said he played at tOSU, never heard of him playing. Name sounds a little familiar, don't know why.

He was #19 on the roster in 2000, and played in 11 games. He was also the guy that hosted MoC on his recruiting trip. During the late 2004 ESPiN hatefest, ESPN the Ragazine quoted Barre as saying he worked a cake construction job on the stadium project, although he couldn't remember the name of the company that he worked for.

<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#000033 colSpan=2>BARRE</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="1%">

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=right bgColor=#b7cdde><TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=120>Position</TD><TD>WR/DB</TD></TR><TR><TD>Height</TD><TD>6-2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Weight</TD><TD>210</TD></TR><TR><TD>College</TD><TD>Ohio State</TD></TR><TR><TD>Acquired</TD><TD>Signed as a free agent on Oct. 7, 2005</TD></TR><TR><TD>AFL Experience</TD><TD>Rookie</TD></TR><TR><TD>Birth Date</TD><TD>1/31/1981</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#006699 colSpan=4>PROFESSIONAL</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=4>Signed by the Destroyers on Oct. 7, 2005… Spent two seasons in the arenafootball2 league… In 2005 for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, he caught 48 passes for 617 yards and 15 touchdowns… Rushed for one touchdown… Attempted one pass and completed it for a 27-yard touchdown… Was second on the team in tackles with 35.5 (30UT-11AT)… Led the team in interceptions (5) and pass breakups (13)… Was second on the team in fumble recoveries with two… Was second on the team in all-purpose yards (77.8 yards per game)… Had 448 kickoff return yards to go along with 53 interception return yards… Played in 13 games with Destroyers offensive coordinator Ken Matous and the Tulsa Talons in 2004… Caught 48 passes for 569 yards and 15 touchdowns… Added a rushing touchdown… Returned 15 kickoffs for 355 yards and a touchdown… Had 31 tackles (23UT-16AT), four interceptions and 12 pass breakups on defense… Added a 49-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown… Forced two fumbles… Named the af2 Ironman of the Week in Week 4… In that game, he caught four passes for 62 yards and three touchdowns… Added two interceptions on defense.


</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#006699 colSpan=4>COLLEGE</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=4>Played one season at The Ohio State University… Was a letter-winner his freshman season… Played in all 11 games for the Buckeyes… Recorded 10 tackles (7UT-3AT)… Was part of an Ohio State team that qualified for the Outback Bowl.


</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#006699 colSpan=4>PERSONAL</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=4>Attended Toledo Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio… Was a three-sport star in football, basketball and track… On the football team, played both running back and defensive back… Was an all-state selection in all three sports… Born Jan. 30, 1981, in Tulsa, Okla.… Favorite food is seafood… Favorite television show is SportsCenter… Football idol growing up was Bo Jackson.


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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

3/18/06

ARENA FOOTBALL

Ex-OSU recruit returns to town

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Dave Devereux
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>NEAL C . LAURON | DISPATCH </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>B.J. Barre, right, was part of Ohio State’s 2000 recruiting class, but he soon was academically ineligible. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


If he could do it all over again, Destroyers receiver-defensive back B.J. Barre would return to Ohio State and finish what he started. But that’s in the past.
"As much as I would like to, I can’t go back and play at OSU," he said. "I just want to leave that in the past and let Ohio State be Ohio State."
Barre, who played at Toledo Whitmer High School, arrived at OSU in 2000, as part of a recruiting class that included Michael Jenkins, Will Allen and Will Smith.
But after playing in 11 games as a freshman, Barre was declared academically ineligible before the 2001 season and was out of football for the next three years.
He joined the Destroyers before the start of this season after spending two years in arenafootball2.
"He didn’t acclimate himself as well as we thought," Destroyers coach Doug Kay said. "But we always understood that he potentially is a big-play player on every side of the ball. Now we’re starting to take advantage of that."
In the Destroyers’ 65-54 win March 3 in New York, Barre snagged two interceptions. The second came with a minute left and set up the Destroyers at the Dragons 3-yard line for the winning touchdown.
In a 68-50 loss to Georgia on March 10, Barre again displayed his various talents. He had a 41-yard touchdown reception and returned seven kickoffs for 87 yards.
"I like to play that role," Barre said. "Any time you’re getting the ball, any time you’re around the ball, you’re going to have some fun."
Barre, 6 feet 2, 210 pounds, got his first pro experience in arenafootball2 playing for the Tulsa Talons in 2004. He played 13 games under Destroyers offensive coordinator Ken Matous.
In 2005, Barre caught 48 passes for 617 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs.
"(In arenafootball2) the skill positions are about the same," he said. "The biggest difference is (in the Arena Football League) you have a good quarterback coming at you every week."
As the Destroyers (3-4) enter their game tonight against Eastern Division rival Philadelphia (4-3) in Nationwide Arena, Barre said he’s determined to finish what he started his second time around in Columbus.
"Now it’s Columbus Destroyers time," he said. "I’ve been having a really good time these last couple of weeks, and I’m excited to get on with the rest of the season." [email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

3/19/06

DESTROYERS 53 | SOUL 20

Destroyers rebound with decisive victory

Defense shuts down Soul a week after allowing seven TD passes

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Dave Devereux
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>WILL SHILLING | FOR THE DISPATCH </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Jerald Brown of the Destroyers intercepts a pass intended for J.J. McKelvey of the Soul in Columbus’ 53-20 Arena Football League win. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


The thought of facing another prolific Arena Football League quarterback created some unrest for Destroyers coach Doug Kay.

After watching his defense last week get torched for seven touchdown passes by Georgia quarterback Matt Nagy, Kay was worried how his team would respond last night against the Philadelphia Soul and quarterback Tony Graziani.

"It doesn’t get any easier," Kay said. "I haven’t been getting much sleep at night."

Kay can rest easier after the Destroyers (4-4) delivered their best allaround performance of the season in a 53-20 victory over Eastern Division-rival Philadelphia (4-4) last night in front of 12,807 fans in Nationwide Arena.

Quarterback John Kaleo, coming off a 342-yard passing game against Georgia, picked up where he left off. He completed 26 of 35 passes for 302 yards and five touchdowns. And the Destroyers received plenty of help from the defense, which allowed the second fewest points in franchise history.

"It was a great effort by everybody in all facets," Kay said.

After allowing touchdowns on the first nine possessions last week against Georgia, the Destroyers faced another of the league’s top quarterbacks in Graziani.

But the defense created four turnovers against the Soul. Defensive specialist Jerald Brown had two interceptions, returning one 5 yards for a touchdown.

"I don’t even know how big that was — okay, yes, I do," Brown said jokingly. "It was real big. We were very disappointed after last week because the offense put up numbers and we just did not show up."

Kaleo went 12 of 14 for 139 yards in the opening half, including a 17-yard touchdown pass to David Saunders and a 26-yarder to Carl Bond.

Twice in the first half, the Destroyers defense held the Soul out of the end zone when it was threatening from inside the 3-yard line.

Near the three-minute mark of the first quarter, the Soul tried a pitch to Mike Brown on third-and-goal from the 3, but Ken Jones corralled Brown, forcing a field goal.

With 10 minutes left in the second quarter, the Soul advanced to the 1, but that time linebacker Harold Wells forced a fumble by Brown as he tried to go airborne across the goal line.

Brown’s interception return helped the Destroyers to a 20-13 halftime lead. His later interception gave him seven for the season.

"Offense, defense and special teams came together," Brown said. "We really worked together as a unit."

Leading 30-20 entering the fourth quarter, the Destroyers dominated the final 12 minutes, outscoring the Soul 23-0.

Kaleo added a 34-yard touchdown pass to Thabiti Davis and a 19-yarder to Saunders, who had 100 yards on seven catches.

[email protected]

 

[808 Buck]

Wow, did not know that Doug Kay was the head coach. Kay was the defensive coordinator at the University of Hawaii (and a good one), under Dick Tomey during the early 80's. Nice guy, good coach.

 

[scooter1369]

Dispatch

3/19/06

Take That, Bon Jovi!!!

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

3/26/06

DESTROYERS 65 | CRUSH 21

Destroyers clobber defending champs

Sunday, March 26, 2006

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DENVER — John Kaleo threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores in leading the Columbus Destroyers to a 65-21 rout of the defending Arena Bowl champion Colorado Crush last night in the Pepsi Center.
The Destroyers (5-4) outscored the Crush (6-3) 27-0 in the second quarter in building a 34-7 halftime lead.
Kaleo ran for his second 1-yard touchdown with 50 seconds left in the second quarter to give Columbus a 31-7 lead. Mark Lewis kicked a career-long 53-yard field goal on the half’s final play.
John Dutton, the 2005 Arena Bowl MVP, threw interceptions on Colorado’s first two possessions and finished with three. Thabiti Davis returned the last one 45 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
The Destroyers’ secondranked scoring defense held the Crush to 238 total yards and forced four turnovers.
Kaleo finished with 155 yards passing and threw TDs to three different receivers. Harold Wells ran for two touchdowns. David Saunders caught five passes for 55 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown to give the Destroyers a 7-0 lead with 8:09 left in the first quarter.

 

[tedginn05]

Destroyer defense holds Crush to lowest point total in Franchise History.

Defense forces seven turnovers to hand defending ArenaBowl champ Crush first home loss of 2006 season<o></o>
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DENVER — Home, not so sweet home.
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The Columbus Destroyers forced the defending ArenaBowl Champion Colorado Crush into seven turnovers and held them to their lowest point total in franchise history en route to a 65-21 win in front of 17,146 fans at the Pepsi Center on Saturday night. It was the first time the Crush have lost at home this season and only the second time in their past 11 home games.
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Destroyers defensive specialist Brandon Hefflin took home Defensive Player of the Game honors when he recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass while adding a game high 13.5 tackles (13UT-1AT) to lead the Destroyers defensive attack. <o></o>
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Wide receiver/linebacker Thabiti Davis was named Ironman of the game after he caught four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown and added a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown as well as two tackles (2UT) and a tackle for a loss on defense.
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Destroyers’ quarterback John Kaleo earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after he completed 16-of-26 passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two more. <o></o>
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The Destroyers defense started off right where they left off a week ago when Hefflin picked off a John Dutton pass at the Columbus 18-yard line. The Colorado defense answered right back, however, stopping the Destroyers on fourth down.<o></o>
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But it was the Destroyers defense again, stepping up to the challenge. This time defensive specialist Jerald Brown intercepted his eighth pass of the season, which ties a Destroyers’ single season-best, at the Destroyers 3-yard line and returned it to the 12. It was the fifth time in the past six games that Brown intercepted a pass.
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Three plays later, Kaleo found wide receiver/linebacker David Saunders from 18-yards out to give the Destroyers a 7-0 lead with 7 minutes, 30 seconds remaining in the game. <o></o>
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Destroyers’ kicker Mark Lewis then started the second quarter by nailing a 21-yard field goal to give the Destroyers a 10-7 edge. The defense came up big again, forcing the Crush to attempt a 55-yard field goal, which kicker Clay Rush missed off the left net. The Destroyers marched down the field, and Kaleo capped the drive with a 1-yard run to make it 17-7.<o></o>
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On the ensuing kickoff Crush wide receiver/defensive back Willis Marshall thought he had a clear path to the end zone, but offensive/defensive lineman Howard Duncan hit him from behind and jarred the ball loose, which was recovered by Hefflin at the 15-yard line. Three plays later rookie fullback/linebacker Harold Wells added to his team-lead in rushing touchdowns with his fifth of the year, this from a yard out. <o></o>

Hefflin was at it again on the next Crush drive. Crush offensive specialist Damian Harrell tried to push his way past Destroyers wide receiver/defensive back B.J. Barre, who wrestled the ball loose with Hefflin recovering it once again. Kaleo then rushed for his second score of the game to make it 31-7 in favor of the Destroyers. <o></o>
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Yet again, the Destroyers defense came up big, and got another fourth down stop with :05 left in the first half. That allowed Lewis to boot a Destroyers all-time best 53-yard field goal as time expired to give Columbus a 34-7 edge going into the locker room at halftime.<o></o>
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The second half started out right for the Crush, who recovered a Rush onside kick and scored on the next play when Dutton hooked up with Harrell for the 29th time this season to cut the lead to 34-14. Another onside kick came on the ensuing kickoff, but the Destroyers recovered and scored one play later when Kaleo found offensive specialist Carl Bond from 8-yards out to push the lead back to 41-14. <o></o>

The Destroyers defense forced another Crush turnover on the next offensive play, when Dutton bobbled the snap. Destroyers fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson recovered the ball at the Crush 16-yard line. Lewis added a 23-yard field goal to give Columbus a 44-14 lead. <o></o>
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Lewis finished the night perfect on extra points, going 7-of-7, and was 3-for-3 on field goals. <o></o>
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The Destroyers will finish their two-game road trip on Saturday, Apr. 1, when they travel to take on the National Conference-leading Dallas Desperados. Kickoff at American Airlines Center is set for 7:30 p.m. (ET). <o></o>
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When the Destroyers return home on Sunday, Apr. 8, to take on the Orlando Predators, it will be Zooperstars Character Night and Dispatch/Mix 97.1 Family Game. The Zooperstars are hilarious characters dance, flip, bounce, shake, and just plain entertain.<o></o>
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Single game tickets starting as low as $10 are on sale now and pro-rated season tickets also available by calling (614) 246-HITS or by visiting www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. In addition, high school and college students (23 years and under) with a valid student ID may purchase a specially priced $7 ticket beginning two hours before each home game at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office only. <o></o>
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Individual tickets may also be purchased at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, or by phone at (614) 431-3600. Tickets are also available at the Blue Jackets Zones located at Chiller Dublin, Chiller Easton and Chiller North. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.<o></o>
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Entering its fourth season, NBC will continue its coverage of the AFL on Sundays throughout the season. Be sure to watch the AFL on NBC. Check local listings for complete details.

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