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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."
ddevereux@dispatch.com