Spielman’s Destroyers Tumble in Opener, 47-38

Leon Murray threw a touchdown pass to erase a fourth-quarter deficit, then scored on a six-yard run in the final minute to give the Nashville Kats a 47-38 victory over the Columbus Destroyers in an Arena League opener Friday night before 17,171 at Columbus, Ohio.

Nashville trailed, 38-33, when Murray connected with Dan Alexander on a 24-yard scoring pass early in the fourth quarter.

Columbus, losing in former NFL and Ohio State standout Chris Spielman’s debut as coach, was led by Damien Groce. He had seven receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

Spielman was named coach last August, replacing former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce, who became the team’s vice-president.

Arizona 58, Grand Rapids 38 -- Sherdrick Bonner threw six touchdown passes and Derin Graham tied a team record with two kickoff returns for scores in the Rattlers’ victory over the Rampage at Grand Rapids, Mich.

Siaha Burley had four touchdown catches for the Rattlers and Bonner completed 15 of 26 passes for 202 yards.

Former Avenger Chris Jackson had nine receptions for 73 yards for the Rampage.

Grand Rapids quarterback Nick Browder fumbled six times, losing two.