They had a 15–1 record and qualified for home-field advantage throughout the National Conference playoffs.
This time, it looked as if Dallas, after a shaky start, would continue their dominance over the Destroyers.
Leading 38–28 at the half, the tide turned on back-to-back kickoffs by Columbus kicker Peter Martinez.
On the very next kickoff, a nearly identical play occurred when the ball again bounced off the goalpost and Columbus recovered at the 4-yard line.
After a Clint Dolezel interception set up a field goal for Columbus, Jason Shelley put the game away with a 28-yard reception with 12:55 left in the game to give Columbus a 2-touchdown lead that they held onto to pull off the upset against the Desperados.