The Desperados' defense brought much difficulty for the Columbus Destroyers.

Dallas, Texas - They were told to step it up, and step up they did. The Desperados (2-0) defense helped backup quarterback Chris Sanders lead the team to a 46-36 win over the Columbus Destroyers (0-2) at American Airlines Center Friday night.

After the Georgia Force made a late run against the Desperados in last week's season-opening victory, head coach Will McClay told his defensive players they needed to up their game for Sanders' first start in Dallas.

And they did just that. The defense forced the Destroyers to attempt, and miss, field goals on their first two possessions. Out of Columbus' nine possessions in the game, the Desperados came away with three stops, allowing only one field goal and five touchdowns.

"We stepped up," McClay said, "we gave up some easy plays but we stepped up as a defense. Stops are key, and early on we had those two stops, which allowed (Sanders) to be more comfortable so that was big on the defensive side."

Desperados linebacker Bobby Perry picked off a Columbus quarterback Matt Nagy pass into the end zone near the end of the second quarter to provide one stop. The interception preserved the Desperados' 13-point lead, 27-14, and the defense then later forced the Destroyers to settle for a field goal before halftime.

Columbus only managed three possessions in the second half, but turned all three into touchdowns. The Destroyers started the fourth quarter with a fullback Harold Wells nine-yard touchdown run, cutting the Desperados' lead to 38-30. But a botched hold allowed Desperados defensive end Colston Weatherington to come barreling off the line to foil the extra point.

The Destroyers' next possession in the fourth quarter ate up 6:19, which was actually a benefit to the Desperados who already had a 16-point lead. Although he concedes that the defense gave up some easy points during the game, McClay intentionally gave Columbus some room in those final minutes by playing some zone to prevent a big play.

"We were playing off and wanting to come down hill," McClay said. "We wanted to make sure we didn't give up the cheap, easy touchdown."

Sanders, who filled in for Desperados injured starting quarterback Clint Dolezel (shoulder), never had any doubts about his defense having his back.

"Our defense is so good that I don't really look at the score or at the (other team's) kicks," Sanders said after the game. "Our defense is unbelievable, so to (get two stops early) makes my job much easier."

Even with the starting quarterback watching from the sidelines and only two games under their belt, the Desperados were able to keep Columbus from destroying their night.