Sports stats



Brigade shows heart, fortitude in 54-48 loss at New York

March 24, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


NEW YORK- It was the tale of two halves for the Kansas City Brigade against the New York Dragons on Friday night (3/24/06) at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. An opening half marred by penalties and turnovers left the Brigade in a 22-point hole, but the team gathered itself and fought back in the second half to get within only six points. Kansas City's hard-fought comeback attempt did not end until the final horn sounded in a 54-48 defeat.

The game seemed lost when Kansas City's onside kick that would have given the team possession to try for the lead was unsuccessful. At that point the Brigade was down 47-41 with one minute left. New York turned the short field into an insurance touchdown just 20 seconds later and Kansas City was forced to start one final drive at its own five yard line. It did not take long for Chris Sanders and offense to answer the Dragons and keep hope alive. A desperation heave towards the end zone that was intended for Jerel Myers was instead caught by James Jordan for a 38-yard touchdown with 17 seconds left. MacKenzie Hoambrecker nailed the extra point to cut the lead again to six points.

Hoambrecker's onside kick was recovered by New York and the Dragons were thought to be satisfied with running out the clock. Instead they attempted two passes and the second one almost gave the game to the Brigade. Quarterback Nick Browder was sacked by Jeremy Beutler and fumbled the ball backwards. Two Kansas City defenders chased it but the ball found its way safely into the arms of offensive specialist Kevin Swayne to end the game.

The Brigade played inspired football throughout the second half just to get to within striking distance. An unsuccessful onside kick early in third quarter gave New York the ball in easy scoring position, but the defense made a stand. Jeremy Beutler dropped the Dragons for a loss of two yards on a rushing attempt and Cohen ended the threat with a sack of Browder on fourth down.

The Brigade immediately went for the big play down by 14 and John Booth made it happen. He made a quick move on his defender and found himself all alone downfield. Sanders simply lofted one towards the end zone and Booth dashed in for a 39-yard touchdown.

Sanders was intercepted at the New York one-yard line to start the fourth quarter and the Dragons responded with a touchdown for a 47-27 advantage, but Kansas City did not give up. Sanders went with what was working and hooked up with Myers for a 27-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage with 9:40 left in the game.

The Brigade special teams unit did its part and recovered Hoambrecker's ensuing onside kick. The offense drove into the red zone but the Dragons defense forced Sanders to fumble on a third-down run. Kansas City's defense did not budge, however, as New York went three-and-out and kicked a long field goal from its own goal line.

Sanders and the offense started from their own five yard line but found a rhythm. Sanders completed six of eight passes and finished the drive himself, diving in from the one yard line on a sweep around the right side. Hoambrecker's extra point made the score 47-41 with 1:07 remaining.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 24, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central