Dragons beat KC, 54-48
March 25, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The Dragons put on a commanding performance to open a three-game home stand, defeating the expansion Kansas City Brigade 54-48 in front of a spirited crowd of 10,758 at the Nassau Coliseum.
Quarterback Nick Browder was efficient and accurate, completing 21 of his 28 passes for six touchdowns and no interceptions, finishing with 249 yards. He is now 2-1 as a starter since taking over for Aaron Garcia and Juston Wood, who both went down with season-ending injuries earlier in the season.
"I felt at ease. The offensive line did a great job of protecting me and keeping me upright," Browder said. "You always want to put on a show for the home crowd."
Mike Horacek again was the Dragons' leading receiver, catching a game high 14 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns. The WR/LB now has accumulated nine touchdown receptions in the last three games. His third score provided a needed cushion, as Browder connected with Horacek on a slant pass that put the Dragons up 47-27.
"Nobody has beat us physically except for Nashville this year so we have to rally as a team and focus on not making any mental mistakes if we want to make a run at the playoffs," said Horacek, who was named the offensive player of the game. "It's all about turnovers. If you can get two a game, nine out of 10 times you will win."
Complementing Browder's offensive performance was a strong rushing output from FB/LB Richard McCleskey. The 6-0, 300 pound fullback was a force in short yardage situations, rushing for a season-high, seven times. He added two touchdowns including one that put New York up by three scores at halftime.
Angel Estrada had a strong game in the secondary after being activated from the injured reserve list before the game. In his first game action since mid February, the WR/DB intercepted a pass and made three tackles. To top off his performance, Estrada also made a sprawling fumble recovery after OL/DL Troy Pelshak jarred the ball loose from Brigade quarterback Chris Sanders midway through the final period, stalling a promising Kansas City drive.
"It's all about consistency," said head coach Weylan Harding on his team's secondary. "Mark Ricks and Will Holder have played real well and DaShane (Dennis) has less pressure on him. These guys are jelling."
The Brigade had some late opportunities to force a comeback. Sanders scored on a one yard quarterback keeper, cutting the lead to 47-41 at the one minute warning. On the ensuring onside kick, WR/LB Maurice Brown showed poise and soft hands, recovering the kick at the nine yard line to secure possession. On third down, Browder found Horacek for the last of his touchdown catches, gliding in a procession pass near the end boards.
Kansas City had one last salvo, as Sanders hit receiver James Jordan on a 38 yard bomb into double coverage with 16 seconds left to make it 54-48. OS Kevin Swayne then recovered another onside kick, allowing Harding to breathe a sigh of relief.
"We are just trying to get a sense of ourselves," said Harding, who has had to change the lineup frequently this year because of injures. "We know we can play. The more reps you have as a unit, the better you'll be."
The victory puts the Dragons back over .500 (5-4) and IN possession of second place in the Eastern Division. They will look to make it two in a row next week when they welcome the Grand Rapids Rampage next Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm and fans should call 1-886-AFL-TIXX to find out how they can reserve the best seats in the house.
Third Quarter Highlights: Kansas City made the game competitive again in the quarter, scoring two touchdowns less than four minutes apart to cut a 22 point lead down to eight. Browder then bore down, hitting Brown with a hard pass that went for a 9 yard touchdown to reestablish the two score lead.
First Half Recap: Swayne led the Dragons to a score on the opening possession, taking a screen pass from Browder and jetting up the field 27 yards for the game's first touchdown.
Horacek got off to another stellar start, catching eight passes, including a 31 yard strike from Browder that put the Dragons up two scores to start the second quarter. Browder hooked up with Horacek on another bomb later in the quarter, this time teaming up for a 37 yard touchdown.
Holder provided the two most exciting plays of the half on the defensive side of the ball. Jordan caught a dump pass from Sanders, Holder tackled the WR/LB along the boards with one hand, nearly sending him over the side boards on a hit that brought the crowd to their feet.
With the Dragons up 15 points late in the second quarter, Holder provided the turning point of the game, intercepting Sanders' errant pass with a jumping grab. The pick set up another successful drive for New York, as Browder's 21 yard scramble allowed McCleskey to pick up his second touchdown of the half to give the Dragons a 35-13 lead heading into the locker room. McCleskey was used extensively in the ground game, rushing five times in the half after entering the game with eight carries on the season. He also added a one yard touchdown run near the end of the first quarter.
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