Dragons big rally falls short
May 29, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The Dragons showed their huge heart late in today's divisional round playoff game, but fell short to the Orlando Predators, 47-42.
As is almost always the case in the AFL, defense and turnovers were the key to today's game. Orlando was exceptional in the first half and the Dragons turned it on in the fourth quarter. But it simply wasn't enough for the home team.
"We had a good effort, the game just didn't go our way," said Dragons head coach Weylan Harding. I can't question the team's heart and their intensity. It just wasn't meant for us today."
For the Dragons, Aaron Garcia was 26 of 36 for 308 yards and 6 TDs. Chris Anthony led all receivers with 12 catches for 121 yards and 4 TDs.
"Chris was there for me all day," said Garcia. "He showed the kind of player he is. That was an amazing performance."
But the wondrous Corey Fleming was dominant again for Orlando, leading Predators receivers with 9 catches for 115 yards and 3 TDs. Orlando QB Joe Hamilton finished 17 of 36 for 203 yards, 4 TDs and rushed for a score. Predators kicker Ken Hinsley, who signed as an emergency kicker before the game to replace the injured Jay Taylor, made a huge contribution. His 29-yard field goal with one minute remaining put Orlando up by two scores to squash the possibility of a Dragons comeback. Garcia's only blemish all day was his fumble early in the third quarter that was recovered in the endzone by the Predators to give Orlando a 16-point cushion. That was not the only costly turnover of the game for New York. A fumble by Josh White at the Predators goal line in the second quarter prevented New York from making it a one-score game. After trailing by as many as 16 points in the second half, the Dragons had an opportunity to tie up the score late in the game. With six minutes left in the game and the Predators up by eight points, the Dragons defense came up with a huge defensive stop. All-Arena DS Billy Parker provided shut-down pass coverage on Cory Fleming. His steady play gave Garcia and the offense the ball back with a chance to knot up the score. New York could not take advantage, failing to get a first down. Hinsley's clutch kick on Orlando's subsequent possession iced the victory. "It was a fantastic year," said Parker. "This was a very, very tough loss, but I'm proud to be a part of this team. We will learn from today and come back next season ready to challenge for the ArenaBowl." Third Quarter Highlights: The quarter started poorly for the Dragons, as Garcia fumbled on the first play from scrimmage. The turnover was the third of the game for New York. Predators OL/DL Justin Cleveland recovered the ball in the Dragons endzone to put Orlando up 37-21. Down 44-28 late in the third quarter, the Dragons squandered a chance to cut into the lead. After getting down deep in Predators territory, Orlando's defense tightened up, stopping Kevin Clemens and Will Holder for no gain on third and fourth down. First Half Recap: The Dragons tied the game at 7 in the first quarter when Garcia threw a clutch touchdown pass to Anthony on fourth and goal during the Dragon's opening drive. Anthony was the catalyst for the Dragons offense during the half, catching 6 passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. After Orlando took a 14-7 late in the first quarter, Predators WR/DB Michael Brown recovered Will Holder's fumble during the ensuing kick return. The Dragons defense was able to minimize the damage, holding Orlando to a field goal that pushed their lead to 17-7. DS Reggie Doster recovered a fumble by FB Josh "Zeus" White to halt a promising New York drive early in the second quarter. Orlando took advantage of the turnover, as Joe Hamilton took his team down the field for a score to extend their lead to 24-7. The Dragons were able to cut into a 17-point deficit with their last possession of the first half. Garcia connected with Will Holder on a 19-yard touchdown strike that made the score 31-21 heading into the locker room. Notes: The game was broadcasted on NBC with Tom Hammond and Pat Haden making the calls from the booth...The loss was only the second at home for the Dragons this season... The attendance at the Coliseum was 10,831.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 29, 2005
- Preds one game away from ArenaBowl - Orlando Predators
- Rush put a stop to Avenger season, 52-45 - Los Angeles Avengers
- Crush Gains Redemption, Moves on to Semifinals - Colorado Crush
- Avengers Rushed out of Playoffs, 52-45 - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Four teams to battle for ArenaBowl XIX title - AFL I
- Crush send defending champs home - San Jose SaberCats
- Dragons big rally falls short - New York Dragons
- Stunning comeback moves Rush into semifinals - Chicago Rush
- Storm Fall to Force in Divisional Round - Tampa Bay Storm
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