Dragons continue hot streak, take down Brigade
by David Holusha
May 21, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons
The New York Dragons fought off a late Rally by the Kansas City Brigade, ultimately closing out a 62-56 victory. The win was New York's third out of their last four played. No so coincidentally, this winning run (after losing 6 of the first 7) began with the return of decorated veteran QB Aaron Garcia. Now standing at 4-7, the five remaining games (with three of them at home) become a mini-playoff game each week, as they are now one game back in the chase for the postseason.
Leading by as much as 20 points for most of the second half, the Dragons found themselves in a dogfight at the end as Kansas City made it close. QB Raymond Philyaw's connected with less than a minute remaining for his eighth touchdown pass of the day. The Brigade would attempt yet one more on-side kick (which were all covered by New York previously), and in the ensuing scrum, it appeared that Kansas City had recovered. However, an illegal block by the kicking team awarded the ball to New York and the Dragons played mistake free to nail down the victory.
"The arena game is about holding serve and taking care of the ball," said Head Coach Weylan Harding. "Our problems earlier on (in the season) were the turnovers, created by ourselves, especially at the quarterback position. Now that Aaron is back, it gives us a sense of calm because his decision making process is more mature than a first year rookie."
For his part, QB Aaron Garcia was 24 of 37 for nine touchdowns, with no interceptions for a total of 261 yards.
Having lost Chris Anthony to injury previously, it was the return of Kevin Swayne that produced the dynamic Dragons offense. Swayne combined with Garcia for five touchdowns and 130 total yards receiving.
"Kevin Swayne's return is right on time," continued Harding. "Right now were a rotating mash unit. As soon as soon as somebody comes off, another guy goes on."
However, yet-another key element in the potent New York receiving corp. has now been removed as WR Mike Horacek had to leave the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. Up to that point Horacek had contributed with 7 catches (one fir a touchdown) capping a total of 53 yards before leaving the game. WR Jason Willis, who was playing for injured WR/LB Chris Anthony chipped in with two touchdown catches.
"We're definitely progressing," said QB Aaron Garcia. "The other receivers are getting into it. We miss Chris Anthony this week, but a couple of other guys stepped up - Jason Willis and Keron Henry. Our offensive line did a great job early too. We were hitting on all cylinders right out of the gate."
The key turning point of the game came at the start of the second half. Dragons defensive back Billy Parker stripped the ball away from Brigade WR Anthony Hines, creating the opportunity for DB DaShane Dennis to recover it.
"I was just hustling across the field to get in on the tackle," said Dennis. "I saw the Parker had Hines corralled, and he started fumbling around with the ball. Once it popped loose I was in good position to jump on it."
New York turned that turnover into another score, staking the team to a 20 point lead. With just over 8 minutes remaining in the game, TE Ricky Hall caught a pass from Garcia and rumbled in for the score, keeping New York's lead at 20 points. However, Kansas City put up a score with 5 minutes to go, cutting the lead to 13 points. The Dragon's field goal kicker, who was nursing a nagging injury, attempted a field goal but missed. With 50 seconds remaining in the game, Kansas City scored again, shaving the margin to only 6 points, and within reach with just one more TD and PAT.
"I didn't know the game would be so close at the end," continued Dennis. "Looking back at that turnover we had at the start of the second half, was a huge play for us."
"We put our backs against the wall, and as far as I'm concerned we've got to win out," added Garcia. "This is a start. Each week we've got to win. We've got to rest up, get healed up for next week. It's going to be a big game against New Orleans."
The Dragons take it to the road next week versus the New Orleans VooDoo. A Monday night game which will be broadcast on ESPN2.
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