Dragons continue postseason push with 47-35 win

by David Holusha
May 7, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons


Turning in a dominating defensive performance, the New York Dragons secured a first round home playoff game by defeating the Georgia Force 47-35. Quarterback Nick Browder passed for 5 TD's going 20-27 and 191 total yards, with no interceptions. Browder also rushed for a key TD score with 4 minutes remaining that would provide all the points the Dragons would need. However, it was the defense that truly shined this game, making essential plays when then were needed the most.

"It was a big win, said head coach Weylan Harding. "I'm happy that the team was able to put themselves in the playoffs by their own hands. We didn't need any help. That was the lesson I was trying to get through, and I'm really proud of my team for responding the way they did."

The Force jumped out to the early lead, though. Georgia got on the board when OS Chris Jackson pulled in a 22-yard strike from QB Matt Nagy. The Force then stopped NY short on a fourth and one when WR/LB Derek Lee and DL Adam Metts combined to stuff the play. Georgia quickly cashed in on the stop as it took Nagy 3 plays and less than 2 minutes to connect with WR/DB Rob Carey for the two score lead. It was to be short lived.

"Those who have watched us all season knows that's not a situation we're strangers to," said Harding. "I love the way my team fights back. There is no panic or quit in them. It didn't start off the way we wanted it to but to their credit they continued to fight and didn't give up."

The Dragons quickly went to work, ultimately outscoring The Force 20-7 in the second quarter. Browder threw touchdown passes to OL Stacey Evans, WR/LB Mike Horacek and OS Kevin Swayne respectively, putting the Dragons ahead, 27-21. It was a lead they would not relinquish.

"Were finally getting to a position where we're getting comfortable playing with the lead," continued Harding. "It hasn't always been like that. In prior games, teams have been able to come all the way back on us, and then we're scratching. To their credit they continued to do the things we wanted them to."

Meanwhile, the Dragons defense was playing at an even higher level. Forcing turnovers and continuing to apply pressure on Nagy, it was truly a complete team effort.

"I've got to give credit to our line play," said Harding. "Georgia is a team that is good on both sides of the ball. They came in leading with 22 sacks, but our linemen stood up to the challenge. On the defensive side we were also able to get our sacks on them. We hit their quarterback. We knew coming in that our line was going to be the crucial point of this game and they rose to the occasion."

DS DaShane Dennis lead the Dragons overall with 8 tackles and a forced fumble. He earned the Defensive Player of the Game award. WR/LB Maurice Brown garnered the Offensive Player of the Game honors as he pulled in two TDs and four receptions overall.

"Maurice Brown had a solid showing, like he usually does," continued Harding. "It wasn't a real high scoring affair, not the way it was predicted. I'm proud of the defensive backs and the line for standing up, because they said it was going to be a scoring fest - that we didn't have a chance to stop them. That they were going to be going up and down the field. So my guys had a chip on their shoulder, and I'm really happy for them right now."

FB/LB Richard McCleskey was named Ironman of the Game as he put together a very workman-like 18 yards rushing, 15 receiving yards, while scoring the Dragons first touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run.

OL/DL Marcus Owen also contributed with a key play, when he sacked Nagy for a 6 yards loss with only 13 seconds left in the half. Georgia was driving for a score at that point, and the key third down sack essentially killed the drive. "There were a lot of big plays," said Harding. "It's hard to single any one individual out because they all played so well. Did good things at the right times."

"I was also pleased with our discipline," continued Harding. "We're fortunate that our penalties were to a minimum and they weren't at crucial points. I'm really glad that my team didn't fall for the bait as far as some of the skirmishes. They stood up when they needed to, but walked away without letting it escalate. That's a credit to them."

For the second week in a row, The Dragons defense held firm as they stopped Georgia on their final drive. With pressure coming from LB Bruce Blue, Nagy was forced to throw incomplete on fourth-and-goal from the Dragons' 7 with 30 ticks left on the clock.

"They were a young group coming in, and with the injuries we had, it forced us to go with a number of different lineups,." said coach Harding. "I think that now we're to a point where those guys are jelling together. Especially the young guys that were new to each other. They're learning the little nuances, along with how to tailor our scheme to their game. "

So now the Dragons go into Dallas next Friday night for their final regular season game. Earlier in the season NY was defeated by The Desperados 46-28 at home. Clearly the chance for redemption will provide a strong motivation. "Its a special game. A rematch for sure," said Harding. "We want to go into the playoffs with a head of steam. Nobody wants to go into a playoff game off a loss. If we keep this momentum going it can only continue to build our confidence. We're going to approach it like we usually do. Every opportunity we have on the field, we'll take advantage of it."

"I'll take a look at our injury situation and see how we are coming in," continued the coach. "Its a short week and we're going to play our game on Friday. We'll evaluate as far as needs, but we're going to approach the next game the same we do every other. And that's to win it."



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 7, 2006


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