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Dragons defeat Crush

April 20, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


The New York Dragons returned to their winning ways on Sunday, by holding on to defeat John Elway's Colorado Crush at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. Bouncing back from a lethargic road defeat the previous week, the Dragons notched their sixth win of the season, and third consecutive at home before a rowdy crowd of 10,264.

Aaron Garcia, the dynamic New York quarterback, threw for his 600th touchdown completion, the most ever in Arena football competition. Garcia connected on a 9-yard scoring pass to Lincoln Dupree for the milestone TD. The gunslinger finished the day with six touchdowns overall, for 180 yards, and the Offensive Player of the Game award. When asked about his achievement, Garcia was typically humble. "To be honest I didn't even know about till just before the game. I guess that means I got the most. Just kind of makes me feel old more than anything. The guys that I've played with over the years have worked just as hard at this. I give them a ton of credit and I've had a great time throwing to every one of them," said Garcia.

The Dragons played smart and aggressive on both sides of the ball for most of the game. Winning each of the first three quarters by 7-0, 21-14 and 14-7 totals. Lincoln Dupree, named the game's Ironman, caught 5 passes for 72 yards and three touchdowns. The ever capable Chris Anthony pulled in four receptions, for a total of 46 yards and 2 TD's. Newly designated OS Curtis Fagan, also had 4 receptions, for 38 yards and 1 TD.

The New York offense benefited from good starting field position frequently throughout the game, as Colorado kicker Anthony Benner had trouble keeping the ball away from the overhead scoreboard, hitting it twice. Not to be outdone, Dragons kicker Gary Kral hit the center board later on as well, as if for good measure.

The Dragons first possession of the third quarter ended with one of the most forceful plays of the game when WR Lincoln Dupree made a leaping, fingertip catch in the end zone, then pounded his chest warrior style in celebration. It was that good of a play and put New York in what appeared at that time to be a comfortable 35-14 lead. However, Colorado would not lay down, answering back with a TD of their own when QB John Dutton (23 for 40 with 1 interception and 3 TD's) hit Kevin McKenzie for 38 yards and a score.

With just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter, sparsely used WR/DB Will Holder made a spectacular one-hand interception of Dutton's short, over the middle attempt, and ran it all the way back for another Dragons touchdown. Holder's play was even more impressive, as he had to leap an on-coming tackler, track and field style, before finding a clear path to the endzone.

The final frame would eventually turn this game from a comfortable Dragons lead to a nail biting down-to-the wire final play finish. The Dragons defense, which had played so well for most of the game - softened a bit, allowing Colorado to outscore NY 28-10 in the fourth quarter. Contributing to that was a strong defensive effort from the Crush, and a rare miscue by the usually reliable Dragons offense.

With three minutes to go in regulation, and NY nursing a 10 point lead, the Dragons successfully ran the ball to the left, handing off to Josh White for a 5 yard gain. The next play had White going right this time, and Garcia pitching the ball to him in motion. Disaster struck for NY however, when the ball was batted away by an onrushing defender, putting the live ball down on the field. The Crush's Rashad Floyd scooped up the ball and ran it all the way back for a TD, and with the point after, cutting NY's lead to only 3.

Coach Todd Shell explained: "One of the defensive backs came through, so either we didn't block him with the motion guy, or we missed him with the stationary guy. Either way, we missed him. When you get down in that situation, there's no doubt what those guys are gonna do if they think you're running the ball. They're gonna come flying up there, and we've got to take care of our assignments. It was a breakdown and the guy got hit before he had the ball, leading to a big turnover."

QB Aaron Garcia had his thoughts on the play as well: "A lot of little things went wrong there. We missed the block up front. The DB anticipated what we were going to do – run the ball, so they blitzed. Between the angle of the fullback and my pitch, it was off just enough for them to get a piece of it. We had run the play successfully to the other side right before that, but they guess right and put extra people on the other side, which is where we went to."

At the time of the tip, the ball bounced around on the field for more than a few seconds. "I should have dove on it. I didn't see anyone else around and I tried to grab it and then fall down. In the future I've just got to dive on it," said Garcia.

With under a minute to go, both teams would score yet again, with each putting up another touchdown. With just 24 ticks remaining on the clock, one more dramatic play would yet determine the outcome of this game. Colorado attempted the expected on-side kick, and nearly got the results they were looking for. Trying to make the recovery, OS Curtis Fagan misplayed it and tipped it into the air. WR Chris Anthony tried to recover, but it bounced off of him as well. If Colorado were to recover, they would have surely kicked a field goal and sent the game into OT. After an excruciatingly long scrum on the field, where players from both sides attacked the pile like a pack of rabid dogs, Fagan miraculously emerged with the possession. The collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout the arena.

One of the added attractions to the Arena League experience is the close relationship between the fans, the team and the supporting cast. One of the biggest "supporting casts" are the Dragons dance team, dubbed The Firedancers. These fan friendly professional dancers not only provide support and spirit, but are fans of the game as well. "Thank God for this win," said Dina, a vibrant blonde with moves to match.. "It reminds me that this was the first team we beat last year, to start on our winning streak. So coming into this game I had a good feeling about it. Even though they are a better team this year, I thought this would be one to get at home. Up until recently, we haven't been that successful at home. We knew we were going to have a big crowd, so it was great for the team to leave them happy."

"What were trying to establish here is that you have to play like a champion. For every down and every minute," added Coach Shell.

With more solid efforts like this, they just may well be on their way.

Next up for the Dragons is a trip to Philadelphia and a meeting with the Soul.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 20, 2004


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