Dragons Defeat Storm 66-47
April 19, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The Dragons offense was as effective as it's been all season, scoring on every drive. The result was a 66-47 victory against the Tampa Storm at the St. Pete Times Forum. The Dragons won for the first time on the road in four tries this season.
"You have to be able to do it on the road and not just do it at home," said head coach Weylan Harding. "All we need is in that locker room. All these guys got together and are fighting together, and that's all I can ask for. We're getting there. What you see right now is the potential. We can still be better."
QB Aaron Garcia was the star of the offense, leading the onslaught against the Storm. Garcia finished 22-of-26 for 254 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. Garcia spread out the offense, firing touchdown passes to four different players.
WR Jason Willis led the receivers, catching eight receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns. WR/LB Chris Anthony caught six receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns. Veteran Kevin Swayne also chipped in with four catches for 46 yards and two touchdowns. TE Elliot Seifert's only reception was a touchdown - his first as a Dragon.
K Chris Onorato was a key contributor to the Dragons scoring on every drive. He finished with three field goals, including a 42-yarder in the second quarter. He also went 6-for-7 on extra points.
On the opposite side of the ball, the Dragons defense was all over QB Brett Dietz. Defensive backs Billy Parker and John Walker each caught interceptions. DL John Nix returned a fumble for a touchdown and DL Farouk Adelekan sacked Dietz in the end zone for a safety.
"We created some opportunities, but we also have started taking advantage of everything that's been given to us."
Tampa Bay scored on the opening drive and led 14-10 after the first quarter, but after scoring on the opening drive in the second quarter, the Dragons never looked back.
The Dragons continued their dominance in the middle quarters, out-scoring Tampa Bay 35-20 in the second and third quarters. The fourth quarter was more of the same as the Dragons came away with a 21-13 advantage in the final frame.
For Tampa Bay, Dietz was 26-of-40 for 334 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and a lost fumble. Terrill Shaw and Hank Edwards each caught two touchdown passes, while David Saunders and Lawren Samuels, each picked up one touchdown reception.
Stars of the Game:
1. QB Aaron Garcia: Has been getting better every game since returning from injury
2. WR Jason Willis: The youngster led the Dragons receivers tonight
3. K Chris Onorato: Kept the scoring streak alive
4. DL John Nix: Got to the Storm quarterback all game, 4 QBH and a fumble recovery for a touchdown
5. DL Farouk Adelekan: Forced a key safety in the third quarter
6. Billy Parker: A pick, 1 pass breakups, 8 tackles
7. Chris Anthony: Filled in for the injured Chris Anthony on defense, earning Ironman honors for the second time this year
Stat of the Game: In ten possessions, the Dragons scored seven touchdowns and kicked three field goals.
Extra Points: The Dragons are 5-4 against Tampa Bay all-time in the regular season series...The Dragons' opposition scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time in three games...DB John Walker is tied for the team lead with 5 interceptions...DB Angel Estrada left the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return...The Dragons are 11-3 in Week 8 in franchise history...Players of the Game were Aaron Garcia (offensive), Billy Parker (defensive) and Chris Anthony (Ironman).
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