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Dragons falter in season opener

by David Holusha
January 29, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons


Opening at home on a night when The New York Dragons hung a banner for last season's Division Championship (their third consecutive), the team was handed a dose of reality about this season when The Nashville Kats took away a decisive 57-28 victory.

It took Nashville just over five minutes to turn a seven-point deficit into a nine-point lead that they would never relinquish. The combined efforts of QB Clint Stoerner (20-31 for 254 yards and 4 TDs) OS T.T. Tolliver (9 receptions, 132 yards, Offensive Player of Game) and WR/DB Jarrick Hillery (three TD's and earning Game Ironman honors) coupled with a stifling defense that sacked Dragons QB Aaron Garcia seven times (with DE Aaron McConnel earning the Defensive Player of the Game honors) was more than enough to turn an early tight game into a blowout.

The traditionally explosive Dragons offense was held in check for the majority of the night, with QB Aaron Garica going 27-41 for 270 yards and four TDs. However, the Nashville defense sacked Garcia seven times, setting a team record, and falling one shy of the AFL record.

With the loss of key defensive players in the offseason, Dragons headcoach Weylan Harding is well aware of the work that lies ahead for his team. "We brought a bunch of new faces in here. Nashville came back with a strong, pretty much veteran team. Fortunately for us, this is just the first game. We know we've got a lot of work to do for sure," said Harding.

"Losing key players is part of the game," the coach continued. "A player of the caliber of Billy Parker is not easy to replace. We've got rookies back there now and its definitely a work in progress. But our effort has to be maximum throughout the game. You can't make the kind of mistakes that we did against a team like Nashville."

Nashville defensive standout Aaron McConnell was responsible for two of the sacks on Garcia, including the second quarter hit on which went for a safety following an intentional grounding call. It was the essential turning point of the game, and set the tone for things to come.

"We had some busted assignments, and you can't have that," said Harding. "My guys have got to trust what they are being taught to do. You're fighting an uphill battle when you make those mistakes against this type of team. Whether they be interceptions, fumbles, miscues or anything like that."

Nashville executed their gameplan and continued to dominate as the game progressed. The one downside was the eventual loss of Jarrick Hillery in the 3rd quarter to a hyperextended elbow. You could see the grim look on his face, as he headed for the lockeroom with a trainer by his side.

On the Dragons side, OS Kevin Swayne made strong contributions, catching three of the Garcia's four touchdown passes, finishing with nine receptions overall.

Some questioned the logic of leaving Garcia in, late in the game, risking a potential injury to the star QB with the score putting the game essentially out of reach.

"This is football. I can get injured in warmups - in practice," said Garcia. "I want to play no matter what the score is. I feel that's what the starting quarterback is supposed to go. No matter what point of the game it happens to be. I expect my team to fight for four quarters, and if I can't do that then I can't expect that from them."

Despite the disappointing game results, the overall atmosphere in the arena was the typically fun fare one has come to expect at a Dragons game. Back for the second consecutive year were the "Zooperstars". Performing their zany antics during gamebreaks, were "Whale Gretzky" and "Mackerel Jordon"

Further up on the entertainment scale was the return of the dazzling Firedancers. Mixing in a new crop of dancers and returning veterans, the Firedancers are always a big hit with the fans. Along with exciting new choreography to the latest "hot" songs (for instance, the PussyCatDolls "Don't Cha"), the t-shirt-launch into the crowd is truly a fan favorite.

Returning also was the talented and lovely arena-hostess Dina, who keeps the fans in high spirits. Whether on the field running amusing contests during breaks, or visiting some lucky fans right in their seats, you can always count on Dina's exquisite style and charm.

The Dragons go on the road for the next three weeks, beginning with a Friday night tilt in Chicago.

"I'm not thinking past Chicago," said Harding. "We've got to get back to work and take care of the fundamentals."

Any comments or questions regarding this or any of my other articles can be addressed to dave_h_80_83@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to get back to you.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 29, 2006


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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