Dragons falter late
by David Holusha
April 3, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons
With just over 4 minutes to go in the third quarter, Dragons DB Angel Estrada picked off Dallas QB Chris Sanders and returned it 43 yards for the TD, staking New York to a 31-17 lead. It was looking good for the hometeam and the cheering fans that came out to see them. However, it was what happened afterwards that ultimately told the tale of the game.
In the end it was a field goal attempt by Dragons kicker Chris Onorato that was blocked by DL Colston Weatherington and landing in the New York endzone for a safety that sealed the 33-31 win for Dallas.
"I was excited to be out there," said Estrada. "I had been out 4 weeks and hadn't played all year. I wanted to bring a spark to the team. But eventually we didn't get the job done."
On his interception return for the TD, Estrada has this to say. "Coach called a good defense and I just took advantage of it. I picked it off and took it to the house. I thought that was going to be a big momentum change."
Still Estrada's presence in the lineup was a positive thing. In addition to the interception for a touchdown, he has picked up a fumble recovery and played very well throughout the game. His addition to the lineup gives the Dragons an added force for the remainder of the season.
"We were very lucky to come out and get a win," Desperados coach Will McClay said. "We escaped, and they played hard enough on New York 's side to win the football game. We came up with the right things at the right time. You can't always do that."
The Dragons played a solid game for the most part, but certain aspects of their special teams let them down it wasn't enough to defeat the East-leading Dallas Desperados, who came away with the close victory.
"Who would have expected a Dallas - New York game to be in the 30s," said Dragons head coach Weylan Harding. "I'm proud of my team for the way they fought and how they fought," he continued. "I thought effort wise we deserved to win."
The Desperados offense was held in check by the Dragons defense throughout crucial points in the game. In the second and third quarters, Dallas scored only three points. However, they found their scoring touch in the fourth and kept the Dragons off the board in the process.
"We've got a long season left and there's no quit over here," said Harding. "We're going to come back and work so we can prepare for the next game."
Dallas shut down Dragons QB Aaron Garcia in the fourth quarter, holding him to 41 yards passing and sacking him twice for 18 yards.
We beat ourselves, truthfully," added Estrada. "We just have to go out there and finish. We started well and we didn't finish. That's really what it comes down to."
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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.
