Dragons' final rally comes up short
by David Holusha
Published on May 22, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons
Down by 12 points and only minutes remaining in the game, the New York Dragons knew they had their work cut out for them. To their credit, and to a man, they clawed and battled their way back, closing the gap to a mere three points. But in a game where time can either be on your side or against you, the clock ran out on not only this contest, but their season as well.
In a hard-fought but ultimately disappointing afternoon, the Dragons fell to the Georgia Force 72-69. Georgia quarterback Matt Nagy passed for 362 yards, completing 28 of 39 passes for a new franchise record 9 touchdowns. For his part, New York quarterback Nick Browder delivered 9 touchdowns of his own, passing for 390 yards and going 27 for 36 attempts. However, in a game where one or two breaks can make all the difference, this time it was not enough.
"The game was up and down," said a subdued and philosophical head coach Weylan Harding. "We had some opportunities to separate ourselves from them (early on), but we couldn't quite do it. We got some stops early. Then later on, as we were making our comeback, we had some situations where they were third and long and they just came up with the big plays."
In the middle nearly all of their "big plays" was Georgia wide receiver Chris Jackson. Garnering Offensive Player of the Game honors, he pulled in 13 catches for 5 touchdowns and a total of 180 yards.
"Defensive specialist might be the hardest position to play in this league," continued Harding. "You play man-to-man - you play zones. Nagy did a good job of finding those receivers. But you're looking at a combined score of 69-72, so they weren't exactly shutting us down either. The difference was they just made the opportune plays, like the turnovers. They found those plays that we couldn't."
In a traditionally classic Arena Football contest, the game was an offensive tour-de-force. With the lead changing every few minutes, one sensed it would come down to whomever held the ball at the end of the game.
"This game was more like what the first meeting between us was supposed to be, as far as the scoring," said Harding. "We're playing each other for the second time. Their offense is getting familiar with our guys on defense. Our offense is getting familiar with their defense. Realistically, offense does have an advantage, but we've still got to be able to make those plays. My hats off to them. They did a good job"
No doubt they did - however the Dragons made a few uncharacteristic mistakes that allowed Georgia to gain the upper hand. First and foremost was the inability of the usually reliable kicker Jesse Obert to make the PATs. After missing on two consecutive attempts in the third quarter, the Dragons went for two-point conversions each time after that.
"My kicker got injured," explained Harding. "So the only thing he was really good for was the kickoffs. We tried to spare him for that. As far as the extra points went, we were in a situation that forced us to go for two each time. He had a little bit of a groin condition coming in, so it was extremely aggravated and just got worse as the game went on."
To the Dragons credit, they began making those 2-point conversion with consistency, deep into the fourth quarter.
However, the final crushing blow came as Georgia's DL Adam Metts forced New York's FB Bruce Blue to fumble, which was recovered by the Force's Robert Thomas. Georgia immediately cashed in on the backbreaking turnover for another touchdown score.
"It was a huge turnover," said Harding. "I can't tell as far as what happened with that call. Honestly, the official that made it - the fullbacks back was to him. So I don't know if he could tell if he had possession or not. There were a couple of questionable calls as far as the turnovers. They won the turnover battle, and when you play a game of possessions, that makes the difference."
"It was just one of those situation where if a couple of calls go our way - we win," added Mike Horacek. The star wide receiver had yet another outstanding game, pulling down six touchdowns and earning Ironman of the Game honors. "Unfortunately, they went their way - and they won," continued Horacek. "It was that type of game. Physical - hard fought. Nobody really deserved to lose that one. But that's what you play the game for - somebody has to lose."
Since all-star quarterback Aaron Garcia is sure to be fully healed by next season, questions now emerge as to the future of current Dragons QB Nick Browder. Despite capably stepping in as a free agent during the fifth week of the season, the future for him is in doubt.
"Nick Browder is a great competitor and has done a great job for us," said Horacek. "When we started out, I think his very first pass to me was a touchdown. Hopefully we can get him back and have him for next year. Its been a pleasure playing with him. Seeing the best quarterback in arena football go down and having Nick step in to do such a great job is all you could ask for."
"This has been a season of adversity, and for us to finish 10-6 and make the playoffs after losing the best player in arena football - that just says a tremendous amount about the coaching staff and the players we have here," continued Horacek. "We pulled together and know we have the talent and it was a family effort. Its been that way all season. This game was no exception. A few calls here and a few calls there and we come out winners."
Of Note: New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington was at the game and participated in the opening coin toss. Later on in the game, lucky fans who's seat locations were announced on the scoreboard got to meet and get his autograph.
As this is my final Dragons article of the season, I want to extend thanks to those who have helped and encouraged my efforts - or who have simply brightened my gameday experience. Thanks to radio hosts Peter Schwartz & Wayne Morris; to Media Relations Representative Kerri G (for all the emails, updates and gameday passes); to Brian B (fellow writer and good all around guy). To the beautiful and talented NY Dragons FireDancers and their choreographer Phyllis (for all the wonderful photo opportunities). Special mention goes to Ashley (for the smiles), Michelle (for the email), as well as Meri and Jenn (the autographs and attitude).
Finally, a very special thanks to Gameday Arena Hostess - Dina. Who has been a friend for more than a few years now - at both the Dragons and Islanders hockey games. Thanks for all the great conversation and laughs - while never missing a beat with your gameday duties.
Its been another fun season for me and I will miss the action.
Coach Harding says it best this way:
"I'm proud of the way we fought back all season. Obviously, you want the storybook ending - you know with us being able to advance and do all those other things. But wins and losses are going to happen. The most I ever wanted for my team was to fight and play together - and they did that to the bitter end. So, outside of not winning the game, I really can't have a disappointment. They put it out there for myself, this coaching staff and this organization."
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 22, 2006
- Avengers in the community - Los Angeles Avengers
- Remy Hamilton repeats as AFL "Kicker of the Year" - Los Angeles Avengers
- Hamilton named Kicker of the Year - AFL I
- Dragons' final rally comes up short - OSC Original by David Holusha
- Destroyers sign Saunders, three others as 2007 squad begins to take shape - Columbus Destroyers
- Kats' Hammond Retires After 16 Years - Nashville Kats
- Brigade announces 2006 team award winners - Kansas City Brigade
- AFL Divisional Round matchups set - AFL I
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.
