Dragons Hold Off Avengers, Win Fifth Straight
May 11, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
Dragons DB Monty Montgomery caught Los Angeles QB Sonny Cumbie's end zone pass in the final minute of the game to secure the Dragons' 52-48 victory over the Avengers, Saturday night at the Staples Center.
The Dragons made it exciting, falling behind in the fourth quarter after taking a 27-13 lead at the half. Los Angeles led as late as midway through the fourth quarter, but QB Aaron Garcia and the Dragons offense scored twice more thanks to a Los Angeles loss of downs late in the quarter.
"We had a lot of fight," said head coach Weylan Harding. "You need those types of wins. It builds confidence for these guys. They believe they can do anything right now."
Los Angeles took control of the ball with over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but Montgomery picked off Cumbie's pass in the end zone with two seconds to go to keep the Dragons in front.
The win gives the Dragons their fifth consecutive victory and improves their record to 6-4.
Garcia finished the game 21-of 34 for 208 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. WR Jason Willis was the Dragons leading receiver, hauling in nine catches for 127 yards and four touchdowns. WR Kevin Swayne caught five passes for 38 yards and 2 touchdowns.
It was all Dragons in the first half. DB Billy Parker returned an interception for a touchdown and Walker picked off a pass in the first quarter to help the Dragons to a 13-0 lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Montgomery returned a blocked Avengers field goal for a touchdown.
Los Angeles didn't score until 6:39 into the second quarter. Tim Hicks' ineffectiveness forced Cumbie into action late in the second quarter. Cumbie ended up 13-of-20 for 130 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Five Stars of the Game
1. Monty Montgomery: A key interception, a blocked field goal return for a touchdown and a pass breakup
2. Billy Parker: An interception returned for a touchdown and two pass breakups
3. Damen Wheeler: Two interceptions for Los Angeles
4. Jason Willis: Continues to produce offensively with over 100 receiving yards
5. Henry Taylor: Two assisted sacks to continue to lead the league
Stat of the game: Each team committed three turnovers.
Extra Kicks: Players of the game were Jason Willis (offensive), Farouk Adelekan (defensive) and Kevin Ingram (Ironman).
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