Dragons Impressive In Win
February 26, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
(February 26) The Dragons put on a show for a crowd of 11,678 at the Nassau Coliseum on Sunday afternoon as they defeated the Orlando Predators 55-35. It was the teams' first victory over Orlando in ten tries. WR/LB Mike Horacek was named the Offensive Player of the Game with a total of four touchdowns. The Dragons improve their record to 3-2 on the season.
"We came out a played like a team today," said Horacek. "Everyone stepped up and played with their hearts on their sleeves. We're glad to send our fans home happy."
The Dragons defense turned in their best effort of the year recording a season-high three interceptions and six defensive stops. DS's Atcheson Conway (making his AFL debut), DaShane Dennis and Dahnel Singfield all recorded one interception. Singfield was named the Defensive Player of the Game, while Dennis was named the Ironman of the Game. Dennis also returned a missed field goal for a touchdown in the third quarter.
"We were opportunistic today," said Dennis. "We have to carry over our effort into next week and come out strong again. We need to build on this victory."
Horacek once again proved to be the team's go-to receiver by recording a game-high eight receptions. For the third consecutive game, Horacek exceeded the 100-yard threshold. In total, he recorded three receiving scores with another on the ground.
WR/LB Chris Anthony made his first appearance in 2006 after being activated from the Injured Reserve yesterday and showed very little rust. The fourth-year veteran caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown.
The game wasn't all positive for the Dragons as they lost QB Aaron Garcia in the third quarter with a fractured tibia. Backup QB Juston Wood did an admirable job filling in. The rookie out of Portland State threw his first AFL touchdown to OS Kevin Swayne in the fourth quarter to give the Dragons a 52-29 lead, ending any possibility of a comeback. He finished the day 8-12 for 70 yards and one touchdown. Garcia finished the day 16-19 for 189 yards and four touchdowns.
The Dragons are back in action at the Coliseum this Friday, March 3 at 7:00 when they host the Columbus Destroyers. Fans should call 1-886-AFL-TIXX to find out how they can reserve the best seats in the house.
NOTES: Conway shined in his AFL debut, making a team-leading nine tackles after being signed from the Practice Squad...Pelshak had a strong game on the defensive line, adding two sacks and a tipped pass in addition to his fumble recovery... Fans in attendance were extra enthusiastic thanks to the thunder sticks handed out before the game courtesy of ADT...The Dragons last regular season victory over Orlando was on July 12, 1997 as the Iowa Barnstormers. Iowa also defeated Orlando in the playoffs that season on August 16, 1997.
THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:
While leading by 10 with only five minutes remaining, Dennis provided the most exciting play of the game. The speedy defensive back returned a missed field goal by Jay Taylor 47-yards for a touchdown, blowing by three defenders and the kicker on the left sideline before cutting up field, giving the Dragons a 38-21 edge.
After Garcia was forced to leave the game, emotions ran high for both teams. On the first play on the Predator's first possession of the half, a sideline altercation after the whistle resulted in three personal foul calls and the ejection of Orlando FB/LB Idris Price.
FIRST HALF RECAP:
Garcia got off to yet another hot start, throwing for touchdowns on all four of the Dragons' possessions in the half. In all, Garcia completed 13 of his 16 passes for 156 yards.
Horacek was instrumental in his quarterback's success, catching three touchdowns. His best catch was his first score early in the game, as he connected with Garcia on a 27-yard bomb down the right sideline that set the tone for the rest of the half.
Despite missing the first four games of the season, Anthony picked up where his successful 2005 campaign left off. The Iowa native caught all four of his passes in the half, including a touchdown with just over a minute remaining to give the Dragons a 28-21 lead heading into halftime.
Complimenting the offensive attack was a strong early effort by the defensive line, which forced Hamilton to fumble twice. Though Orlando recovered the first, OL/DL Troy Pelshak made sure to cover the second, giving the Dragons their first stop of the game. Two plays later, Horacek took advantage of the turnover, catching his second touchdown of the first quarter to give the Dragons an early lead.
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