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Dragons outlast Destroyers, 56-44

May 8, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


LONG ISLAND, NY – Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia threw seven touchdown passes, three of which went to receiver/linebacker Chris Anthony, as the New York Dragons (9-5) bested the Columbus Destroyers (1-13) by a count of 56-44 in front of 11,727 fans at the Nassau Coliseum Saturday night.

Destroyers quarterback Ryan Vena completed 13-of-23 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions before giving way to Matt D'Orazio early in the third quarter. D'Orazio finished 14-of-23 for 219 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

Offensive specialist Damien Groce led Columbus in receiving with a game-high 11 catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns. His 11 catches tied a season and career-high. Groce also set a franchise record Saturday night. He became the club's all-time leader in single-season receiving yards, surpassing the old mark of 1,184 set by Bobby Olive in 2000. In 13 games, Groce has accumulated 1,250 yards receiving in his first season with the team. Wide receiver/linebacker Cornelius White complemented Groce with seven catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns on the evening.

Garcia finished 29-of-37 passing for 307 yards and seven touchdowns with one interception before earning Offensive Player of the Game honors. His favorite target was Anthony who led all Dragons receivers with seven catches for 45 yards and three scores.

The Dragons broke the scoring column on the first play of the game following a 34-yard touchdown connection between Garcia and offensive specialist Kevin Swayne. The extra point was missed however as the Dragons claimed an early 6-0 advantage.

Following a New York field goal, the Destroyers marched 32 yards on seven plays, capped off by a four-yard touchdown reception by Groce. The touchdown made the score 9-7 New York at the end of the first quarter.

New York would outscore Columbus 12-7 in the second quarter before taking a 21-14 lead into the break. Dragons kicker Rob Bironas missed all three of his extra point attempts in the first half to keep the Destroyers within seven.

The two teams traded touchdowns throughout the third quarter. The Destroyers broke serve on their first possession of the fourth, settling for a 22-yard field goal from kicker Steve Videtich. New York responded with a 26-yard touchdown from Garcia to fullback Josh White, giving the Dragons their first double digit lead of the game at 42-30 with 8:53 left in the fourth quarter.

The Destroyers scored 17 points in the final ten minutes of the game, however it wasn't enough to keep pace with New York as the Dragons handed Columbus their 11th consecutive loss.

The Destroyers return to action next Sunday, May 15 when the club travels to Philadelphia to play the Soul. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (ET).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 8, 2005


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