Dragons Pick Off Rattlers with 6 interceptions
Published on February 27, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
Behind a record-tying performance from their defense, the Dragons stayed perfect at home by defeating the Arizona Rattlers 61-37 in front of a spirited crowd of more than 11,000 Dragons diehards at Nassau Coliseum. Weylan Harding's defense matched an AFL record with six interceptions as the team improved to 3-0 at home.
"I'm thrilled with the effort and the win today," said Dragons head coach Weylan Harding. "I'm really proud of my guys staying in there all the way to the end."
While the Dragons offense is often the story of the game, the defense was able to come up with numerous important stops throughout the day. WR/LB Mike Horacek was a force on both sides of the ball, corralling two touchdown passes along with generating a key fourth quarter interception that gave the Dragons a 47-31 advantage. He finished with five catches for 50 yards and three total touchdowns and was named the US Army Ironman of the Game.
WR/DB Corey Johnson also turned in a solid performance, starting with a momentum-changing interception late in the first quarter. An errant throw by Rattlers QB Sherdrick Bonner fell right into the arms of Johnson, who returned it for a touchdown to give the Dragons a two-score lead. The pickoff was the first of two on the day for Johnson, named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game. DS Billy Parker continued his steady play by adding another interception in the second quarter. The quality of play in the secondary frustrated Bonner all game long, forcing him to throw six picks in total.
The Dragons' once-comfortable lead looked to be in jeopardy early in the second half. The Rattlers were able to cut the Dragons lead down to two points, but the Dragons answered right back with a strong first-down run by Josh "Zeus" White and a strong throw by QB Aaron Garcia to Mike Horacek for a 25-yard touchdown.
Garcia had another solid performance, going 17-for-28 for six touchdowns. He completed at least one pass to five different receivers. His first score of the game was his 650th of his AFL career. In his second touchdown pass, he became the first professional quarter to throw for over the 650 plateau.
Credit must also go to the line on both sides of the ball for the Dragons. Led by Marcus "Snowball" Owen, the Dragons line gave Garcia plenty of time to throw his TD passes and hurried Bonner all day. Snowball had three quarterback hurries, Richard Harris two. Arizona's entire defense was credited with only two hurries of Garcia.
The Dragons head out on the road next week to take on division rival Philadelphia.
Notes: The attendance for the game was 11,239...The Dragons returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown for the second time this season...The win gives the Dragons a 3-0 home record for the first time in franchise history...Former Dragons head coach Todd Shell returned to coach his first game at Nassau Coliseum since taking the head coaching position with Arizona in the off-season...Rattlers kicker Danny Kight, playing his first game for Arizona, deposited a kick right in an endzone corner garbage can early in the game in what turned out to be an ominous sign for the kicker. Kight missed 3 extra-point attempts and a field goal...Bonner finished the game completing 19-of-44 for 263 yards...After next Sunday's battle on NBC against Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, the Dragons return home to face the Georgia Force on Saturday March 12 at 7:00 pm.
Game Superlatives:
Game Most Valuable Players: (Awarded by Newyorkdragons.com)
WR/DB Corey Johnson â The third-year Dragon recorded two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. He set the tone for defense early and propelled the Dragons to enjoy a comfortable lead that they would not relinquish.
OS Kevin Swayne â His contribution as a receiver and on special teams proved a nice compliment to the big plays of the secondary. He led all Dragons receivers in yardage and caught three touchdown passes
WR/LB Mike Horacek â In addition to his two touchdown receptions, Horacek returned an interception for a score early in the fourth quarter to halt an attempted Arizona comeback.
Unsung Hero:
WR/DB Will Holder â Holder made his presence felt on offense and on special teams. He recorded a touchdown reception to go along with his opening kickoff return for a score.
Play of the Game:
Mike Horacek's fourth quarter interception and return for a touchdown gave Dragons a 16-point lead and stopped Arizona's chances at a comeback.
Milestones Reached:
The Dragons tied an Arena Football League record with their six interceptions.
Aaron Garcia's first quarter touchdown pass was the 650th of his career.
Halftime Happenings:
K-9's In Flight, some of the top Frisbee dogs in the world, entertained the fans with an assortment of tricks and stunts.
(With additional reporting by Corey Witt and Scott Moon)
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