Dragons pull off upset in opening round playoff matchup
June 27, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
(June 27, 2008) - It took three tries, but the New York Dragons finally figured out how to defeat the Dallas Desperados in 2008. Behind nine QB Aaron Garcia touchdowns and two on-side kick recoveries the Dragons are moving onto the Divisional Round of the postseason following a 77-63 win over the Desperados, Friday night at the American Airlines.
Following an interception in the opening drive, Garcia led the Dragons to ten consecutive touchdowns. Garcia was 28-of-39 for 330 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. One of the greatest quarterbacks in AFL history added to his legend as he tied a playoff league record with nine touchdown passes in a game.
With WR Jason Willis out for the rest of the season, rookie receiver Terry Moss filled in with the game of his life. Catching 11 passes, Moss compiled 11 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns. Veteran receiver Kevin Swayne also was clutch, making eight catches for 77 yards and four touchdowns. WR/LB Chris Anthony hauled in six passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
While the offense was picture-perfect after the first drive, special teams were also the star of the day. After Dallas successfully completed an on-side kick in the second quarter, head coach Weylan Harding called for three on-side kicks of his own between the second and third quarters, two of which paid off.
The Dragons held onto a slim lead throughout, 14-7 after the first quarter and 35-28 at the half, until their second successful on-side kick in the third quarter led to a 49-35 advantage.
Key defensive plays included an interception by DB John Walker in the third quarter and a forced fumble and recovery by DB Levy Brown in the fourth quarter. The Dragons also stopped Dallas from scoring to end the first half.
The Soul's offense was led by QB Clint Dolezel, who is the lone quarterback that ranks ahead of Garcia on the all-time touchdown list. Dolezel was 35-of-47 for 325 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. WR Will Pettis caught 12 passes for 89 yards and three touchdowns, WR Anthony Armstrong converted ten passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while WR Andrae Thurman hauled in three passes for 18 yards and two touchdowns.
The Dragons will move on to face the National Conference Champion Soul in the Divisional Round, Saturday, July 5th at 7 pm in Philadelphia. The game can be seen live on ESPN.
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