Dragons Win Behind Garcia's Arm and Strong Defensive Effort
Published on May 14, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The New York Dragons (3-7) took a 27-14 advantage after the first quarter and never relinquished the lead as they defeated the slipping Philadelphia Soul (4-6) 69-49 Monday night at the Wachovia Center behind eight Aaron Garcia touchdowns and four Dragons interceptions. Four different Dragons, including Billy Parker, Keron Henry, DaShane Dennis and Will Holder all caught interceptions.
"It feels great to finally see these guys enjoy their success and the fruit of their hard labor," said Head Coach Weylan Harding.
In his third contest since his return from a year-long injury, Garcia put together his most complete game, going 22 of 34 for a season-high eight touchdowns along with 264 yards and no interceptions.
WR Kevin Swayne made his triumphant return from a hamstring injury, hauling in four touchdown passes and 83 yards. Garcia also found WR Mike Horacek and WR/LB Chris Anthony in the end zone twice. Horacek led the Dragons in receiving yards with 140.
"The game felt good," said Garcia. "We knew we had to work and make them work all four quarters. That was the first time we had (Anthony), Swayne and (Horacek) back together and it gave me a lot of confidence going into the game."
Added Swayne, "It felt good to be a part of this win and back out there. It was tough having to watch on the sideline. You like to see the offense spread out like it was tonight. We don't really care who gets the ball as long as we make the plays."
The Dragons built a 27-14 lead after one quarter with some clutch defense and superb passing from Garcia, who made two touchdown passes to Horacek in the first quarter. Also in the opening quarter, the Dragons defense made two stops, including an interception by Parker, who returned it for a touchdown.
After building a 48-35 lead at the half, the Dragons defense shut the door, only allowing 14 points in the second half. Soul QB Juston Wood left the game with a knee injury and was replaced in the third quarter by former Dragons quarterback Leon Murray, who was shaky. Murray threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions in the second half. Wood went 17 of 30 for four touchdowns, 204 yards and one interception.
The game got off to a whacky start when K Todd France's opening kickoff clanged off the goal post and back into the hands of Aric Williams for a 7-0 Soul lead. On France's next kickoff, Dennis ran it back for a 57-yard touchdown to even the score at seven. From there it was all Dragons, who handily defeated the fading Soul.
Offensively, the Soul was led by WR J.J. McKelvey, who caught three touchdown receptions for 92 yards and Charles Pauley, who converted two touchdown passes and a team-leading 105 receiving yards.
The Dragons return home to the Nassau Coliseum on Sunday to take on the Kansas City Brigade for a 1 pm matinee game.
"We haven't had back-to-back wins this year, so we need to focus and get ready for Kansas City," said Garcia.
Five Stars of the Game:
1. Aaron Garcia: Back to his usual All-Star form
2. Kevin Swayne: It was like he never left, converting 4 TD passes and 83 yards
3. DaShane Dennis: One TD kickoff return, one INT
4. Mike Horacek: Led the team in receiving yards
5. Kevin Carberry: One sack, one forced fumble.
Stat of the Game: The Dragons limited Leon Murray to 85 passing yards in just under two quarters.
Extra Points: Kevin Swayne returned to the lineup after sitting out the last five games with a hamstring injury...DaShane Dennis scored his third touchdown of the season off a kick return...QB Leon Murray and DL Delbert Cowsette both played for the Dragons earlier this season...Only the Soul's quarterbacks had rushing attempts...Aaron Garcia was named the game's offensive player of the game, Kevin Carberry was named defensive player of the game and DaShane Dennis was named the Ironman of the game...Bruce Blue left the game with a sprained neck.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 14, 2007
- Dragons Win Behind Garcia's Arm and Strong Defensive Effort - New York Dragons
- Desperados Clinch Playoff Berth - AFL I
- Late Touchdown Ends Rush Streak In Dallas 52-48 - Chicago Rush
- Soul Come Up Empty Against Dragons, 69-49 - Philadelphia Soul
- Kats Make Major Changes: Waive Bonner, Montgomery, Two Others - Nashville Kats
- Blaze Prepare To Take On Division Foe Las Vegas - Utah Blaze
- Las Vegas Gladiators Make Coaching Change - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Storm Take Down Avengers 40-37 - Tampa Bay Storm
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
