Garcia and the Dragons cruise to another victory at home
April 13, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The Dragons were solid on both sides of the ball for the third game in a row. And for the second time in as many games, came away with a victory, knocking of the division rival Columbus Destroyers 62-44, Sunday at the Nassau Coliseum to raise their record to 3-4 on the season.
"I'm happy with the overall effort of the whole team," said head coach Weylan Harding, who added the keys to the victory, "work ethic, execution, effort and those guys playing hard. There's no secret to football. If we can get all of the guys on the same page and executing, more times than not, you'll be successful. I can't say enough how they gelled together."
QB Aaron Garcia went 27-of-37 for 298 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. On the receiving end, Jason Willis caught ten passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, Kevin Swayne hauled in six passes for 61 yards and three touchdowns, while Chris Anthony caught nine passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns. Anthony followed up his ten receptions last game with another valiant performance.
"We give our receivers a lot of freedom," said Garcia. "Each week we play together we're getting more in sync. The line is playing a little better and that gives me more times with some of our crossing routes. We're just trying to get better each week and I think we're taking the right steps."
Defensively, the Dragons were strong again, especially in the first half. The Dragons defense allowed only one touchdown and a field goal in the opening two quarters, staking New York to a 28-17 lead at the half.
DB Billy Parker led the Dragons defense with two pass breakups and an interception. DL Henry Taylor proved his meddle on the line of scrimmage, sacking QB Matt Nagy twice and causing one quarterback hurry. DB Levy Brown led the Dragons with seven tackles, while DB Angel Estrada pitched in with five tackles.
The Dragons increased their lead after the third quarter to 42-24 with two more Garcia touchdown passes and Parker's interception.
With the game out of reach, the Dragons and Destroyers each scored 20 points in the fourth quarter.
For Columbus, Nagy was 18-of-36 for 273 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. WR Derek Lee led the receivers with eight receptions for 106 yards and three touchdowns.
Five Stars of the Game:
1. Aaron Garcia: One of his best performances of the season
2. Kevin Swayne: Was a big contributor in the first half before he was rested in the second
3. Jason Willis: Led the Dragons in receiving yards
4. Billy Parker: The Dragons' defensive leader
5. Chris Anthony: Another strong effort from the Ironman
Honorable Mention: Henry Taylor: part of the defensive line that pressured Nagy all game
Stat of the Game: Columbus was 0-for-2 on fourth downs
Extra Points: WR Kevin Swayne returned to action this week after missing last game with tendonitis in his left knee...The Dragons improved to 6-3 all-time against Columbus at home...The Dragons held Columbus to 44 points after allowing an average of 69.5 to Columbus in their previous two trips to the Nassau Coliseum...The Dragons have held their last three opponents to 37 points or fewer...K Chris Onorato snapped a streak of 27 consecutive successful extra point attempts...QB Juston Wood filled in for Aaron Garcia on the Dragons' last two drives of the fourth quarter, running for a touchdown...The players of the game were Aaron Garcia (offensive), Henry Taylor (defensive) and Rasheed Marshall (Ironman)
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