Here come the Predators
May 23, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The Dragons' matchup for the first round of the Arena Football League Playoffs is set. When the postseason begins with a game at Nassau Coliseum on Sunday, May 29 at 3:30 pm, the Dragons will host their conference rival, the Orlando Predators.
Fans will want to get their tickets for Sunday's first round playoff game NOW. Fans should call 1-866-AFL-TIXX to find out how they can get the best seats to the biggest game of the year.
Like the Dragons, Orlando finished the season 10-6. The Predators clinched a playoff berth today with a 51-40 win over New Orleans. Back in Week Twelve the Predators defeated the Dragons in Orlando, 72-60.
The Predators are coached by Jay Gruden, the brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach John Gruden. The big matchup for the Dragons will be QB Aaron Garcia versus Orlando DS Kenny McEntyre, who is the AFL leader in career interceptions. Other notable Predators to keep an eye on are exceptional lineman OL/DL EJ Burt, star WR/LB Cory Fleming, OS Jimmy Fryzel and QB Joe Hamilton.
The Dragons have owned one of the league's best home field advantages -- they finished the 2005 regular season 7-1 at home, after Saturday night's crushing of Western power Colorado. The Dragons have completed their best and most exciting regular season since coming to Long Island in 2001. Garcia became the first quarterback in the history of pro football to throw 700 touchdown passes in a career. Defensive specialist Billy Parker, a rookie who made the Dragons out of an open tryout, led the AFL with 10 interceptions. Coach Harding and his staff have the Dragons excelling on all sides of the ball -- offense, defense AND special teams. The Dragons set an AFL record this season with eleven kickoff returns for touchdowns.
"We would love to see Long Island pack the Coliseum for us on Sunday," said Garcia. "We play our best ball at the Coliseum, especially when the place is filled and everyone is on their feet. I guarantee that anyone who comes out will not be disappointed by our effort or the entire experience of a Dragons playoff game at the Coliseum."
And keep in mind that even in the AFL playoffs, fans are allowed on the field after the game to get autographs from the players and the FireDancers, the Dragons' popular dance team. So clear your schedule for the biggest football game of the year at the Coliseum.
First Round Playoff Game -- Sunday, May 29 at 3:30 pm, Dragons vs. Orlando at Nassau Coliseum Call 1-866-AFL-TIXX to order your tickets today!
ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
First Round Schedule
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
No. 3 Orlando Predators (10-6) at No. 2 Dragons (10-6), Sunday, May 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC, ESPNRadio)
No. 4 Tampa Bay Storm (10-6) at No. 1 Georgia Force (11-5), Sunday, May 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
No. 4 San Jose SaberCats (9-7) at No. 1 Colorado Crush (10-6), Sunday, May 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET
No. 3 Chicago Rush (9-7) at No. 2 Los Angeles Avengers (10-6), Sunday, May 29 at 3:30 p.m. ET
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 23, 2005
- AFL players hit Hollywood in "The Longest Yard" - AFL I
- Murray's Knee Injury Not Serious - Nashville Kats
- Kool & the Gang to headline ArenaBowl XIX postgame celebration - AFL I
- 2005 average attendance up seven percent vs. 2004 - AFL I
- Here come the Predators - New York Dragons
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