Impressive in every way
Published on March 12, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
Backup quarterback Nick Browder was not expected to do more than carry a clipboard for the Dragons in their game against the Austin Wranglers, but the AFL veteran made the most of his playing time, throwing five touchdowns in leading New York to a 59-56 victory at the Frank Erwin Center.
Browder, who last saw action with the Grand Rapids Rampage last year as their backup, filled in admirably on short notice after Juston Wood was sidelined early in the game with a knee injury. The 30-year-old former Valparaiso standout went 21-39 with 222 yards and five passing touchdowns, and scrambled for another score. He completed at least one pass to seven different receivers, looking completely comfortable in the offense the moment he stepped into the huddle.
"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to get back out and play again," said Browder. "It's unfortunate that Aaron Garcia's injury gave me a chance to come to the team and with Juston injury today that I got the chance to play. You never want it to happen that way, but I'm determined to make the best of it. I have the guys in front in front of me to thank. Today was a total team effort."
With eight minutes left in the game, Browder hooked up with OS Kevin Swayne twice for 30 yards to move the ball downfield, setting up a five-yard touchdown pass to WR/LB Mike Horacek to put the Dragons up 56-49.
Will Holder made the lead stand up with the defensive play of the game, intercepting John Fitzgerald on the next drive. The pick was only the fifth all year Fitzgerald has allowed, and it gave the Dragons a chance to build on their lead.
Kicker Jesse Obert was up to that challenge, drilling a long 48-yard field goal dead center to extend the lead to 59-49 with 2:51 to play. After an Austin touchdown, Maurice Brown tipped the ensuring onsides kick out of bounds to give New York the ability to run out the clock and secure the victory.
"I try not to be an emotional guy, but I love the way my team fights," said Dragons coach Weylan Harding. "They played hard from beginning to end. We had every reason to lose focus, but we kept our focus from beginning to end. I'm really proud of our team."
The win gives the Dragons some welcome news after a difficult start. For the second time in three weeks, the Dragons saw their starting quarterback go down with an injury. This time, Wood was knocked out of the game after taking a blow to the knee early in the first quarter from Austin OL/DL Ramon Richardson. The injury left Browder in charge of the team's passing attack, but did not stymie the team's offense production.
Swayne and Horacek once again led a deep receiving corps, combining to catch 14 passes and four touchdowns. Swayne led all receivers with his 103 receiving yards and Horacek found the end zone three times.
Browder's offensive prowess was needed, as his counterpart Fitzgerald had a tremendous game of his own. With WR/LB Kevin Nickerson leading the way, Fitzgerald finished 18-24 with six touchdowns, keeping it close the entire game. Nickerson was the was the catalyst of the Wranglers' offense, catching six passes for 100 yards , leading all receivers with a impressive 19.2 yards-per-catch average.
With the win, the Dragons improve their record to 4-3, staying within striking distance of the Dallas Desperados for first place in the AFL Eastern Division. Next week, the Dragons conclude their two-game road trip when they visit the Tampa Bay Storm on Saturday, March 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm. Fans can catch the game on WLIE 540 AM.
THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:
Horacek gave the Dragons their first lead of the game with his eight yard touchdown catch on New York's first possession of the quarter.
On a fourth and three, Browder found Chris Anthony in the far left corner of the end zone to complete a perfect fade route for a touchdown.
OL/DL Joe Laudano provided the turning point of the game, recovering the ball on the subsequent kickoff that hit off the top of the right upright, giving the Dragons possession at the Austin two yard line. Jeremiah Pharms took a handoff and found the goal line on the next play to give the Dragons 14 points in the span of 15 seconds.
FIRST HALF RECAP:
The game started in rapid fire mode, with both teams scoring touchdowns on their fist play from scrimmage. Wood looked good in his second professional start before he went down in the first quarter. He finished 4-6 for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the setback, the Dragons' offense continued to roll. Down 14-7 in the second, Browder showed little rust despite not playing in nearly a full year. He connected with Horacek for a 24 yard touchdown strike that tied the game.
Browder then got into a rhythm, distributing the ball to five different receivers. His most impressive play on the half was a 37 yard bomb to rookie receiver Matthew Thomas that tied the score at 21. The catch was Thomas' first AFL reception and touchdown.
On the Dragons' final drive of the half, Browder utilized his legs as well as his arm. On a third and 10, he rushed for a crucial first down. Browder put his mobility on display again on the last play of the half, driving head first into the end zone for a two yard touchdown that evened the score at 28 heading into the locker room.
NOTES: Former Wrangler Richard McCleskey had a solid game against his former team, rushing four times for 13 yards while also adding two receptions...Former Dragon Sir Mawn Wilson had two catches for Austin...The game was only the second time in history the teams have faced each other.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 12, 2006
- Desperados Rout Storm, 64-35 - Dallas Desperados
- Impressive in every way - New York Dragons
- Avengers drop SaberCats in shootout, 75-61 - San Jose SaberCats
- New York escapes Austin with win - Austin Wranglers
- Storm fall to Dallas for first time at home, 64-35 - Tampa Bay Storm
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