Intensity heightened as the season quickly approaches
February 15, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The Dragons took the field today for their first taste of outside competition in 2008 in a combined practice with the Philadelphia Soul. Just two weeks into training camp, both teams were eager to show their talent and see how they match-up against the rival.
The practice took place at the New York Jets practice bubble, just a short drive from the Dragons' practice facility at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex.
One of the league's best rivalries didn't take long to heat back up, as the first series of the day included a number of scuffles after the whistle, with the competition at heightened levels during this point of training camp. Both squads appear ready for the 2008 season to get underway.
QB Aaron Garcia came out in good form, leading an impressive Dragons offense and capping off that first drive with a touchdown pass to WR Jason Willis. Garcia said he felt good and he was happy with the team's performance up against other competition.
"It was a good first scrimmage today. It's hard to tell where we're at when we're just going against our own team so this gave us a taste of the 2008 season," Garcia said. "Philly is a good team, so I think this was a good test for us, and at the same time we played real well today and stayed together all day. I think we looked good."
Garcia's fellow quarterbacks also looked strong. Rohan Davey connected on two touchdowns, including a 45-yard bomb to WR Damien Groce, who returns to the Dragons in 2008 where he spent the 2002 and 2003 seasons. QB Ryan Vena, who joins the Dragons from the Albany Conquest of the af2, also threw for two touchdowns on the day.
The Dragons defense flexed its muscle as well, keeping the pressure on Philadelphia all afternoon with a fast, physical game.
As training camp moves along, head coach Weylan Harding has his work cut out for him in making decisions as the competition for roster spots continues to intensify, and he was happy with the team's effort and output today.
"I think we were very competitive out there. The guys all got to move around and make some plays. The spots that we're looking at closely, those guys really stepped up, so we're going to have some tough decisions coming up here," Harding said.
Harding feels confident in the talent he has seen so far.
"In comparing last year's training camp to this year's, the attitudes and overall production has been different," Harding said. "We've got a focused, solid group in here with veteran leadership and some free agent acquisitions who have gotten into the system and everybody is towing the line."
The Dragons will meet the Soul for the first full scrimmage next Wednesday in Philadelphia. Harding said he hopes to make some adjustments and continue to use these match-ups to prepare for the upcoming season.
"Philly has always been a solid organization with a wealth of talent, but it's a scrimmage. The regular season will be much different from a scrimmage," stated Harding.
The Dragons 2008 regular season opens on March 3rd at Cleveland, with the home opener set for Sunday, March 9th at 3pm against Kansas City. Tickets are on sale now. Call 1-866-AFL-TIXX to purchase your tickets now!
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 15, 2008
- McIntyre Has Options To Regain Roster Spot And Playing Time - San Jose SaberCats
- Blaze Wrap Up Week Two Of Training Camp - Utah Blaze
- Intensity heightened as the season quickly approaches - New York Dragons
- Scrimmage Victory Highlights Second Week of Training Camp - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Georgia Force Training Camp Report - Georgia Force
- Gladiators Name Radio Broadcast Team - Cleveland Gladiators
- ESPN.com takes an in-depth look at the Philadelphia Soul's training camp - AFL I
- Soul Sign Outlaw, Nelson; Wavie Nikolao - Philadelphia Soul
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