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New York Dragons game note

May 16, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


New York Dragons (10-6)
Vs. Georgia (8-8)

Date: Sunday ▪ May 21, 2006
Kickoff: 3:00 PM (ET)
Site: Nassau Coliseum (11,985)

TV: NBC
Radio: WNYG 1440 AM: (play-by-play) Peter Schwartz and Wayne Morris (analyst)
Sirius Satellite Radio Ch. 110

Regular Season Series Record: (4-0)
Regular Season Series Streak: +4
Last Regular Season Meeting:
New York 47, Georgia 35
May 6, 2006
Nassau Coliseum ▪ Hempstead, NY (11,985)

Coaches Record:
Dragons ▪ Weylan Harding (20-12, 2nd year)
Georgia ▪ Doug Plank (19-13, 2nd year)

Officials: Referee: Perry Havener (19), Umpire: Tom Laverty (75), Head Linesman: Allen Baynes (34), Line Judge: Wayne Mackie (44), Back Judge: Tony Lombardo (33), Supervisor: Ed Manning.

DRAGONS - FORCE ALL-TIME
DATE H/A SCORE
April 12, 2003* A 34-27
February 8, 2004* A 54-28
March 12, 2005* H 53-51
May 6, 2006* H 47-35
* Denotes Dragons win

ABOUT THE GAME
The Dragons secured a home game at the Nassau Coliseum for the first round of the playoffs where they will take on the Georgia Force Sunday May 21st at 3:00 p.m. The Dragons defeated Georgia 47-35 in Week 15 at the Nassau Coliseum and are looking to do the same this week in order to advance in the playoffs. This will be the fifth all- time meeting between the two clubs and the dragons are undefeated against Georgia with a 4-0 record. The Dragons finished the regular season with a 10-6 record and Gerogia finished with an 8-8 record.

LAST WEEK'S RECAP
The Dragons completed the 2006 regular season in Dallas last week where they were defeated 82-38. The Dragons completed the season with a 5-3 road record. The matchup marked the eighth meeting between the two clubs and Dallas leads the series 5-3. The victory for Dallas improved their home record to 6-2 for the season.

NEXT WEEK'S PREVIEW
A victory for the Dragons would send them on the road for the second round of the playoffs to take on the Orlando Storm. The day/time is still being determined.

DRAGONS' PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday (5/16): 1:30-3:30 at Nassau Coliseum
Wednesday (5/17): 12:30-2:30 at Nassau Coliseum
Thursday (5/18): 12:30-2:30 at Nassau Coliseum
Friday (5/19): 12:30-2:30 at Mitchel Field Practice Facility
Saturday (5/20): 10:00 Walk Through at Mitchel Field Practice Facility

To confirm the Dragons' practice schedule/time or to receive directions, please contact Kerri Griesbeck at 516-501-6889.

IF THE DRAGONS WIN, IT WOULD GIVE...
- The Dragons a 4-2 first round home playoff record.
- The Dragons their 110th all-time victory.
- The team their 48th victory since moving to Long Island in 2001.
- The Dragons an all-time record of 5-0 versus Georgia.

DRAGONS HOME FOR FIRST ROUND
The Dragons are home for the first round of the playoffs after securing the first wild-card seed in Week 15's victory over Georgia. They will now take on Georgia again and look for another victory to advance to the second round of the Playoffs next week in Orlando. This is the ninth year that the Dragons franchise has made it to the post season.

EASTERN DIVISION TITLE
Dallas clinched the Division and Conference title this year after the Dragons held onto it for last three consecutive seasons. The Dragons now have their eyes set on the ArenaBowl. New York made a huge comeback in the last half of the season, drastically improving their record after injuries settled down allowing for time to get comfortable. The Dragons won the last six out of eight games. Last season, the Dragons won the Eastern Division for the third consecutive season (2003-2005). The Dragons swept all of their Eastern foes (Columbus, Dallas and Philadelphia) with a perfect 6-0 record in divisional play.

FIRST JAPANESE PLAYER MAKES AFL DEBUT
Dragons Mutsumi Takahashi was activated from the International Practice Squad in Week 16 and started as Offensive Specialist versus Dallas. Takahashi became the first Japanese man to play in the AFL. He has spent the last three seasons on the Dragons International Practice Squad and was eagerly awaiting this opportunity. In the matchup, Takahashi led in all-purpose yards with 164. He also recorded four receptions for 63 yards with the longest of 18 yards.

WEEK FIFTEEN AFL AWARD CANDIDATES
In Week 15 vs. Georgia, the AFL named three New York Dragons candidates for awards. WR/LB Maurice Brown was a nominee for the AFL Ironman of the Week. Brown recorded four receptions for 18 yards and two touchdowns on offense. On special teams he recorded three kickoff returns for 56 yards. On defense, he recorded 2.0 tackles nad one fumble recovery. QB Nick Browder was a nominee for Offensive Player of the Week, completing 20 of 27 passes for 191 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also recorded six rushes for seven yards and one touchdown. WR/DB Angel Estrada was a nominee for Defensive Player of the Week, recording 3.5 touchdowns, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.

BROWDER KEEPS SHINING AS STARTING QB
QB Nick Browder leads the Dragons into the playoffs this week vs. Georgia. The Dragons are now 7-3 with Browder as quarterback and 6-3 with Browder starting at quarterback (Browder subbed in for Juston Wood in the first quarter of Week Seven vs. Austin). In ten games at quarterback, Browder has completed 202 of 313 passes for 2448 yards and 50 touchdowns. He also recorded 23 rushes for 62 yards and three touchdowns. Browder only played the first half of Week 16's matchup vs. Dallas.

Quarterback Nick Browder received Offensive Player of the Game for Week 13's victory over the Los Angeles Avengers. In the game, Browder completed 29 of 41 passes for 346 yards and seven touchdowns.

HORACEK NAMED IRONMAN OF THE WEEK
WR/LB Mike Horacek receives AFL Ironman of the Week for his performance in Week 14's victory over the Philadelphia Soul. In the game, Horacek recorded four receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns along with a reception for a two-point conversion. On defense, Horacek recorded 4.0 tackles, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. His first touchdown reception of the game marked his 200th career touchdown reception, making him only the sixth player in the league to reach 200 touchdowns receptions. He's now also one of only 11 players in the league's history to hit 200 total touchdowns where he totals 206. The game was Horacek's 96th career game in the AFL.

BLUE RECEIVES AFL IRONMAN OF THE WEEK
In his rookie year and first week back from the injured reserve, FB/LB Bruce Blue was named Ironman of the Game and AFL Ironman of the week for his Week Ten performance vs. the Grand Rapids Rampage. In the game, he recorded 2.0 tackles including a sack for a safety, and added two rushes for 28 yards and two touchdowns. Blue is currently the youngest player in the AFL and therefore youngest to receive this award.


GARCIA OUT FOR THE SEASON
In Week Five versus the Orlando Predators, QB Aaron Garcia suffered a fractured tibia in the third quarter. He underwent successful surgery and will be out for the season.

WOOD OUT FOR THE SEASON
In Week Seven vs. the Austin Wranglers, quarterback Juston Wood suffered a dislocated kneecap in the first quarter, the second Dragons quarterback to be injured within a two-week period following Garcia's injury in Week Five. Wood underwent successful surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.

OBERT HOLDS NEW DRAGONS RECORD
Obert now holds a new Dragons record making 29 consecutive PAT kicks before ending his streak in Week Eight vs. Tampa Bay. In the league he is in the top 7 of all kickers in the last 3 seasons for most consecutive PAT kicks.

SITUATIONAL RECORDS
At Home 5-3 Tied At Half 1-0
On The Road 5-3 Behind At Half 3-5
Friday Games 3-2 Ahead After Three Quarters 7-1
Saturday Games 5-1 Tied After Three Quarters 1-0
February 3-2 Behind After Three Quarters 2-4
National Conference 6-5 Outcome 6 pts or Less 2-0
Eastern Division 2-4 Outcome 3 pts or Less 2-0
Southern Division 4-0 Outcome 7 pts or More 6-5
American Conference 3-1 Outcome 4 pts or More 0-0
Central Division 2-1 Overtime 0-0
Western Division 2-0 Plus Turnover Margin 6-1
Opponents Scored First 6-4 Even Turnover Margin 0-0
Ahead At Half 6-1 Minus Turnover Margin 4-5

INSIDE THE HEADSET:
Every week, Dragons head coach Weylan Harding lets the fans get inside his headset in an open question and answer forum. Here's this week's journal.

Congratulations on a great regular season. I know you will continue to motivate this team throughout the playoffs. What are your feelings about the season and this team so far and what do you say to them heading into the next few weeks?
WH: I can't properly reflect on the season because it is still going. As far as
the team is concerned there are alot of feelings associated with this group.
They have displayed a fight like no other group I have been around. Our
maturity has been a work in progress because of the influx of rookie and first
year players. I always felt that if this team got a sense of itself they would
be capable of great things. I still have the utmost faith in this squad
despite the setback at Dallas in the regular season finale. As long as as we
are properly focused and play with emotion there is nothing impossible for
this team. What do I say to them? Live in the moment and play for today!

Do you feel the game in Dallas will have any effect on the team going into the playoffs?
WH: The effect that game had was reminding us of how it is to lose. It reminded us that if we don't play with passion and conviction what the possibilities can
be. That is a feeling no one wants to feel especialy since we are in a one
done situation. Dallas reminded us if you want it then you have to put your
all into it!

What are your concerns or main focuses going into the first round of the playoffs?
WH: The concerns going into the game are typical of any game we prepare for. Is the coaching game plan effective? Are our players mentaly prepared? How are we physicaly? What are our best matchups? Most importantly I am most concerned about focus. This team must be properly motivated in a playoff environment. We don't play a three game series in football. One game to decide it all. Does this team truely realize whats at stake is my true concern. Question.... If you knew your life was on the line then how hard would you fight?

How do you feel about playing Georgia in the First Round? Did you have a preference in who you wanted to play and does the victory over Georgia last week add any confidence to the team?
WH: I still feel Georgia is a very talented and dangerous team despite their last
two outings. We had no preference just as long as we got to play. The victory
over Georgia was two weeks ago and has no influence on now. Everyone starts
with a clean slate with anything being possible in the playoffs. The Dragons
take no one lightly and we will not seek credit from past accomplishments. I
have no doubt this will be a battle.

What is your ideal 2006 ArenaBowl matchup?
WH: The New York Dragons vs. _fill in the blank__

2006 SCHEDULE
DATE TIME/SCORE OPPONENT
Sat, 1/28 L 57-28 vs. Nashville
Fri, 2/3 W 51-47 at Chicago
Sat, 2/11 W 84-81 at Utah
Sun, 2/19 L 75-59 at Philadelphia
Sun, 2/26 W 55-35 vs. Orlando
Fri, 3/3 L 65-54 vs. Columbus
Sun, 3/12 W 59-56 at Austin
Sat, 3/18 L 60-44 at Tampa Bay
Fri, 3/24 W 54-48 vs. Kansas City
Sat, 4/1 W 48-24 vs. Grand Rapids
Sun, 4/9 L 46-28 vs. Dallas
Fri, 4/14 W 64-57 at Columbus
Sun, 4/23 W 70-61 at Los Angeles
Sat, 4/29 W 65-58 vs. Philadelphia
Sat, 5/6 W 47-35 vs. Georgia
Sat, 5/13 L 82-38 at Dallas

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NY-GEO CONNECTIONS:
Dragons QB Sam Clemons spent the first eight weeks of the 2006 season with the Georgia Force, where he recorded 1 rush for 2 yards.

Dragons OL/DL Stacy Evans came to the Dragons in the 2005 season after spending two seasons with the Georgia Force. In 2004, Evans caught 4 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. On defense he recorded 27 tackles and three sacks.

Georgia QB Matt Nagy played 9 games for the Dragons in 2002, where he threw for 27 touchdowns and recorded a QB rating of 106.53.

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FRANCHISE PLAYOFF HISTORY:

Year Round/Date Opponent Result
1995 First: 8/13 @ Arizona W 56-52
Second: 8/19 Vs. Orlando L 49-55
1996 First: 8/10 Vs. St. Louis W 52-49
Second: 8/17 @ Albany W 62-55
ArenaBowl X: 8/26 Vs. Tampa Bay L 38-42
1997 First: 8/8 Vs. San Jose W 68-59
Second: 8/16 Vs. Orlando W 52-34
ArenaBowl XI: 8/25 Vs. Arizona L 33-55
1999 First: 8/7 Vs. Milwaukee W 66-34
Second: 8/13 Vs. Orlando L 41-48
2000 First: 8/6 Vs. Nashville L 56-63
2001 First: 7/27 @Toronto L 57-64
2003 First 5/25 Vs. Chicago W 48-45
Second: 6/1 @ Orlando L 62-69
2005 First: 5/29 Vs. Orlando L 47-42

LIVING YOUNG:
The Dragons are led by one of the great defensive coaches in the AFL and he also happens to be the youngest in professional football. Weylan Harding enters the 2006 season at 34 years old -- 14 months and 13 days younger than the second-youngest head coach - Los Angeles' Ed Hodgekiss. However, Harding does not hold the distinction of being the youngest young in league history. That honor goes to Kevin Guy of the 2000 New Jersey Red Dogs, who was 27 years old.

Team Coach DOB Age
NYD Harding 1/5/1972 34
LAA Hodgkiss 10/23/1970 35
PHI Munsey 8/19/68 37

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ARENA-BRED COACHES
The Dragons are the only team in the league to have their entire coaching staff comprised of former AFL players. In total, the Dragons' coaching staff has a combined 22 years of AFL playing experience and another combined 18-plus years as coaches.

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SWITCHING POSITIONS
DaShane Dennis and Jamaal Cherry have switched positions from 2005 and will now line up at DS and OL/DL, respectively. Bruce Blue began training camp as a lineman and has since converted to FB/LB. Although Cherry was listed at FB/LB last season, he played primarily as a defensive lineman in his rookie season.

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GARCIA AN ALL-TIME GREAT
It was already known by most, but QB Aaron Garcia is now enshrined as one of the top-20 all-time great players in AFL history. During training camp, the league came out with their top-20 players from the first 20 years of the AFL. Garcia ranked 11th, one spot ahead of fellow former Iowa Barnstormer QB Kurt Warner. After Warner left the franchise, Garcia supplanted him as the franchise's star quarterback and the Dragons - or Barnstormers - have never looked back.

ORIGINAL DRAGONS

QB Aaron Garcia is a New York Dragon through thick and thin. He is the only player to be a part of the team for each of its first five seasons on Long Island. Garcia made the move when the Iowa Barnstormers relocated to New York prior to the 2001 season. Garcia was traded to Iowa from New Jersey on June 2, 1998 for WR/DB Chris Spencer and OL/DL John Dixon. This is Garcia's 12th AFL season and ninth with the franchise.

OS Kevin Swayne has been the property of the Dragons for all six seasons, however he spent two seasons on the exempt list from 2002-2004. After a successful 2001 campaign, he was signed by the NFL's New York Jets and stayed there for three seasons. He returned to the Dragons mid-way through the 2004 season. Swayne also suited up for the Barnstormers from 1998-1999.

WR/LB Mike Horacek is the only other player to have played for both the Barnstormers and the Dragons. From 1997 to 2000, Horacek split time as a WR/DB and an OS with Iowa. He was the AFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2000, his last with the team until he was selected in 2004 Dispersal Draft. The 2006 season is his second with the Dragons, but sixth with the franchise.

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RETURNING DRAGONS

The Dragons have 11 players on their roster from their final 2005 roster. QB Aaron Garcia is the longest tenured Dragon at eight seasons. The complete list includes: WR/LB Chris Anthony, OL/DL Jamaal Cherry, DS DaShane Dennis, WR/DB Angel Estrada, OL/DL Stacy Evans, WR/LB Mike Horacek, WR/DB Will Holder, OL/DL Joe Laudano, OL/DL Marcus "Snowball" Owen, OL/DL Steve Scifres and OS Kevin Swayne along with Garcia.

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DRAGONS WITH af2 EXPERIENCE

The Dragons have 10 players on their roster who have played in af2 at one point in their career. The list includes: WR/LB Chris Anthony, WR/LB Maurice Brown, OL/DL Jamaal Cherry, WR/DB DaShane Dennis, OL/DL Jon Hall, OL/DL Joe Laudano, FB/LB Richard McCleskey, K Jesse Obert, DS Dahnel Singfield, OL/DL Andrew Tippins, OL/DL Paul White and QB Juston Wood.

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