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New York Dragons Game Notes

April 15, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


Quick Facts:
Detroit Fury (6-5) at New York Dragons (4-7)
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2003
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Site: Nassau Coliseum (11,216)
Officials: Referee: Pat Garvey Umpire: Paul King Head Linesman: Rusty Spindel Line Judge: James Mello Back Judge: Rich Wilborn Supervisor: Bob Mantooth
Radio: WLIE 540AM: Sid Rosenberg and Peter Schwartz
Series Record: This is the third meeting between the franchises. The Dragons have won the two previous matches, including a 65-57 win in OT earlier in the season.
Last Meeting: New York 65 Detroit 57 OT
Coaches: Detroit - Al Luginbill (6-5, 1st year ) Dragons - Todd Shell (33-28, 5th Year - 4-3, 1st year as Dragons coach)

Last Meeting:

New York 65 Detroit 57 OT

The Aaron Garcia and Mike Furrey connection led the Dragons to their first victory of the season, 65-57. Todd Shell's defense stood strong in overtime on a day which saw Garcia throw for 389 yards and 9 touchdowns. Mike Furrey also had a career day with 16 receptions for 229 yards and six touchdowns.

With the Dragons up 12-6 in the closing moments of the first quarter, Dragons' DS Donvetis Franklin continued his solid play in the backfield and intercepted Detroit's Andy Kelly. The pass was intended for WR Jason Kaiser, however Franklin used his speed to get a hand on the ball. New York struck quickly with Garcia finding Furrey for a 21-yard touchdown pass as they jumped out to a 20-6 lead.

Early in the second quarter the tide turned and the Fury tied the game as Detroit narrowed the gap by a score of 20-13 when DL Jon McCall sacked Garcia in the end zone. The All-Arena QB lost his grip on the pigskin and Marcus Nash recovered the ball for the Fury and Detroit went on to tie the game at 20-20.

New York was guilty of two crucial turnovers later in the second quarter. Garcia, who coming into the game had only thrown two interceptions, was intercepted twice in Detroit territory. The Fury was able to open up a 36-28 lead by outscoring the Dragons 23-8 to end the half.

The Dragons responded with their best quarter of the season. Todd Shell's defense came up with two defensive stops and held Detroit scoreless in the third. New York retook the lead via the Garcia's arm and Furrey's hands, outscoring the Fury 14-0 in the quarter.

It was a back-and-forth battle in the fourth quarter as Garcia and Kelly matched touchdown pass for touchdown pass. Pete Elezovic misfired on a 44-yard field goal attempt for the Dragons. Detroit then simply ran the clock out with an incomplete pass into the stands as the game went into overtime.

The Dragons received the ball first in overtime and scored quickly. The Garcia-Furrey tandem connected once again, this time on a 34-yard pass to put New York up by six. Shell then decided to go for a two-point conversion and it worked. The Dragons defense then forced the Detroit to go four-and-out as they went on to their first victory of the 2003 season.

Game Preview:

The Dragons return home for an important divisional match with the Detroit Fury. The Dragons, just two back for the divisional lead, still have three games left inside the Eastern division. The Dragons won the previous meeting this season when they won in overtime in Detroit.

The IFS:...

If the DRAGONS defeat the Fury, it would...
*Give the Dragons a 5-7 record this season.
*Give the Dragons a two-game winning streak.
*Give the Dragons a 2- 5 home record.
*Give the Dragons a 3-0 record all-time vs. the Fury.

Last Week:

Georgia 27 - New York 34

In one of the lowest scoring games in franchise history, the New York Dragons held off the Georgia Force, 34-27. Although the offense struggled, the Dragons defense turned in their best performance of the season and led New York for their fourth win of the season. New York improved to 4-7 and Georgia dropped to 6-5.

"It was a gutsy effort tonight," said Head Coach Todd Shell after the victory. "Everyone fought hard all night and it showed in the final result. I'm proud of everyone on this team right now."

The first quarter was the lowest scoring opening frame for the Dragons all season. QB Aaron Garcia quickly connected with Mike Furrey to open up a 7-0 lead, which was the only score in the quarter. The reason why was that the Dragons defense came to play football.

Todd Shell's defense continued their terrific play as they held the Force scoreless until midway through the second quarter. A big goal line tackle from Chris Anthony coupled with a Chin Achebe fumble recovery highlighted the big plays made by the Dragons. New York held Georgia to only one offensive TD in the first half.

Although the Dragons dominated the play throughout the first thirty minutes of the game, they only had a six point lead going into halftime, 20-14. Continual strong defense was played by both squads in the second half. Chin Achebe partially blocked a 62-yard field goal attempt by Force kicker Steve McLaughlin on the Force's first drive of the third quarter. Ken Talanoa also found himself in the right place at the time as he batted a fourth down pass from Georgia QB Leon Murray. Each team scored a touchdown in the third.

After Georgia slowly crawled all the way back to tie the game at 27 with only five minutes remaining in the game, a gutsy five-yard touchdown run by Garcia gave the Dragons enough to squeeze out the victory. The defense held off the Force in the closing seconds to seal the win.

Dragon Tales:

Dragons Replace Entire Coaching Staff:

The New York Dragons announced on Feb. 24 that they relieved Head Coach John Gregory and his assistants, Ted Heath, Scot Maynard and Dick Adams of their duties. Gregory was in his ninth year with the Iowa/New York franchise, earning a record of 66-48. In three years in New York with the Dragons, Gregory was 11-21. The Dragons are currently 4-7 after finishing the 2002 season 3-11.

The New York Dragons named former San Jose Sabercats Head Coach Todd Shell as the second head coach in franchise history. He will be assisted by Lary Kuharich and Derrick Chachere.

Serving as the first head coach in Sabercats history, Shell led his 1995 squad to a record of 8-4 and a Western Division Championship. His team became the first expansion franchise in AFL history to win a division title. After four seasons at the helm in San Jose, Shell compiled a record of 29-25 earning a playoff berth in three of four seasons.

Shell was the San Francisco 49ers' 1984 first-round draft pick out of BYU where he proceeded to win two Super Bowl rings (1984 and 1988). Shell played five seasons in San Francisco before retiring due to injuries. He most recently worked as the color commentator for the Arizona Rattlers, where he served as defensive coordinator from 1992-1994.

Dragons Sign Former Iowa Barnstormer WR/DB Carlos James and release OS Steve Papin:

The New York Dragons have signed former Iowa Barnstormer and eight-year Arena Football League veteran WR/DB Carlos James, the team announced on March 5. The Dragons also announced that they have released Offensive Specialist/Kick Returner Steve Papin.

Prior to joining the Dragons, the 6-0, 180-pound defensive minded eight-year veteran James had intercepted 34 passes and broken-up 85. On offense, James had caught 277 passes for 3,466 yards and 74 touchdowns. The former six-year Iowa Barnstormer is also the Dragons' franchise leader in interceptions with 26.

"I'm very excited about playing in New York with the Dragons," said James. "I loved being a Barnstormer in Iowa and hope I can have that same success here. I'm also looking forward to proving to the other 15 teams that passed up on me this off-season that I can still play this game. I really think my experience of playing defense in this League will be a big help to Kory Blackwell and Donvetis Franklin."

In releasing Papin, the Dragons look to give Mike Furrey more opportunities on offense. "Steve Papin is a very good player and someone we would like to have around," said Dragons head coach Todd Shell. "But with Mike Furrey's productivity on offense he needs to be on the field on offense as much as possible. Playing the OS will allow that to happen."

Carlos James will wear the number 5 with K Pete Elezovic moving to number 1.

Dragons sign DS Corey Johnson. Release DS Kory Blackwell:

On March 14th, the New York Dragons signed five-year Arena Football veteran DS Corey Johnson and also announced released DS Kory Blackwell.

In five AFL seasons, the 5-9, 188-pound defense specialist Johnson has recorded 27 interceptions and 43 break-ups. He has also recorded 69 kick-returns for 1,588 yards and six touchdowns. In 2002, he led the Buffalo Destroyers in tackles with 70 while breaking the team record for interceptions in a season with seven.

"We are excited to have Corey join the Dragons. We have been looking to add experience with our defensive backs and he, along with Carlos James, brings that. We hope their influence helps to make Donvetis Franklin one of the best defensive specialists in this League," said Dragons Head Coach Todd Shell.

As a rookie in 1998, the Georgia alum Johnson led the AFL with 83 tackles and 11 interceptions playing for the Nashville Kats and was named to the All-Arena and All-Rookie teams. He was a three-year starter at free safety for the University of Georgia (1993-96) where he finished his career with 306 total tackles and nine interceptions. He was an All-SEC selection as a senior, leading the Bulldogs with four interceptions and finishing third on the team with 89 tackles.

"I am very happy to be joining the Dragons. I hope my experience and veteran leadership playing defense in the AFL will help get us off the field more during the game. I am looking forward to playing with Aaron Garcia instead of trying to figure out how to spot him," said the 29-year old Johnson.

Aaron Garcia and Mike Furrey Named Co-Offensive Player of the Month for March

Dragons QB Aaron Garcia and OS Mike Furrey were awarded the Co-Offensive Players of the Month award for the month of March, the League announced this week. The AFL leading passer Aaron Garcia earned Co-Offensive Player of the Month by completing 134-of-185 (72.4-percent) for 1,682 yards, 40 touchdowns and three interceptions. Garcia averaged eight touchdowns in all five games and led the Dragons to a 3-2 record in the month of March. Garcia leads the League in pass completion percentage (69.1), passing yards (3,297) and passing touchdowns (74). This marks the first time Garcia has earned an AFL monthly honor.

Dragons OS Mike Furrey (6-0, 185, Northern Iowa), in his second AFL season, earned Co-Offensive Player of the Month by hauling in 69 receptions for 743 yards, 24 touchdowns and 146 points. The former Panther recorded two six-touchdown games (against Detroit and Chicago) and is the League leader in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,367), receiving touchdowns (38) and scoring (240). This marks the first time Furrey has earned an AFL monthly honor.

Aaron Garcia Reaches Two Personal Milestones and Gains League Honor in Win Over Chicago Rush:

The Arena Football League named Dragons QB Aaron Garcia the Offensive Player of the Week for Week 8 after leading the Dragons to victory by completing 28 of 38 passes for 339 yards and eight touchdowns in a 54-51 victory over the Chicago Rush on March 23. Along with the victory, Garcia reached two significant individual milestones when he recorded his 500th career touchdown pass and 25,000th career passing yard. He becomes only the second player, along with Detroit's Andy Kelly, in League history to reach those marks. Garcia has now tied a career-high with nine straight 300-yard passing games after throwing for his 35th career 300-yard game.

Garcia was named the Game MVP in Chicago marking the second team this season he was given the award. Garcia was named Game MVP in Week 3 at Grand Rapids when he went 30-for-41 for 380 yards and seven touchdowns.

WR/LB Kerry Brown Released by Dragons

WR/LB Kerry Brown was been released from the New York Dragons on April 10. "Kerry was an effective offensive player, but we needed more from him on the defensive side of the ball," said Director of Player Personnel Rory Vacco. Brown leaves the Dragons having appeared in ten games catching 44 passes for 441 yards and eight touchdowns but also only recording 11 tackles.

K Mike Moser to replace injured Elezovic

The New York Dragons signed kicker Mike Moser to replace injured kicker Pete Elezovic. Elezovic, who suffered a hip pointer to his kicking leg during Sunday's loss to Buffalo, was placed on injured reserve. Moser was 4-18 on field goals and 23-32 on PAT's in seven games for the Buffalo Destroyers earlier in the season. In 2002, he played in seven games for the Af2's Louisville Fire connecting on one field goal and converting 22 of 28 PAT's.

Moser is a graduate of Taylor University (NAIA) where he broke nearly every school kicking record. He took care of both the place kicking and punting duties for the team. Moser scored 64 points his senior season nailing14 field goals. He led the team in scoring connecting on 13 of 17 field goals and 33 of 34 PAT's for 72 points his junior year. He holds the school record for most points kicked in a game with 12 vs. St. Ambrose and most points in a season with 72.

OL/DL Clyde Sanders Signed off Practice Squad:

The Dragons signed OL/DL Clyde Sanders off the practice on April 10. The 6-2 305-pound rookie lineman from Iowa State joins former college teammates Chin Achebe, Damien Groce and Chris Anthony on the Dragons active roster.

Mike Furrey Named AFL Offensive Player of the Week Following Week 7 Win in Detroit:

Mike Furrey (6-0, 185, Northern Iowa), in his second AFL season, hauled in an AFL season-high 15 receptions for 229 yards, six touchdowns and 288 all-purpose yards, while leading the Dragons to a 65-57 overtime win against the Detroit Fury (3-4) on Sunday March 16.

His 15 receptions also tied a franchise record held by Mike Horacek. This marks the third time Furrey has earned an AFL weekly honor.

Furrey's Ironman of the Game and Game MVP's Perfomances of 2003:

2002 All-Ironman Team member OS Mike Furrey picked up AFL Offensive Player of the Week and Game MVP honors after recording 15-catches for 229-receiving yards and six touchdown receptions on March 16th at Detroit in a 65-57 overtime win in which Furrey caught the winning-touchdown in OT. Furrey was named Ironman of the Game after recording seven-catches for 97-yards and two touchdowns vs. the Las Vegas Gladiators in a Week 4 loss at the Nassau Coliseum.

Furrey earned the honor in Week 1 at Dallas

following a seven-catch, 125 receiving yards, two touchdown and one interception performance vs. the Desperados in a losing effort.

Garcia Named Game MVP at Grand Rapids

Recording 380 passing yards and seven touchdowns, Dragons QB Aaron Garcia was named the Game MVP in a Week 3 loss in Grand Rapids.

Dragons Acquire OL/DL Jerry Sharp. Re-sign QB Brent Petrus

The New York Dragons announced on March 26 that they acquired nine-year Arena Football veteran OL/DL Jerry Sharp from the Buffalo Destroyers in exchange for OL/DL Elliott Fortune. The 6-3 290 pound Sharp has appeared in six games with the Destroyers this season recording three-and-a-half tackles and two breakups.

"Sharp is a solid veteran Arena Football lineman that will give us a little more help getting to the quarterback. I am also hoping his experience in the League will help our young guys learn the game better," said Dragons Head Coach Todd Shell. "This move will make us a better team."

In nine Arena Football seasons, Sharp has recorded 86.5 tackles and nine-and-a-half sacks. Sharp has played for several AFL teams throughout his career including a three-year stint with the Orlando Predators. He has spent the last two seasons with the Buffalo Destroyers. The former Orangeman standout Sharp started all 12 games for Syracuse on the offensive line during his senior year helping them to a 10-2 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory.

In other Dragons news, the team announced that they have waived QB Walter Church and have re-signed former Dragons QB Brent Petrus.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 15, 2003


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