New York Dragons Game Notes

Published on April 29, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


Quick Facts:
New York Dragons (5-8) at Las Vegas Gladiators
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2003
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Site: Thomas and Mack Center
Officials: Referee: Bill Athan Umpire: Rick Nelson Head Linesman: Tim Podroza Line Judge: Thomas Symonette Back Judge: Rob Vernatchi
Radio: WLIE 540AM: Sid Rosenberg and Peter Schwartz
Series Record: This is the ninth overall meeting between the franchises and the first in Las Vegas. The Dragons and Gladiators are 4-4 all-time with the Dragons losing the last three games.
Last Meeting: Las Vegas 46 – New York 45 February 22, 2003 – Nassau Coliseum
Coaches: Las Vegas – Frank Haege (16-11, 2nd year) Dragons - Todd Shell (34-29, 5th Year - 5-4, 1st year as Dragons coach)

Last Meeting Recap:
Las Vegas 46 – New York 45
February 22, 2003 – Nassau Coliseum

A Jay McDonagh seven-yard rushing touchdown in the final minute was the difference as Las Vegas beat the Dragons 46-45 in what turned out to be John Gregory's last game as Dragons Head Coach.

Although the Dragons took a four-point lead into the half, they had trouble moving the ball and the Gladiators made most of the key plays in the second half.

The 10,211 fans at the Coliseum saw a relatively low-scoring first half, which saw New York jump out of the gate early. In the second quarter, Las Vegas took their first lead of the game off a McDonagh TD pass to Mike Horacek, but the Dragons fought right back with a touchdown score of their own from WR/DB Mike Furrey. New York's D recorded their second defensive stoppage of the game when Steve Videtich missed a 53-yard field goal attempt. On the Dragons' ensuing possession, Steve Papin appeared to be out-of-bounds, however the officials ruled a fumble on the play. Las Vegas then went on to score as the quarter came to a close.

With the Gladiators up by two points with 4:32 left in the game, the Dragons decided to go for it on fourth down. It paid off as Garcia connected on a 15-yard pass to Chris Anthony. This led to a Chris Anthony touchdown score to put the Dragons up by five.

With 22.2 seconds remaining, McDonagh put Las Vegas up by one point with his 7-yard scramble. However, Vegas could not convert on a two-point conversion. Aaron Garcia attempted to lead his troops down the field, but ran out of time. Kenny Stucker was called for a 39-yard field goal attempt with 6.5 seconds left in the game. The AFL veteran missed wide left as they Dragons dropped to 0-4.

Game Preview:

Minus QB Aaron Garcia and OS Mike Furrey, the Dragons head to Las Vegas for an important divisional matchup with the Gladiators. The Dragons currently sit tied for the 12th and final playoff spot but with the current tiebreakers would not make the playoffs. The Dragons currently hold a three-game road winning streak.

The IFS:...

If the DRAGONS defeat the Gladiators, it would...
*Give the Dragons a 6-8 record this season.
*Give the Dragons a four-game road winning streak.
*Give the Dragons a 4-2 road record.
*Give the Dragons a 5-4 record all-time vs. the Gladiators.

Last Week:

Tampa Bay 59 - New York 45

Without All-Arena QB Aaron Garcia in the lineup, the New York Dragons did all they could to battle and stay in contention for much of Sunday afternoon's kickoff against the high-octane Tampa Bay Storm. QB Brent Petrus put forth a worthy effort in subbing for Garcia, but Tampa showed why they are one of the AFL's elite with a 59-45 win on Fan Appreciation Day at Nassau Coliseum.

"It's hard to tell what exactly went wrong today," Head Coach Todd Shell said. "We didn't play as well as we can on defense, and that hurt us. We gave them too many easy touchdowns. We're going to have to watch the film and break it down to see the problems that we had."

It was slow treading for the Dragons as their offense had difficulty finding a rhythm early in the battle. Although New York got on the board first with a 41-yard field goal from Ian Howfield, Tampa Bay stormed back to score three-consecutive touchdowns to open up a 19-3 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

The Dragons were able to hold serve in the second quarter as both teams added two touchdowns, which allowed Shell's club to stay within striking distance. Petrus hooked up with OS Mike Furrey for the QB's first touchdown pass of the season early in the second. Then, at the end of the quarter, Petrus ran the ball in himself for a score. The first half ended with the Dragons trailing by 15 points, 32-17.

The Fire Breathin' squad came out hot to start the second half. DS Corey Johnson intercepted a John Kaleo pass and returned it for a touchdown.

Unfortunately, the celebration was short-lived as Tampa Bay kick return specialist, Freddie Solomon, returned the ensuing kickoff for seven points.

Although New York tried several times in the third and fourth quarters to mount a comeback, Tampa Bay managed to find ways to stifle the Dragons' comeback hopes. On another note, Furrey tied Mike Horacek's record for most touchdown receptions in one season (46) in the third quarter.

Next Week:

The Dragons stay on the road and head to Buffalo for another important divisional contest with the Destroyers.

Dragon Tales:

Todd Shell Takes over For Gregory:

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 5-8 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.

Furrey Leaves Dragons to Sign with NFL's St. Louis Rams

The New York Dragons announced on April 29 that star offensive specialist OS Mike Furrey has left the team to sign with the NFL's St. Louis Rams. Furrey leaves the Dragons leading the AFL in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,574), receiving touchdowns (46) and points (288). The 46 receiving touchdown mark – achieved vs. the Tampa Bay Storm -- tied an AFL League record for touchdowns in a single season.

"I am very excited about the opportunity that I have in St. Louis. This was a very difficult decision," said Furrey. "I would love to continue playing for the Dragons and the fans that have supported me for the last two seasons, but I needed to do what was best for me and my family. Getting a contract in the NFL fulfills a lifelong dream."

In two seasons with the Dragons, Furrey recorded 182 receptions for 2,629 yards and 73 touchdowns. The 73 touchdowns is second on the Dragons' all-time receiving touchdowns list behind current New York Jet Kevin Swayne's 91 touchdowns.

Furrey now becomes the fourth former Dragon in the NFL behind Kurt Warner of the Rams, Swayne of the Jets and Kevin Kaesvihorn of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Furrey leaves with three games remaining in the regular season and the Dragons hanging on to the 12th and final playoff spot. The Dragons head to Las Vegas on Saturday night to play the Eastern Division-leading Gladiators.

"We're disappointed in the timing, but we're happy for Mike," said coach Todd Shell. "Although it won't be easy replacing a guy who was a serious Offensive Player of the Year candidate, we're confident our guys will step up."

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

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

Coming into the season, the 5-9, 188-pound defense specialist Johnson had recorded 27 interceptions and 43 break-ups. He also recorded 69 kick-returns for 1,588 yards and six touchdowns. Last season, 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 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. 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). 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.

Aaron Garcia All-Time Rankings:
Rank TDs Yardage Completions
1st AndyKelly531 Andy Kelly27, 127 Andy Kelly2,434
2nd AaronGarcia530 Aaron Garcia26, 258 Shedrick Bonner2,052
3rd Sherdick Bonner 514 ShedrickBonner26, 017 Aaron Garcia2,044
4th Todd Hammel24, 241 Todd Hammel1,951

Garcia and Furrey Top League Rankings:

Dragons QB Aaron Garcia leads the AFL in several offense categories.

Category Rank Amount
Completion Pct. 2nd 68.8
Completions 2nd 307
Pass Rating 1st 124.4
Passing Yards 2nd 3,757
Passing TD's 1st 86 Offensive Specialist Mike Furrey leaves the Dragons topping the AFL charts.

Category Rank Amount
Points 1st 288*
Receptions 1st 108
Rec. Yards 1st 1,574
Receiving TD's 1st 46+
All-Purpose Yards 8th 1,782
*New Dragons team record
+Ties AFL single-season record

WR/LB Kerry Brown Released by Dragons

WR/LB Kerry Brown was 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 Ian Howfield to replace injured Elezovic

The Dragons announced on April 17th that they waived K Mike Moser and signed Arena Football veteran K Ian Howfield to take over for the injured Pete Elezovic.

Howfield, who was kicking for the Tampa Bay Storm earlier this season, has played five seasons in the League, but has not kicked since the 1997 season when he was with the Anaheim Piranhas. He started in the AFL in 1993 kicking for the Dallas Texans and later moved to the Forth Worth Cavalry in 1994. In 1995, he was named Second Team All-Arena kicking for the Las Vegas Sting.

The 6-2 200-pound Kicker from Tennessee Howfield played for several NFL teams from 1988 to 1993 before joining the AFL. His father, Bobby Howfield, kicked for the New York Jets from 1970 to 1975.

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.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 29, 2003


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