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New York Dragons Game Notes

May 6, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


Quick Facts:
New York Dragons (6-8) at Buffalo Destroyers (5-9)
Date: Sunday, May 11, 2003
Kickoff: 3:00 PM
Site: HSBC Arena
Officials: Referee: William LeMonnier Umpire: Dan Ferrell Head Linesman: Allen Baynes Line Judge: David Chesney Back Judge: Billy Beckett
Radio: Webcast: www.newyorkdragons.com Sid Rosenberg and Peter Schwartz on the call
Series Record: This is the eight meeting between the franchises with the Dragons holding a 4-3 advantage all-time. The Dragons are 1-3 all-time in Buffalo having lost their last meetings in Northern New York.
Last Meeting: Buffalo 46 – New York 39 April 6, 2003 – Nassau Coliseum
Coaches: Buffalo – Ron Selesky (5-9, 1st year) Dragons - Todd Shell (35-29, 5th Year - 6-4, 1st year as Dragons coach)

Last Meeting Recap:
Buffalo 46 – New York 39
April 6, 2003 – Nassau Coliseum

The New York Dragons fell just yards short of extending their winning streak to four games as they fell to their Eastern Division rivals, the Buffalo Destroyer 46-39. The Destroyers defense frustrated the red hot Dragons offense and limited them to just 39 points and 253 total yards. At the time, the Dragons record fell to 3-7, while the Destroyers moved ahead of them in the standings, improving their record to 4-6.

The Dragons got out of the gates quickly as they stopped the Destroyers on their first offensive drive. New York was able to open up at 14-7 advantage before Buffalo was able to get into the game in the second quarter.

The Destroyers got rolling from the strong play of QB Chris Sanders, who was making his first AFL start. New York's offense was guilty of two costly turnovers, which gave Buffalo a chance to get back into the contest. At the end of the first half, the Dragons found themselves trailing by six points to a score of 26-20.

The third quarter didn't fair too much better for the men in black. Buffalo's defense frustrated QB Aaron Garcia and OS Mike Furrey with excellent pass coverage from their stingy defensive backs. The Dragons offense could not find the rhythm to get into a touchdown scoring groove. The Destroyers extended their lead by six, 39-27 at the end of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Dragons put themselves in position to either tie or win the game with Buffalo only up by a touchdown, 46-39. Their defense came up with another stop, this one with just under two minutes left to be played. Garcia took his offense down to the goal line, but could not find an open receiver as time expired.

Game Preview:

Coming off an emotional 43-42 win in Las Vegas on a Walter Church touchdown pass to Damien Groce and a game-winning two-point conversion by Todd Doxzon with 0:39 seconds left, the Dragons head north to play the Buffalo Destroyers in a crucial Eastern Divisional tilt. The Dragons have become "road-warriors" of late having won all four road games under Head Coach Todd Shell. With a win over Buffalo and a loss by the Indiana Firebirds in Grand Rapids, the Dragons would qualify for the post season for the second time in three years in New York. The IFS:...

If the DRAGONS defeat the Destroyers, it would...
*Give the Dragons a 7-8 record this season.
*Give the Dragons a five-game road winning streak.
*Give the Dragons a 5-2 road record.
*Give the Dragons a 5-3 record all-time vs. the Destroyers.

Last Week: New York 43 – Las Vegas 42 Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas

Led by rookie QB Walter Church, the Dragons valiantly battled back from an early hole, took the lead with just 39 seconds remaining in the game and held on for a 43-42 win. The Dragons improved to 6-8 to keep their playoff hopes alive and well.

It was an up and down first half for the Dragons with Church at the helm in his first pro start. The Gladiators got out of the gates quickly and opened up a 14-0 advantage led by QB Jay McDonagh. Church threw an early interception which let Las Vegas open up the two-score advantage. Church then promptly settled down and connected with WR Chris Anthony for two touchdowns as the Dragons started to battle back as they found themselves trailing by one score late in the second quarter.

With under a minute left in the first half, the Dragons' Fire Breathin' Defense nearly held off the Gladiators at the goal line. A penalty let Las Vegas have six shots to punch the ball through from a couple of yards out, and they had to use each of them before they scored to go up, 28-14. But with only six seconds remaining in the half, Dragons' KR Donvetis Franklin returned his first kickoff for a touchdown to send New York into the lockerroom at halftime trailing by just seven points.

A wild third quarter saw a touchdown score by each team, followed by four turnovers. At one point, Franklin picked up a loose football off of the turf and Anthony nabbed a pass through the air for the Dragons. After the Anthony pick, the Dragons came full circle and tied the game at 35 at the start of the fourth quarter.

The action picked up once again late in the fourth as the Gladiators found themselves up by seven points thanks to a McDonagh rushing TD. Church then led the offense down the field and hooked up with OS Damien Groce with 39 seconds remaining the in quarter. In a gutty call by head coach Todd Shell, Church then connected with WR Todd Doxzon for a two-point conversion to give the Dragons a 43-42 advantage -- their first lead of the night. To add to the drama, Las Vegas kicker Steve Videtich missed wide-left on a last second, 36-yard field goal attempt to seal the Dragons' victory.

Next Week:

The Dragons finish the regular season in Carolina vs. the winless Cobras in a game that could determine the Dragons playoff fate or positioning.

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 6-8 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 left 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. Dragons Become "Road Warriors":

With a win in Buffalo this Sunday, the Dragons will set a franchise record with a five-game road winning streak. The previous record of four games was set twice between 1996-1997 when Iowa won their last three road games in 96 (Orlando, Anaheim and Connecticut) and their first road game in 97 (Texas) and again in 97 with four more road wins (Albany, Portland, Milwaukee and Tampa Bay) after a loss in New Jersey separated the Texas and Albany wins. Ironically, during this stretch of road games Iowa played an Aaron Garcia quarterbacked team twice with "AG" losing in Connecticut but snapping the streak in New Jersey with a win.

Dragons Sign Former Iowa Barnstormer WR/DB Carlos James:

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 AndyKelly536 Andy Kelly27, 341 Andy Kelly2,459
2nd AaronGarcia530 Shedrick Bonner26, 325 Shedrick Bonner2,074
3rd Sherdick Bonner 521 Aaron Garcia26, 258 Aaron Garcia2,044
4th Todd Hammel24, 241 Todd Hammel1,951

Garcia and Furrey Top League Rankings: Dragons QB Aaron Garcia is among the AFL leaders in several offense categories.

Category Rank Amount
Completion Pct. 2nd 68.8
Completions 4th 307
Pass Rating 1st 124.4
Passing Yards 4th 3,757
Passing TD's 2nd 86 Former Dragons Offensive Specialist Mike Furrey while currently with the NFL's Rams still ranks among the AFL leaders.

Category Rank Amount
Points 1st 288*
Receptions 3rd 108
Rec. Yards 2nd 1,574
Receiving TD's 1st 46+
All-Purpose Yards 8th 1,782
*New Dragons team record
+Ties AFL single-season record

Don of the D: Second-year player DS Donvetis Franklin currently leads the AFL with 85.0 tackles (75-20). He also ranks third in the AFL with 22 passes defended. Last season, Franklin finished the season ranked second in the AFL with 90.5 tackles and in the Top 10 in passes defended, fumble recoveries and interceptions.

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.

New York Dragons Game MVP's and Ironman Perfomances of 2003: At the conclusion of every AFL game, a Game MVP and Ironman of the Game are awarded. In 2003, several Dragons picked up the honor.

QB Aaron Garcia

Week 3 at Grand Rapids – Game MVP: Went 30-of-41 for 380 passing yards and seven touchdowns in a 66-63 loss.

Week 8 at Chicago – Game MVP: Led the Dragons by completing 28 of 38 passes for 339 yards and eight touchdowns in a 54-51 victory.

Week 9 vs. Colorado – Game MVP: In front of John Elway, completed 22-of-31 passes for 293 yards and eight touchdowns in 61-52 win over Colorado.

Week 11 at Georgia – Game MVP: Battled an injured rib, completing 21-of-36 passes for 200 yards and four touchdowns along with a game-winning five-yard touchdown run in a 34-27 win.

Week 12 vs. Detroit – Game MVP: Led the Dragons by completing 22-of-28 passes for 260 yards and eight touchdowns in a convincing 69-40 win.

OS Mike Furrey

Week 1 at Dallas – Ironman of the Game: Caught seven passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns on offense and recorded one interception on defense in a 60-56 loss. Week 4 vs. Las Vegas – Ironman of the Game: Recorded seven-catches for 97-yards and two touchdowns on offense and four tackles on defense in a 46-45 loss.

Week 7 at Detroit – Game MVP: Tied a franchise record with 15 receptions for 229 yards and six touchdowns in the team's first win of the season 65-57 in OT.

WR/DB William Holder

Week 9 vs. Colorado – Ironman of the Game: Recorded four catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns on offense and three tackles on defense in a 61-52 win.

Week 12 vs. Detroit – Ironman of the Game: Recorded seven- catches for 85-yards on offense and 3.5 tackles and an interception on defense in a 69-40 win.

DS Donvetis Franklin

Week 14 at Las Vegas – Game MVP: Recorded eight tackles and recovered a fumble on defense while making the key play of the game returning a kickoff 52-yards for a touchdown as the first half expired in a 43-42 win.

WR/DB Chris Anthony

Week 14 at Las Vegas – Ironman of the Game: Recorded six-catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns on offense and an interception on defense in a 43-42 win.

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