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New York Dragons Game Notes

May 13, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


Quick Facts:
New York Dragons (7-8) at Carolina Cobras (5-9)
Date: Friday, May 16, 2003
Kickoff: 7:30 PM
Site: Charlotte Coliseum (12,229)
Officials: Referee: Tom McCabe Umpire: Thomas Laverty Head Linesman: Dale Newhouse Line Judge: Bob McElwee Back Judge: James Anderson
Radio: Webcast: www.newyorkdragons.com Sid Rosenberg and Peter Schwartz on the call
Series Record: This is the third meeting between the franchises with the series tied at one each. In 2001, the Dragons lost in Carolina 56-49 but won at home 99-68.
Last Meeting: New York 99 – Carolina 68 July 7, 2001 – Nassau Coliseum
Coaches: Carolina – Eddie Khayat (0-1, 1st year) Dragons - Todd Shell (36-29, 5th Year - 7-4, 1st year as Dragons coach)

Last Meeting Recap:

New York 99 – Carolina 68 July 7, 2001 – Nassau Coliseum

New York set an AFL record for most points in a game, shattering the old mark of 91 by New Jersey. Aaron Garcia (27 for 37, 378 passing yards) continued his hot play as he tossed a league-record 11 touchdowns. The big recipient of Garcia's passes was OS Kevin Swayne, who hauled in seven touchdowns – tying an AFL record -- along with 11 catches and 171 receiving yards.

After taking a 49-37 lead into halftime, the Dragons blew the doors open in the third period. A suffocating blend of Garcia's aerial attack and a relentless defense spelled doom for the visitors as the Dragons outscored the visitors, 23-9, in the third stanza. Clay Rush tied an AFL record with 13 PATs made.

Game Preview:

Following the Dragons 49-30 win in Buffalo, the Dragons have qualified for the playoffs for the second time in three seasons by virtue of holding all tiebreakers going into this Week's games. The Dragons can clinch the Eastern Division title with a win over the winless Carolina Cobras and a loss by the Detroit Fury to the Orlando Predators. The IFS:...

If the DRAGONS defeat the Cobras, it would...
*Give the Dragons an 8-8 record this season.
*Give the Dragons a six-game road winning streak.
*Give the Dragons a 6-2 road record.
*Give the Dragons a 2-1 record all-time vs. the Cobras.

Last Week: New York 49 – Buffalo 30 HSBC Arena

The New York Dragons improved to 5-0 on the road under head coach Todd Shell as his team eliminated the Buffalo Destroyers from playoff contention with a 49-30 victory on Sunday. With a win this coming week vs. winless Carolina, the Dragons will be in the playoffs and also could win the division.

QB Aaron Garcia retuned to the lineup against Buffalo and had a solid day. Rookie WR/LB Chris Anthony showed his prowess on both sides of the ball to the lead the Dragons to their seventh win of the season.

It was not the smoothest first half for both squads as the first 30 minutes saw 15 penalties and three turnovers take place. Garcia gradually shook off the rust from being on the IR the last two weeks as the Dragons turned up the heat as the half went on. After kicker Ian Howfield booted a booming 46-yard field goal to put New York up, 10-7, the Dragons fell into some hot water as the Destroyers quickly put up a score to regain the lead, 13-10. Garcia was then intercepted by Dwaine Carpenter on the following possession.

However, Shell's improved defense fought back, but had some bad luck come their way. A potential interception by DB Todd Doxzon was called an incomplete pass on a third and long. On the ensuing play, Destroyers kicker Gary Kral missed a 50-yard field goal attempt, but New York failed to make the hosts pay.

On that next possession, the Dragons appeared to be in trouble as Garcia miss-handled a snap on second down and Buffalo turned that mistake into a seven points and a 20-10 lead. The Dragons quickly rallied and turned a 10-point deficit into a one-point lead by the end of the half.

After Anthony's second touchdown reception, LB Rodney Filer forced a fumble by Buffalo FB Juan Long - which the Dragon defense recovered. Garcia, who began to find his rhythm at this point, found WR William Holder on his first pass attempt with only 15.7 seconds remaining the second quarter for the score. The half ended with the Dragons holding a 24-23 advantage when Buffalo's Kral hit a 21-yard field goal.

The Dragons came out fast in the second half to break this game wide-open. Garcia wasted no time as he hooked up with Anthony for a third touchdown. On Buffalo's next possession, defensive linemen Anthony Hutch and Jermaine Miles forced Destroyers QB Bob Bees to throw an incomplete pass that did not go past the line of scrimmage. Since Bees was in the endzone, the officials ruled the play a safety, which gave the Dragons an extra two points to increase their lead to 32-23. The nine-point lead held true for the rest of third quarter. Buffalo couldn't get back into the game as the Dragons' defense was relentless to finish out the effort. Anthony picked off a Bees' pass and Howfield successfully converted on a 43-yard field goal attempt to put this one away. Damien Groce added a touchdown reception late in the game and DS Corey Johnson recorded an interception of his own with 30 seconds remaining to seal the decision.

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 7-8 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 the win in Buffalo on May 11, the Dragons 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 AndyKelly545 Andy Kelly27, 651 Andy Kelly2,484
2nd AaronGarcia536 Shedrick Bonner26, 563 Shedrick Bonner2,095
3rd Sherdick Bonner 527 Aaron Garcia26, 415 Aaron Garcia2,060
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 68.1
Completions 4th 323
Pass Rating 1st 122.9
Passing Yards 5th 3,914
Passing TD's 1st 92 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 4th 108
Rec. Yards 2nd 1,574
Receiving TD's 1st 46+
All-Purpose Yards 10th 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 88.0 tackles (78-20). He also ranks third in the AFL with 24 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.

Week 15 at Buffalo – Game MVP: Returned from injury to led the Dragons to victory and the playoffs throwing six touchdown passes in a 49-30 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 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. Week 15 at Buffalo – Ironman of the Game: Recorded seven receptions for 50-yards and three touchdowns on offense and an interception and fumble recovery on defense.

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