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New York Dragons game notes

May 18, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


Quick Facts:
New York Dragons (8-6) at Orlando Predators (8-6)
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2004
Kickoff: 3:00 PM (EST)
Site: TD Waterhouse Center (13,692)
Officials:
Referee: Steve Pamon
Umpire: Jeff Carr
Head Linesman: Rod Pearson
Line Judge: David Meslow
Back Judge: Tony Lombardo
Supervisor Bob Mantooth
NBC: Allen Bestwick (pxp), Charles Davis (color), Pat Clarke (sideline)
Radio: WLIE 540 AM Peter Schwartz (PxP)
Series Record: This is the 12th meeting all-time between the teams. The Predators lead the all-time series 8-3. The Preds are 5-2 against Iowa/New York in the regular season and 3-1 in the playoffs, including a 69-62 victory over the Dragons in the Quarterfinal round of the AFL playoffs last season.
Last Regular Season Meeting:
Orlando 72 – New York 56
March 2, 2004 – Nassau Coliseum
Coaches:
Orlando – Jay Gruden (43-27, 5th Year)
Dragons - Todd Shell (45-35, 6th Year 16-10, 2nd year as Dragons Coach)


Last Regular Season Meeting Recap:
Orlando 72 – New York 56
March 2, 2004 – Nassau Coliseum

Turnovers did in the Dragons in Todd Shell's debut as Head Coach. The Orlando Predators defeated the Dragons, 72-56, before another sold-out crowd at Nassau Coliseum. The Predators opened up a 21-7 led in the first quarter off of a fumble by Dragons' quarterback Aaron Garcia recovered by Duke Pettijohn. Orlando's defensive line pressured Garcia, and then EJ Burt stripped him of the ball. On the Predators' next possession, QB Connell Maynor found WR Thabtiti Davis in the end zone for a quick score.

Late in the second quarter with Orlando up by 13 points, the Dragons offense was victimized by another fumble, this time by OS Steve Papin on a pitch. Orlando added a field goal and the Dragons trailed by 37-21 at the half.

Orlando opened the second half with a successful onsides kick, which caught the Dragons off guard. However, Shell's defense produced their first defensive stop of the game when Kerry Brown intercepted a Connell Maynor pass attempt, which led to Mike Furrey's third touchdown of the game.

Unfortunately New York could not keep the pressure on. Travis McGriff returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and then the Dragons failed to convert on downs. Orlando went on to increase their lead to 24 points and held on from there.Once again Mike Furrey starred for the Dragons with five TD receptions.

Game Preview:
The playoffs start early when the Dragons and Orlando Predators meet in the "Jungle" in this battle of 8-6 teams. With four teams tied for the final three spots this is essentially a playoff game. The Dragons have struggled historically against Orlando including a regular season and playoff loss last season to Orlando.

Next Week:
The Dragons complete their 2004 regular season schedule at home with a matchup against division rival and Bon Jovi-owned Philadelphia Soul. The game will have significant playoff implications for the Dragons.

2004 Schedule

Date Opponent Time Result
February 8 At Georgia 3:00 W 54-28
February 14 Chicago 3:00 L 54-56
February 22 Dallas 3:00 L 44-56
February 29 At Arizona 3:00 L 41-53
March 7 San Jose 12:00 W 64-50
March 14 At Tampa Bay 12:00 W 40-35
March 20 Columbus 7:00 W 62-41
April 4 At Carolina 3:00 W 57-41
April 10 At Columbus 7:00 L 55-65
April 18 Colorado 3:00 W 52-49
April 24 At Philadelphia 7:30 L 58-60
May 2 At Dallas 3:00 W 44-20
May 8 Carolina 7:00 W 61-39
May 16 Los Angeles 3:00 L 53-58
May 23 At Orlando 3:00
May 30 Philadelphia 4:00


The IFS:...
If the DRAGONS defeat the Predators it would...
*Give the Dragons a 9-6 record this season.
*Give the Dragons a two-game road winning-streak.
*Give the Dragons a 5-3 road record.
*Give the Dragons a 4-8 record all-time vs. Orlando.

Dragon Tales:
Home Streak Snapped:
With the 58-53 home loss to the Los Angeles Avengers, the Dragons had their four-game home winning streak snapped. It was the first time since May 25 – June 3, 2001 when they won four straight. Since moving to Long Island in 2001, the Dragons are 14-16 at the Nassau Coliseum, including a home playoff win last season vs. the Chicago Rush. This season they are 4-3 at home.

Victory on the Road:
With the 44-20 win over the Dallas Desperados, the Dragons upped their road record to 4-3. The win snapped the first two-game road losing-streak since Head Coach Todd Shell took over the Dragons on Feb. 24,2003. The team is 10-3 on the road in the regular season under Shell. .

The Defense Rests:
Averaging 46.5 points allowed per game, which is seventh best in the AFL, 15.6 rushing yards, which is fourth best, the Dragons boast one of the League's best defenses. They have the number one ranked red zone defense. The Dragons are scoring 52.8 points per game, which is fifth in the League. The Dragons have won their eight games by an average score of 54-38.

Dragons Getting Stops: In the eight wins, the Dragons have recorded 37 stops and six made field-goals while in the six losses they've come up with seven. The Dragons stopped Chicago twice (missed field-goals), Columbus once (missed field-goal), the Soul twice (interception and missed field goal) and Los Angeles twice (fumble and missed field goal).

Taking it to the House:
Dragons KR Lincoln Dupree is topping the AFL charts as the special teams play has been successful in recent weeks. Dupree is tied for sixth in the AFL with 102-missed field-goal return-yards and tied for first with one touchdown. As a kick returner, Dupree ranks seventh averaging 21.0 yards/return and tied for seventh with two scores.

Corey Johnson Ties Franchise Record:
With three interceptions at Dallas on May 1, Corey Johnson tied the franchise record for interceptions in a game previously set by Todd Harrington on July 5, 1997 and again by Mike Furrey on May 18, 2002. Donvetis Franklin added an interception in the game as the team recorded four INT's for the first time since that May 18 game at New Jersey. Johnson now has four interceptions on the year, ranking him tied for sixth in the League. He has recorded 17 interceptions for his career.

QB Aaron Garcia Continues to Lead AFL:
Dragons QB Aaron Garcia enters his tenth AFL season as one of the League's top passers. He ranks first all time with 627 touchdowns, third with 30,111 passing yards and fourth with 2,336 completions. On May 16 at Los Angeles, he went over 30,000 passing yards. On Apr. 18 vs. the Colorado Crush, Garcia became the first professional football player to throw for 600 career TD's. On Feb. 8 at Georgia, he recorded his 2100th AFL completion.

Aaron Garcia All-Time Rankings:
Rank TDs Yardage Completions
1st Aaron Garcia627 Andy Kelly31,439 Andy Kelly2, 731
2nd AndyKelley611 Sherdick Bonner30,406 Shedrick Bonner2, 587
3rd Sherdick Bonner 607 Aaron Garcia30,111 Clint Dolezel2,391
4th Aaron Garcia2, 336

Johnson Named Week 13 Defensive Player of the Week:
Corey Johnson (5-9, 190, Georgia), who is in his seventh season, helped lead the New York Dragons (7-5) to a 44-20 victory over the Dallas Desperados (6-6) on Saturday. The former All-Rookie performer led the Dragons with 9.0 total
tackles, one pass breakup and a team record-tying three interceptions (twice, last by MIKE FURREY, May 18, 2002). This marks the first time that the former Bulldog has earned an AFL weekly honor.

Dupree Named Week 6 US ARMY Ironman of the Week:
The AFL following the Dragons 40-35 victory over Tampa Bay named rookie WR/DB/KR Lincoln Dupree the Week 6 US Army Ironman of the Week. The 5-11, 190-pound Dupree played college football at Eastern Michigan and was the 2002 arenafootball2 Rookie of the Year. He tallied two receptions for 28 yards and two touchdowns on offense, 1.5 total tackles and a fumble recovery on defense, and a 55-yard kickoff return and a 38-yard missed-field-goal return for two additional touchdowns. This marks the first time that the former Eagle has earned an AFL weekly honor.

Garcia Named Week 5 Offensive Player of the Week:
QB Aaron Garcia was named the AFL's Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Week after their 64-50 victory over the previously undefeated San Jose SaberCats (3-1). The 2001 Offensive Player of the Year led New York by completing 19-of-21 (90 percent) for 285 yards and nine touchdown passes and one interception. He connected with five different receivers for touchdowns and currently leads the AFL in touchdown passes (30). The former Hornet connected on three scoring strikes in the final quarter as the Dragons outscored the SaberCats 20-3 in the final 15 minutes. This marks the 10th time that the two-time All-Arena QB has earned an AFL weekly honor

Will Holder Named Week 1 Ironman of the Week:
Dragons WR/DB Will Holder was named the US Army Ironman of the Week following the team's 54-28 victory over the Georgia Force. As a wide receiver, Holder caught six passes for 81 yards along with two touchdowns. On defense, he came up with a key interception in the fourth quarter. Holder had an "Only in the Arena League" stretch of the fourth quarter where he caught a touchdown pass, recorded a special teams tackle and intercepted a pass in three consecutive plays.

Game Award Winners:
Week 1 at Georgia:
Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Garcia
Defensive Player of the Game: Will Holder
Week 3 vs. Dallas:
Offensive Player of the Game: Will Holder
Defensive Player of the Game: Donvetis Franklin
Ironman of the Game: Joey Dozier
Week 5 vs. San Jose:
Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Garcia
Defensive Player of the Game: Terrance Joseph
Ironman of the Game: Lincoln Dupree
Week 6 at Tampa Bay
Offensive Player of the Game: Lincoln Dupree
Defensive Player of the Game: Lincoln Dupree
Ironman of the Game: Rodney Filer
Week 7 vs. Columbus:
Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Garcia
Def. Player of the Game: Terrance Joseph Ironman of the Game: Richmond Flowers
Week 9 at Carolina:
Offensive Player of the Game: Lincoln Dupree
Def. Player of the Game: Terrance Joseph
Ironman of the Game: Richmond Flowers
Week 11 vs. Colorado:
Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Garcia
Def. Player of the Game: Donvetis Franklin
Ironman of the Game: Lincoln Dupree
Week 12 at Philadelphia:
Defensive Player of the Game: Jermaine Miles
Week 13 at Dallas:
Offensive Player of the Game: Will Holder
Defensive Player of the Game: Corey Johnson
Week 14 vs. Carolina:
Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Garcia
Defensive Player of the Game: Chuck Wesley
Ironman of the Game: Cosmo DeMatteo
Week 15 vs. Los Angeles:
Ironman of the Game: Josh White


Dragons Transactions:
5/14 – Placed DS Corey Johnson on IR. Signed DS Jerald Brown off practice squad.
5/7 – Placed Terrance Joseph on IR.
4/30 – Activated WR/LB Richmond Flowers off of IR. Signed OL/DL Will Burnett off practice squad. Placed WR/LB Curtis Fagan on IR.
4/27 – Placed OL/DL Richard Harris on IR.
4/16 – Activated WR/LB Chris Anthony and OL/DL Tim McGill from IR. Placed OS Kevin Swayne on IR.
4/14 – Waived OL/DL John Gillies from practice squad.
4/8 – Placed WR/LB Richmond Flowers on IR. Activated WR/LB Curtis Fagan.
4/7 – Re-signed OS Kevin Swayne.
4/7 – Waived and placed on practice squad DS Jerald Brown and FB/LB Kerry Taylor. Released OL/DL Corey Brannon
4/3 – Activated OL/DL Jerry Sharp off IR.
4/1 – Signed OL/DL John Gilles to practice squad
3/18 – Placed OL/DL Jerry Sharp and Tim McGill on IR. Activated OL/DL Jermaine Miles off IR.
3/12 – Signed OL/DL Ken Talanoa off IR. Signed FB/LB Kerry Taylor
3/9 – FB/LB Joey Dozier on IR
3/7 – Placed WR/LB Chris Anthony on IR
3/5 – FB/LB Chin Achebe on IR. Signed WR/LB Cosmo DeMatteo off of IR.
2/27 – Signed off practice squad WR/DB Chuck Wesley and DS Jerald Brown.
2/27 – Signed off IR FB/LB Chin Achebe.
2/27 – Placed on IR OL/DL Jermaine Miles
2/26 – Signed K Gary Kral
2/25 – Waived K Pete Elezovic
2/23 – Waived WR/LB Vinny Sutherland
2/21 – Activated WR/LB Richmond Flowers from IR
2/21 – Released WR/DB Sean Riley
Signed OL/DL Kelvin Ingram
Placed OL/DL Ken Talanoa on IR
2/17 – Placed WR/LB Curtis Fagan on IR
2/11 – Announced Retirement of Eddie Brown.


MILESTONES WITHIN REACH
Rodney Filer - 8 receiving yards shy of 200 yards
11 solo tackles to 100 tackles
Terrance Joseph - 7 total tackles shy of 100 total tackles
Jerry Sharp – 2.0 tackles shy of 100 total tackles
Kevin Swayne - 7 touchdown receptions shy of 100 touchdowns.

MILESTONES REACHED

Chris Anthony – 1,000th receiving yards (2-14 vs. Chicago)
100th AFL reception (5-8 vs. Carolina)
Lincoln DuPree - Made his AFL debut (2-8 at Georgia)
Recorded his first career AFL reception (2-8 at Georgia)
Recorded his first career AFL touchdown (2-8 at Georgia)
Curtis Fagan – Made his AFL debut (2-8 at Georgia)
Recorded his first career AFL reception (2-8 at Georgia)
Recorded his first career AFL touchdown (2-8 at Georgia)
Donvetis Franklin – 200th total tackle (4-18 vs. Colorado)
50th Pass Break-Up (4-18 vs. Colorado)
Aaron Garcia – 2100th AFL completion (2-8 at Georgia)
600th AFL touchdown (4-18 vs. Colorado)
2,300th AFL Completion (5-1 at Dallas)
30,000 AFL Passing Yards (5-16 vs. LA)
Will Holder – 1000th AFL receiving yard (3-20 vs. Columbus)
100th AFL reception (5-1 at Dallas)
Anthony Hutch – 20th AFL sack (4-10 at Columbus)
Corey Johnson – 200th solo tackles (4-4 at Carolina)
Terrence Joseph – 50th total tackle (2-8 at Georgia)
Richmond Flowers – Made his AFL debut (2-22 vs. Dallas)
Recorded his first career AFL reception (2-22 vs. Dallas)
Jerry Sharp – 100th games played (2-14 vs. Chicago)
Chuck Wesley – Recorded 200th receiving yard (4-24 at Philadelphia)



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 18, 2004


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