Sports stats

New York Dragons game notes

March 29, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


Quick Facts

Chicago Rush (4-4) at New York Dragons (6-2)
Date: Saturday ▪ April 2, 2005
Kickoff: 7:00 PM (EST)
Site: Nassau Coliseum (11,985)
Officials: Referee: Dennis Lipski, Umpire: Rick Nelson, Head Linesman: Rusty Baynes, Line Judge: Darrel Leftwich, Back Judge: Rich Wilborn
TV: FSNY: Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Deb Kaufman (sideline)
Radio: 1050 ESPN Radio WEPN: Peter Schwartz (play-by-play) and Wayne Morris (analyst)
Series Record: Tied 2 games to 2
Series Streak: Chicago +1
Last Regular Season Meeting:
Chicago 56, New York 54
Nassau Coliseum • Uniondale, NY
February 14, 2004
Coaches All-Time Record:
New York ▪ Weylan Harding (All-Time: 6-2, 1st year)
Chicago • Mike Hohensee (All-Time: 89-81, 12th year)

DRAGONS 2005 SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME RESULT
January 26-28 BYE --- ---
February 6 DALLAS 1:00 W 55-45
February 11 at Las Vegas 10:00 L 41-37
February 19 NASHVILLE 7:00 W 62-49
February 27 ARIZONA 3:00 W 61-37
March 6 at Philadelphia 12:00 W 61-54
March 12 GEORGIA 7:00 W 53-51
March 19 at Austin 8:30 L 57-47
March 26 at Columbus 7:00 W 56-55
April 2 CHICAGO 7:00
April 10 at Los Angeles 3:00
April 15 at Orlando 7:30
April 24 PHILADELPHIA 1:00
April 29 at Dallas 8:30
May 7 COLUMBUS 7:00
May 15 at Tampa Bay 1:00
May 21 COLORADO 7:00

NATIONAL EASTERN STANDINGS

TEAM W - L PCT HOME AWAY DIV CONF
1. NYD 6-2 .750 4-0 2-2 3-0 4-1
2. DAL 6-3 .667 3-2 3-1 2-1 4-2
3. PHI 4-5 .444 3-2 1-3 0-2 2-3
4. CMB 1-7 .125 1-3 0-4 0-2 0-3

Game Preview

The New York Dragons put their perfect home record of 4-0 and an overall home winning streak of five games, dating back to last season, on the line as they welcome in the Chicago Rush. Chicago is coming of their bye week after losing their last game in Week Eight to the New Orleans VooDoo 46-40.

Last Regular Season Meeting Recap

On a Valentine's Day affair last season, Chicago edged out the Dragons 56-54. The teams matched score for score and turnover for turnover, but a blocked extra point on Dragons' kicker Peter Elezovic in the fourth quarter was the difference. On the team's last score with 26 seconds remaining, the Dragons needed a two-point conversion to tie, but could not come up with the score.

DRAGONS/CHICAGO all-time

DATE H/A SCORE W/L
June 30, 2002 A 55-45 L
March 23, 2003 H 54-51 W
May 25, 2003* H 48-45 W
February 14, 2004 H 56-54 L
* 2003 opening round playoff game

Last Week

The Dragons got back in the win column with a 56-55 win over Division Rival Columbus Destroyers. QB Aaron Garcia threw for 326 yards for seven touchdowns, four to WR/LB Chris Anthony. WR/DB Corey Johnson continued to shine with two interceptions and WR/DB DaShane Dennis sealed the win with his first career interception with :30 seconds remaining.

Next Week

The Dragons hit the road again to start another two-game swing as they travel to the west coast to take on the Los Angeles Avengers. The Dragons are winless in three games against the Avengers. Los Angeles enters Week Ten with a 5-3 record.

Dragons Practice Schedule

Wednesday (3/30): 10:30-12:30 at Practice Facility
Thursday (3/31): 10:30-12:30 at Practice Facility
Friday (3/25): Practice/Walk Through TBD

To confirm the Dragons' practice schedule or to receive directions, please contact Corey Witt at 516-501-6841.

The IF's

If the Dragons defeat Chicago it would give...

· The Dragons a 7-2 record for the season.
· The Dragons a 5-0 home record.
· The Dragons a six game home winning streak.
· The Dragons their 89th regular season victory.
· The team their 35th victory since moving to Long Island in 2001.
· QB Aaron Garcia his 45th victory with the team.
· The Dragons an all-time record of 3-2 versus the Rush.

Dragons 2005 Record When/Versus

At the Home 4-0 Opponents Score First 2-0
On the Road 2-2 Ahead at Half 5-1
Friday 0-1 Tied at Half 1-0
Saturday 3-1 Behind at Half 0-1
Sunday 3-0 Ahead after 3 Quarters 5-1
February 3-1 Tied after 3 Quarters 1-0
March 3-2 Behind after 3 Quarters 0-1
April 0-0 Outcome 7 pts or less 0-1
May 0-0 Outcome 3 pts or less 2-0
National Conference 4-1 Outcome 7 pts or more 4-2
Eastern Division 3-0 Outcome 3 pts or more 0-0
Southern Division 1-1 Overtime 0-0
American Conference 2-1 Plus turnover margin 5-1
Central Division 1-0 Even turnover Margin 1-0
Western Division 1-1 Minus Turnover Margin 0-1
Score First 4-2



Notes From the Dragons Lair

CHICAGO CONNECTIONS:
OL/DL John Thomas is the lone AFL connection between the two squads. Thomas spent his rookie season in 2004 with the Rush. Chicago OL/DL Charlie Cook attended CW Post on Long Island.

HIGH RATINGS:
QB Aaron Garcia is quietly having a standout season. Entering Week Ten, Garcia is the top-rated quarterback in the AFL with a QB Rating of 132.2. For the season, he has completed 168 of 246 passes for a 68.3 completion percentage.

CLOSING IN ON 700:
Last season on April 18, 2004, QB Aaron Garcia became the first professional quarterback to throw for over 600 touchdowns in a career. Entering this week, Garcia is only 21 touchdowns away from becoming to the first QB to reach the 700 plateau. QB Andy Kelly of the New Orleans VooDoo is a close second with 672. Garcia should take a substantial lead in the race when Kelly and the VooDoo are idle in Week Eleven.

BACK TO 300:
With the stellar play of the defense and special teams, the Dragons' offense hasn't had many opportunities to put up strong numbers like in seasons past. Even though the offense was doing just fine before, QB Aaron Garcia is once again lighting up the stat pages. After his Week Nine performance of 326 passing yards versus Columbus, Garcia has now thrown for 300-plus yards in two consecutive games.

GARCIA FIRST IN TD'S, SECOND IN COMPLETIONS AND YARDS:
Dragons QB Aaron Garcia enters his 11th AFL season as one of the league's top passers. He remains first all-time with 679 touchdowns and has moved ahead of Arizona Rattlers' QB Sherdrick Bonner to second in all-time passing yards with 32,596. Garcia is currently second all-time with 2,764 pass completions.
The All-Arena QB reached the 650 plateau vs. Arizona on February 27. Last year on April 18 vs. the Colorado Crush, Garcia became the first professional football player to throw for 600 career touchdowns.

AARON GARCIA ALL-TIME RANKINGS:
Rank Touchdowns Yardage Completions
1st Aaron Garcia679 Andy Kelly34,866 Andy Kelly3,115
2nd Andy Kelly672 Aaron Garcia 32,596 Aaron Garcia2,764
3rd Sherdrick Bonner 632 Sherdrick Bonner 31,679 Sherdrick Bonner 2,562
4th Clint Dolezel603 Clint Dolezel 30,186 Clint Dolezel2,530


TOUCHDOWN MACHINE:
Just because QB Aaron Garcia is getting older, doesn't mean he's slowing down. Going back to the 2004 season, Garcia has thrown the second highest amount of the touchdowns in the AFL with 135. He trails only Philadelphia Soul QB Tony Graziani who has 155 over the past two seasons.

Player Touchdowns
Tony Graziani 155
Aaron Garcia 135
Andy Kelly 125
Clint Dolezel 114
John Kaleo 118

KICKIN' IT:
The Dragons know K Rob Bironas has a strong leg and it's paying off. Bironas is tied for third in the league with 22 touchbacks and is tied for ninth in the league in scoring for kickers with 60 points.

RETURN ENGAGEMENT:
The Dragons' special teams have been tops in the league when it comes to returning kicks. Through the first eight games of the season, the Dragons have returned seven for touchdowns. In Week Seven against Georgia, WR/DB Corey Johnson returned two for scores. He and WR/DB Will Holder are tied for second in the league lead in return touchdowns with three, while OS Markeith Cooper has one. The Dragons, as a team, lead the league in this category with a total of seven.

ANGEL IN THE BACKFIELD:
DS Chris Angel isn't letting too many receivers get past him in the backfield. The second year veteran is currently fourth in the league with 50.5 tackles, 45 of which were solo, and tied for tenth with seven passes defended. Due to his ejection in Week Nine at Columbus, he second-year pro did not record any tackles last week.

QUARTERBACKS GETTING BURNED:
The Dragons' defense has been outstanding early on in 2005. They currently lead the league in team interceptions with 18. In Week Nine at Columbus, the defense forced three interceptions, including one in the final seconds of the game. All but two of the Dragons' defensive turnovers have come from interceptions.
WR/DB Corey Johnson is currently tied for first place in the AFL with six interceptions with rookie DS Billy Parker in third place with five. DS Chris Angel is tied for 16th with two.

DRAGONS KEEP TAKING, BUT DON'T GIVE:
The Dragons' offense hasn't turned the ball over much this season and the defense has forced seventeen turnovers. That makes for a fire breathin' combination in terms of the giveaway-takeaway differential. Entering Week Ten, the Dragons lead the league with a plus-nine ratio, 20 to 9.

BILLY THE KID:
DS Billy Parker is certainly making waves throughout the AFL. In his first two AFL games, Parker recorded three interceptions and was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game in both contests. Through Week Eight, the former William & Mary standout is currently third in the AFL with five interceptions and has recorded 47.5 tackles, the most for any rookie and ninth highest in the league. In Week Nine versus Columbus, Parker recorded 4.5 tackles and a game-high two pass breakups.

COLISEUM MADNESS:
For the second consecutive season the Dragons set a new single-game franchise attendance record. The organization started off the 2005 season on February 6, 2005 with a packed house of 14,925, which is the complete Arena Football capacity for the Nassau Coliseum. Through four home games, the Dragons attendance figure for this season is 48,393.

DEFENSE GOT IT DONE VS. ARIZONA:
The Dragons' defense tied an AFL record in their game versus the Arizona Rattlers by recording six interceptions. WR/DB Corey Johnson hauled in a pair in the first half while DS Chris Angel, WR/LB Mike Horacek, DS Billy Parker and FB/LB Josh White all added one a piece. The defense recorded eight defensive stops including a turnover on downs on the Rattlers' first drive of the game.

IRON MIKE HORACEK:
Following his three touchdown performance versus the Arizona Ratters in Week Five, Dragons WR/LB Mike Horacek was named the US Army Ironman of the Week. Offensively, Horacek recorded five receptions for 50 yards and two touchdowns. However, his biggest contribution came on defense when he intercepted a fourth quarter pass from Rattlers' QB Sherdrick Bonner and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown. The play sealed the win for the Dragons.

JOHNSON NAMED IRONMAN OF THE WEEK:
Following his standout performance in the Dragons' 53-51 victory over the Georgia Force on March 12, WR/DB Corey Johnson was named the Week Seven US Army Ironman of the Week. Johnson had three touchdowns along with an interception and played in every offensive and defensive series.
Statistically, Johnson returned two kicks for scores from 55 and 57 yards, respectively, and caught another for a total of three. Johnson was also a playmaker defensively, by recording 4.0 tackles with one interception. He finished with game-high 258 total yards.

LIVING YOUNG:
In the off-season the Dragons hired a defensive-minded head coach, who also happens to be the youngest in professional football. Weylan Harding enters the 2005 season at 33 years old, 23 months and four days younger than the second-youngest head coach – New Orleans's Mike Neu. However, Harding does not hold the distinction of being the youngest coach in league history. That honor goes to Kevin Guy of the 2000 New Jersey Red Dogs, who was 27 years old.

TEAM COACH DOB AGE
NYD Harding 1/5/1972 33
NOV Neu 12/9/1970 34
LAA Hodgkiss 10/23/1970 34
GRR McEwen 4/28/1968 36
ORL Gruden 3/4/1967 37

ARENA-BRED COACHES:
The Dragons are one of two teams in the league this season to have their entire coaching staff comprised of former AFL players. They share the distinction with the Philadelphia Soul. In total, the Dragons' coaching staff has a combined 22 years of AFL playing experience and another combined 14-plus years as coaches.

STANDING TALL:
At 5 foot 6 inches tall, OS Markeith Cooper holds the distinction of being the shortest athlete in professional football. Quick on his feet, Cooper's original position was halfback. However, he switched to wide receiver while in his junior season in college.

ORIGINAL DRAGONS:
FB/LB Chin Achebe and QB Aaron Garcia are New York Dragons through thick and thin. The duo consists of the only two that have played with the team for each of its first five seasons on Long Island. Both Achebe and Garcia made the move when the Iowa Barnstormers relocated to New York prior to the 2001 season.
Achebe has spent each of his six AFL seasons with the franchise as he made his league debut as a Barnstormer in 2000. Garcia was traded to Iowa from New Jersey on June 2, 1998 for WR/DB Chris Spencer and OL/DL John Dixon. This is Garcia's 11th AFL season and eighth with the franchise.
OS Kevin Swayne has been the property of the Dragons for all five seasons, however he spent two seasons on the exempt list from 2002-2004. After a successful 2001 campaign, he was signed by the NFL's New York Jets and stayed there for three seasons. He returned to the Dragons mid-way through the 2004 season. Swayne also suited up for the Barnstormers from 1998-1999.
WR/LB Mike Horacek is the only other player to have played for both the Barnstormers and the Dragons. From 1997 to 2000, Horacek split time as a WR/DB and an OS with Iowa. He was the AFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2000, his last with the team until he was selected in 2004 Dispersal Draft. The 2005 season is his first with the Dragons, but fifth with the franchise.

Players to Watch

THREE FIRE BREATHIN' DRAGONS:
QB Aaron Garcia: One of the most prolific passers in the history of the AFL always gives his team a chance to win. In the win at Columbus in Week Nine, Garcia threw for his second 300-yard game by recording 326 passing yards. He's closing in on the 700 touchdown plateau as he is only 21 away.
OS Mike Horacek: Horacek is back at OS, the position he played at the last four seasons before coming to the Dragons. Anytime he's on the field, Horacek is thought of as a threat because he can score from anywhere on it. In Week Nine he scored two touchdowns and racked up a team-high 108 receiving yards. In Week Five, Horacek was honored as the Ironman of the Week.
WR/DB Corey Johnson: Johnson is a jack of all trades in the AFL. He's tied for the league lead in interceptions with six and is tied for second with teammate WR/DB Will Holder in kick returns for touchdowns with three. He's been an unstoppable force and is on pace for a career season.

Inside the Headset

Every Monday, Dragons head coach Weylan Harding lets the fans get inside his headset in an open question and answer forum. Here's a summary of this week's journal.

Coach, what exactly happened on the Chris Angel ejection? It didn't seem like he did anything too bad.

Harding: I believe Chris was respectfully arguing his case for a missed call on a clip and made incidental contact with the referee resulting in his ejection. In my opinion it was an over reaction when you consider what type of player Chris is.

What are your thoughts on the play of DaShane Dennis? In the last two weeks, he's come up big time for the team!

Harding: DaShane is doing the job he was brought in to do. He is continuing a theme of answering the bell when you are called just like the rest of the team. As his confidence grows his production and role will grow.

What do you expect out of Chicago this week, especially with them coming off a bye week?

Harding: I expect a great effort just like any other team that plays us. Most assured they will be rested and ready to go and we will be waiting.

For a full length copy of Inside the Headset, please contact Corey Witt or see a Dragons Media Relations Assistant.


Game Award Winners

Week 2:
Offensive POG: WR/LB Mike Horacek
US Army Ironman: WR/LB Mike Horacek
ADT Defensive POG: DS Billy Parker
Week 3:
ADT Defensive POG: DS Billy Parker
Week 4:
Offensive POG: OS Kevin Swayne
US Army Ironman: FB/LB Josh White
ADT Defensive POG: WR/LB Mike Horacek
Week 5:
Offensive POG: OS Kevin Swayne
US Army Ironman: WR/LB Mike Horacek
ADT Defensive POG: WR/DB Corey Johnson
Week 6:
Offensive POG: OS Mike Horacek
ADT Defensive POG: DS Chris Angel
Week 7:
US Army Ironman: WR/DB Corey Johnson
ADT Defensive POG: DS Chris Angel
Week 9:
Offensive POG: QB Aaron Garcia
US Army Ironman: WR/LB Chris Anthony

AFL Weekly Award Winners

Week 5:
US Army Ironman: WR/LB Mike Horacek
Week 7:
US Army Ironman: WR/DB Corey Johnson

Dragons Transactions

3/24/05: Placed OL/DL Richard Harris on the Injured Reserve list. Signed OL/DL Ufuoma Pela from the Practice Squad. Activated and waived QB Ronnie Gordon and OL/DL Clyde Sanders from the Injured Reserve list.
3/17/05: Activated WR/DB DaShane Dennis from the Injured Reserve list. Placed OL/DL John Thomas on the Injured Reserve list.
3/10/05: Placed QB Ronnie Gordon on the Injured Reserve list. Activated FB/LB Chin Achebe off the Injured Reserve list.
3/8/05: Signed QB Ronnie Gordon from the Practice Squad.
3/7/05: Activated and waived WR/DB Lamont Webb from the Injured Reserve list. Placed OS Kevin Swayne on the Injured Reserve list.
2/22/05: Signed OL/DL Chad Pegues. Released OL/DL Will Burnett.
2/17/05: Activated OS Kevin Swayne from the Injured Reserve list. Placed WR/DB DaShane Dennis on the Injured Reserve list.
2/16/05: Signed WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson. Placed FB/LB Chin Achebe on the Injured Reserve list.
2/15/05: Announced DS Chuck Wesley was signed off the Practice Squad by Grand Rapids.
2/8/05: Signed DS Chuck Wesley to the practice squad.
2/05/05: Placed OS Kevin Swayne on the Injured Reserve list.
2/01/05: Signed OL/DL Ufuoma Pela to the Practice Squad.
1/31/05: Signed WR/LB Latrez Harrison to the Practice Squad.
1/28/05: Signed QB Ronnie Gordon to the Practice Squad.
1/27/05: Waived FB/LB Jeremiah Pharms from the Practice Squad.
1/26/05: Signed WR/DB Yuichi Watanabe to the International Practice Squad.
1/25/05: Awarded FB/LB Jamaal Cherry off waivers. Placed OL/DL Clyde Sanders on the Injured Reserve list. Signed FB/LB Jeremiah Pharms to the Practice Squad.
1/24/05: Placed WR/DB Lamont Webb on the Injured Reserve list.
1/23/05: Waived DS Jerald Brown.
1/22/05: Waived OL/DL Andre Arnold, OL/DL David Ashkinaz, QB Kane Claunch, WR/DB Scott Cloman, DS Nate Coggins, QB Ronnie Gordon, WR/LB Latrez Harrison, OL/DL Kerry Linnear, OL/DL John McDermott, FB/LB Chris McIver and OL/DL Charles Missant.
1/21/05: Signed OL/DL Kerry Linnear, OL/DL Steve Scifres and WR/DB Lamont Webb.
1/20/05: Waived WR/DB Kenny Johnson and OL/DL Ufuoma Pela.
1/19/05: Signed WR/DB Kenny Johnson. Waived FB/LB Laurence Nolen.
1/18/05: Signed WR/DB Mutsumi Takahashi to the International Practice Squad.
1/13/05: Signed QB Ronnie Gordon, OL/DL Joe Laudano and FB/LB Chris McIver.
1/12/05: Signed OL/DL Charles Missant.
1/11/05: Signed OS Markeith Cooper. Waived OL/DL Jerry Turner.
1/09/05: Waived DS John Barnes, FB/LB Rashon Burns and FB/LB Derric Coackley.
1/05/05: Signed WR/DB Corey Johnson.
1/04/05: Placed WR/DB Lincoln Dupree and OL/DL Eric England on the Refused-to-Report list.

MILESTONES WITHIN REACH

Aaron Garcia 21 passing touchdowns shy of 700 for his career
Will Holder 4 total touchdowns shy of 50 for his career
Mike Horacek 10.5 tackles shy of 100.0 for his career
Billy Parker 2.5 tackles shy of 50.0 for his career
Chad Pegues 9.0 shy of 50.0 for his career
Kevin Swayne 43 receiving yards shy of 5,000 for his career
Sir Mawn Wilson 0.5 tackles shy of 100.0 for his career

MILESTONES REACHED in 2005

Weylan Harding Recorded his 1st win as a head coach vs. Dallas (2/6)
Stacey Evans Played in his 60th AFL game vs. Dallas (2/6)
Corey Johnson Recorded his 250th career tackle vs. Dallas (2/6)
Billy Parker Played in his 1st AFL game vs. Dallas (2/6)
Billy Parker Recorded his 1st AFL interception vs. Dallas (2/6)
Joe Laudano Played in his 1st AFL game vs. Dallas (2/6)
Jamaal Cherry Played in his 1st AFL game at Las Vegas (2/11)
Kevin Swayne Recorded his 5,000 career receiving yard vs. Nashville (2/19)
Kevin Swayne Recorded his 100th AFL touchdown vs. Nashville (2/19)
Chris Angel Recorded his 1st career interception vs. Arizona (2/27)
Aaron Garcia Recorded his 650th passing touchdown of his career vs. Arizona (2/27)
Corey Johnson Recorded his 20th career interception vs. Arizona (2/27)
Josh White Recorded his 1st career interception vs. Arizona (2/27)
Aaron Garcia Recorded his 700th career touchdown vs. Philadelphia (3/6)
Kevin Clemens Rushed for his 100th career yard vs. Philadelphia (3/6)
Mike Horacek Recorded his 150th AFL touchdown vs. Philadelphia (3/6)
Josh White Rushed for his 100th career yard vs. Philadelphia (3/6)
Chris Anthony Registered his 47th career receiving yard vs. Georgia (3/12)
Jamaal Cherry Recorded his 1st career solo tackle vs. Georgia (3/12)
Jamaal Cherry Recorded his 1st career sack vs. Georgia (3/12)
Mike Horacek Recorded his 150th career receiving touchdowns vs. Georgia (3/12)
Joe Laudano Recorded his 1st career solo tackle vs. Georgia (3/12)
Markeith Cooper Recorded his 2,000th receiving yard at Austin (3/19)
DaShane Dennis Recorded his 1st career fumble recovery at Austin (3/19)
DaShane Dennis Recorded his 1st career touchdown (defense) at Austin (3/19)
Aaron Garcia Recorded his 4,000th pass completion at Austin (3/19)
Jermaine Miles Recorded his 50th career tackle at Austin (3/19)
Jamaal Cherry Recorded his 1st career forced fumble at Columbus (3/26)
DaShane Dennis Recorded his 1st career interception at Columbus (3/26)
Stacey Evans Recorded his 100th career tackle at Columbus (3/26)
Mike Horacek Recorded his 7,000th career receiving yard at Columbus (3/26)
Ufoma Pela Played in his 1st career AFL game at Columbus (3/26)



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 29, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent New York Dragons Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central