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New York Dragons game notes

April 5, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


Quick Facts

NY Dragons (6-3) at Los Angeles Avengers (5-4)
Date: Sunday ▪ April 10, 2005
Kickoff: 3:00 PM (EST)
Site: Staples Center (16,606)
Officials: Referee: Tom McCabe, Umpire: Matt Jordan, Head Linesman: Neil Brunner, Line Judge: Bob McElwee, Back Judge: David Cutaia
TV: FSNY/FSN West: Bill MacDonald (play-by-play), John Jackson (analyst) and Lindsay Soto (sideline)
Radio: 1560 Radio Disney WQEW: Peter Schwartz (play-by-play) and Wayne Morris (analyst)
Series Record: Los Angeles 3 games to 0
Series Streak: Los Angeles + 3
Last Regular Season Meeting:
Los Angeles 58, New York 53
Nassau Coliseum • Uniondale, NY
May 16, 2004
Coaches All-Time Record:
New York ▪ Weylan Harding (All-Time: 6-3, 1st year)
Los Angeles • Ed Hodgkiss (All-Time: 33-25, 4th 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 L 44-43
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 6-3 .667 4-1 2-2 3-0 4-1
1. DAL 6-3 .667 3-2 3-1 2-1 4-2
3. PHI 5-5 .500 3-2 2-3 1-2 3-3
4. CMB 1-8 .111 1-4 0-4 0-3 0-4

Game Preview

The New York Dragons begin their second two-game road swing of the season when they travel to the west coast to take on the Los Angeles Avengers. The Dragons remain in a tight divisional and conference race as Los Angeles is their last non-conference opponent of the season. In three attempts the Dragons have never defeated the Avengers

Last Regular Season Meeting Recap

Needing a win to secure a playoff spot last season, the Dragons came up short against the Los Angeles Avengers, 58-53. After QB Aaron Garcia through his sixth touchdown of the game, the Dragons could not recovery an onsides kick with :19 seconds remaining on the clock. Former Dragons' OS Richmond Flowers led the way for New York with six receptions for 142 yards and three touchdowns.

DRAGONS/Los Angeles all-time

DATE H/A SCORE W/L
April 19, 2002 A 25-43 L
March 9, 2003 H 65-61 L
May 16, 2004 H 58-53 L

Last Week

The Dragons sustained their first loss at the Nassau Coliseum, falling to the Chicago Rush 44-43. QB Aaron Garcia miss-fired four consecutive passes during the Dragons' last offensive possession in the final minute. Chicago was then able to run out the clock. Garcia completed 21 of 36 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns, each to a different receiver. FB/LB Josh "Zeus" White was named the Ironman of the Game with two rushing scores.

Next Week

The Dragons will complete their two-game road swing in Orlando versus the Predators. The franchise's last win came on August 16, 1997 when the Iowa Barnstormers beat Orlando 52-34 in the playoffs. However, the Dragons have never defeated the Predators.

Dragons Practice Schedule

Wednesday (4/6): 10:30-12:30 at Practice Facility
Thursday (4/7): 10:30-12:30 at Practice Facility
Friday (4/8): Practice/Walk Through TBD
Saturday (4/9) Travel Day

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

The IF's

If the Dragons defeat Los Angeles it would give...

· The Dragons a 7-3 record for the season.
· The Dragons a 3-2 road record.
· The Dragons a two-game road wining 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 1-3 versus the Avengers.

Dragons 2005 Record When/Versus

At the Home 4-1 Opponents Score First 2-1
On the Road 2-2 Ahead at Half 5-1
Friday 0-1 Tied at Half 1-0
Saturday 3-2 Behind at Half 1-1
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 0-2
April 0-1 Outcome 7 pts or less 0-1
May 0-0 Outcome 3 pts or less 2-1
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 2-2 Plus turnover margin 5-1
Central Division 1-1 Even turnover Margin 1-0
Western Division 1-1 Minus Turnover Margin 0-2
Score First 4-2


Notes From the Dragons Lair

CALIFORNIA CONNECTIONS:
Dragons' WR/DB Corey Johnson suited up for the Avengers in 2000, while FB/LB Kevin Clemens played out west from 2003 to 2004. QB Aaron Garcia lives in Sacramento, CA and attended college at Sacramento State. FB/LBs Jamaal Cherry and Josh "Zeus" White each attended California University.

HIGH RATINGS:
QB Aaron Garcia is quietly having a standout season. Entering Week Eleven, Garcia is the top-rated quarterback in the AFL with a QB Rating of 122.3. For the season, he has completed 189 of 282 passes for a 67.0 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 17 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 680. Garcia should take a substantial lead in the race as Kelly and the VooDoo are idle this week.

TOUCHDOWN MACHINE:
Just because QB Aaron Garcia is getting older it 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 139. He trails only Philadelphia Soul QB Tony Graziani who has 162 over the past two seasons.

Player Touchdowns
Tony Graziani 162
Aaron Garcia 139
Andy Kelly 133
John Kaleo 120
Clint Dolezel 119

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 683 touchdowns and has moved ahead of Arizona Rattlers' QB Sherdrick Bonner to second in all-time passing yards with 32,824. Garcia is currently second all-time with 2,785 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 Garcia683 Andy Kelly35,224 Andy Kelly3,143
2nd Andy Kelly680 Aaron Garcia 32,824 Aaron Garcia2,785
3rd Sherdrick Bonner 632 Sherdrick Bonner 31,679 Sherdrick Bonner 2,562
4th Clint Dolezel608 Clint Dolezel 30,507 Clint Dolezel2,555

A RETURN ENGAGEMENT:
The Dragons' special teams have been tops in the league when it comes to returning kicks. Through the first nine 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 sixth in the league with 59.5 tackles, 51 of which were solo, and tied for twelfth with eight passes defended. Due to his ejection in Week Ten vs. Chicago, the second-year pro recorded a game-high 9.0 tackles and one pass break up.

QUARTERBACKS GETTING BURNED:
The Dragons' defense has been outstanding 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 tied for third place with five. DS Chris Angel and WR/LB/OS Mike Horacek are tied for 22nd with two each. WR/DBs DaShane Dennis and Will Holder along with FB/LB Josh "Zeus" White each have one.

DRAGONS KEEP TAKING, BUT DON'T GIVE:
The Dragons' offense hasn't turned the ball over much this season and the defense has forced twenty turnovers. That makes for a fire breathin' combination in terms of the giveaway-takeaway differential. Entering Week Eleven, the Dragons are second in the league with a plus-ten ratio, 20 to 10.

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 Ten, the former William & Mary standout is currently tied for third in the AFL with five interceptions and has recorded 54.5 tackles, the most for any rookie and eighth highest in the league. In Week Ten versus Chicago, Parker recorded 7.0 tackles, all solo.

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 five home games, the Dragons attendance figure for this season is 60,112.

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.

WALKING 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 a loss in Week Ten vs. Chicago, Garcia threw for 228 yards and four touchdowns. He's closing in on the 700 touchdown plateau as he is only 17 away.
WR/LB Chris Anthony: Not getting the breaks early on in 2005, Anthony has come on strong in recent weeks. Over the last two games, Anthony is the team's leading receiver with 17 receptions for 169 yards and five touchdowns.
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.

Hey Coach, tough loss this weekend. What happened at the end of the game with the offense?

Harding: I believe that we may have gotten caught up in the emotion of the moment with the stop and the chance to take the lead. We were having some timing issues along with pressing to make the big play. As a head coach, the requirements for the situation must be communicated to the team with the utmost clarity. I feel we were not totally focused on what was needed.

The team has a difficult next two games. In regards to travel, how do you prepare for LA and Orlando?

Harding: Considering the short window, we must do more film work than anything. The recovery time does not allow for a normal practice format. We have to be into it more mentally than physically in our preparation during these weeks. We cannot afford to be a tired team vs. these opponents.

Coach, after watching LA in the NBC studios on Sunday, what are your impressions?

Harding: Los Angeles has a lot of heart and ability on their team. I was impressed with their effort even though they had every reason to pack it in. They strongly remind me of us in this area. This looks to be a dogfight.

Coach, did you have a good time at the AFL of NBC studio this week?

Harding: I had an enjoyable experience to say the least. The NBC crew was very down to earth. Live television is a beast! I think I was less nerved up for the ArenaBowl! All things considered, I feel I had a fairly smooth debut. How was my hair? (Laughs)

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 "Zeus" 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
Week 10:
US Army Ironman: FB/LB Josh "Zeus" White

AFL Weekly Award Winners

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

Dragons Transactions

4/01/05: Activated OL/DL John Thomas from the Injured Reserve list. Placed OL/DL Ufuoma Pela on the Injured Reserve list.
3/30/05: Signed OL/DL Clyde Sanders to the Practice Squad.
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

Chris Angel 12.0 tackles shy of 100.0 for his career
Aaron Garcia 17 passing touchdowns shy of 700 for his career
Will Holder 3 total touchdowns shy of 50 for his career
Mike Horacek 10.5 tackles shy of 100.0 for his career
Chad Pegues 8.0 shy of 50.0 for his career
Kevin Swayne 43 receiving yards shy of 5,000 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 total 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)
Billy Parker Recorded his 50th career tackle vs. Chicago (4/2)
Chad Pegues Recorded his 1st career forced fumble vs. Chicago (4/2)
Josh White Recorded his 1st career pass breakup vs. Chicago (4/2)
Sir Mawn Wilson Recorded his 100th career tackle vs. Chicago (4/2)



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