New York Dragons game notes
Published on May 8, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
ABOUT THE GAME
The Dragons continue on the road in Week Eleven when they head to Philadelphia for their second consecutive division road match-up Monday night at the Wachovia Center. The Dragons were defeated by the Soul in Week Five of this season, 65-60 at the Nassau Coliseum. The Dragons lead the all-time series versus the Soul 4-3.
NEXT WEEK'S PREVIEW
The Dragons return home in Week Twelve when the face the Kansas City Brigade on Sunday May 20th at 1:00pm. The Dragons faced the Brigade in 2006 which was Kansas City's first year in the league and New York was defeated 54-48. A win would tie the series at 1-1.
DRAGONS' WEEK ELEVEN PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Thursday (5/10): 12:00-2:00 at Mitchel Field Practice Facility
Friday (5/11): 12:00-2:00 at Mitchel Field Practice Facility
Saturday (5/12): 12:00-1:00 at Mitchel Field Practice Facility.
To confirm the Dragons' practice schedule/time or to receive directions, please contact Kerri Griesbeck at 516-501-6889.
IF THE DRAGONS WIN, IT WOULD GIVE...
- The Dragons their 107th regular season victory and their 114th of all-time.
- The team their 51st victory since moving to Long Island in 2001.
- The Dragons a 3-7 record and a 2-3 home record for the season.
AARON GARCIA RETURNS
Aaron Garcia returned in Week Nine after being out more than a year after a season ending fractured tibia in Week Five of the 2006 season versus Orlando. In his first game back, Garcia was named Offensive Player of the Game in the Dragons 67-45 victory over the Arizona Rattlers where Garcia recorded 17 completions on 30 attempts for 251 yards and seven touchdowns with one interception.
Garcia has totaled 36,638 passing yards and 769 touchdowns in his career and now enters his 13th season. Last season, in five games he recorded 121 completions on 157 attempts for 1,417 yards and 32 touchdowns. Garcia was also the first quarterback to throw for 700 (April 29, 2005 at Dallas) and 750 (February 19, 2006 at Philadelphia) touchdowns. Dallas QB Clint Dolezel was first to reach the 800 milestone this season while Garcia was on the injured reserve but Garcia will continue to aim for 800 and to take back the reins in the leader boards.
HORACEK CONTINUES TO CLIMB CHARTS
Mike Horacek became the eighth player in AFL history to reach the 10,000 receiving yards milestone in Week Seven versus Colorado. He accomplished this feat in 104 career AFL games. His 100th career game took place this season in Week Four at Tampa Bay. His 94 yards in Week Ten vs. Columbus has now moved him to the fifth spot all-time in the league, behind Harrell and Jackson.
Player Team Yards
Barry Wagner 13,363
Eddie Brown 12,730
Damian Harrell Colorado 11,283
Chris Jackson Georgia 10,838
Mike Horacek New York 10,370
Gary Compton 10,327
Greg Hopkins 10,300
Cory Fleming 10,217
Horacek also holds the league record for most receiving yards in a game with 285 when he accomplished the feat with the Iowa Barnstormers on July 15, 2000 versus Albany.
ALL-TIME 100-YARD RECEIVING GAMES
Player Team Games
Eddie Brown Albany/Indiana 59
Barry Wagner San Jose 55
Damian Harrell Colorado 55
Chris Jackson Georgia 54
Mike Horacek New York 42
Calvin Schexnayder Arizona 40
AFL's ACTIVE PLAYERS CAREER 5-TD GAMES
Player Team Games
Chris Jackson Georgia 14
Damian Harrell Colorado 12
Siaha Burley Utah 9
Mike Horacek New York 7
Marcus Nash Dallas 7
Kevin Swayne New York 6
ANTHONY: AN IRONMAN ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Not only is Chris Anthony an outstanding athlete, but citizen as well. This Ironman kept busy this past offseason by starting his own non-profit organization called SpineLife. SpineLife assists athlete's who suffer sports related spinal cord injuries and head traumas. Anthony was first inspired after witnessing the tragic death of Al Lucas (Los Angeles Avengers) on the field during the Dragons game in Los Angeles in the 2005 season. Visit www.StandWithTravis.com to learn more about SpineLife's latest ventures.
DRAGONS KICKED OFF SEASON AT HOME
Since moving to Long Island, the Dragons have kicked off the season at home three times: 2001, 2005 and 2006. In each of those seasons, the Dragons have made the playoffs.
BLAST FROM A PAST SEASON
DB Billy Parker returns to the Dragons for the 2007 season after spending the 2006 season on the Carolina Panthers Practice Squad. In 2005, Parker led the Dragons defense in interceptions and tied the franchise interception record with ten. He was also named to the All-Rookie and All-Arena teams as a DS in 2005.
STATISTICS:
A look at how New York and Philadelphia match-up based on 2007 regular season statistics:
Statistical NEW YORK Philadelphia
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 18th 46.3 11th 51.4
Scoring Defense 11th 55.7 5th 48.4
Total Offense (yds/g) 13th 288.8 15th 278.4
Total Defense (yds/g) 8th 292.2 17th 316.8
Pass Offense 12th 267.0 14th 261.4
Pass Defense 6th 265.2 16th 299.9
Rushing Offense 9th 21.8 13th 17.0
Rushing Defense 18th 27.0 7th 16.9
Passer Rating 19th 97.4 13th 104.9
Def. Passer Rating 7th 109.5 6th 106.4
Kickoff Returns (y/rtn) 4th 19.5 7th 18.1
MFG Returns 19th 5-38 9th 6-92
Turnover Margin 19th -13 14th -3
Interceptions By 8th 11-91 7th 11-161
Field Goals 14th 5-11 8th 5-9
PATs 11th 48-55 10th 56-64
First Downs 17th 168 17th 168
3rd Down Conversion 11th 27-56 6th 29-54
4th Down Conversion 16th 5-13 19th 4-12
Penalties (yds/g) 12th 51.9 10th 48.9
Sacks By 17th 5-37 7th 11-70
Sacks Against 15th 13-85 4th 4-17
Time of Possession 14th 29:04 18th 28:09
Red Zone Offense 19th 26-36 15th 24-30
Red Zone Defense 13th 28-33 11th 36-43
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 8, 2007
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- Williams makes plays on both sides, earns AFL Ironman of the Week - Kansas City Brigade
- Jason Stewart honored as AFL "Defensive Player of the Week" - Los Angeles Avengers
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- Gladiators to Visit Easter Seals Adaptive Program - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Chicago's Sippio, Los Angeles' Stewart, And Kansas City's Williams Earn Week 10 Honors - AFL I
- Samuels reaches milestones - Tampa Bay Storm
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