Pivotal defensive plays and a relentless offensive raise Dragons record to 8-6 on the season
June 8, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
WR Keron Henry ran in his second touchdown of the game with 2:15 remaining in the fourth quarter to lift the Dragons to a 58-51 victory over the New Orleans VooDoo, Saturday night at the Nassau Coliseum. The Dragons defense made a stop on the next drive, but the New York offense fumbled the ball, giving QB Danny Wimprine one last chance to tie the game. The quarterback's throw off the net was batted away to preserve the victory and put the Dragons two games over .500 with two games left in the regular season.
"I was just hoping a lightning bolt doesn't strike twice," said head coach Weylan Harding referring to a touchdown off the back net New Orleans had earlier in the game.
The Aaron Garcia-led offense scored a touchdown on all but one possession in the final two quarters for a 28-point second half. Garcia's final line was: 31-of-41 for 335 yards and five touchdowns.
"In the second half I tried to get rid of the ball a little quicker," said Garcia. "As the game goes along that's not the type of adjustment I like to make, but tonight it was necessary."
WR Kevin Swayne caught 14 receptions for 135 yards and four touchdowns. His 14 receptions matched Jason Willis' 14 earlier this year for a season-high. FB/LB Ricky Hall also hauled in a touchdown.
The Dragons once again used Henry for goal line plays. Henry scored three rushing touchdowns, following up the two he scored last week at Colorado.
On the defensive side, DB Billy Parker made his eighth interception of the year in the third quarter. Parker also had three pass breakups and three tackles. DL Jason Hardee forced two fumbles that were ultimately recovered by the VooDoo. New Orleans missed a field goal attempt and turned the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter.
The VooDoo led 37-30 at the half after forcing the Dragons to turn the ball over downs and settle for a K Steve Azar kicked a 48-yard field goal. Following Swayne's second touchdown reception, DL Michale Spicer blocked K Steve Azar's extra-point attempt. Lin-J Shell returned it into the end zone for two additional points for the VooDoo.
"The mistakes we made in the first half were self-inflicted," said Harding. "All we have to do is play the way we're capable of and we'll be alright."
Wimprine finished the game 19-of-39 for 207 yards and six touchdowns. Four VooDoo receivers recorded touchdowns: Jeremiah Pope (2), Ira Gooch (2), James Lynch (1) and James Jordan (1). Pope also ran back a kickoff for a touchdown.
The Dragons travel to Conference-leading Dallas next Saturday to take on the Desperados.
"I look forward to going down to Dallas," said Harding. "It's going to be a hard-fought game."
Five Stars of the Game
1. WR Kevin Swayne: Only one reception away from 100 on the season
2. DB Billy Parker: Caught his team-leading 8th reception along with 3 pass breakups
3. QB Aaron Garcia: Clutch throwing led to the Dragons victory
4. WR Jeremiah Pope: Dangerous as a receiver and kick returner
5. WR Keron Henry: Getting it done on the ground and in the air
Stat of the Game: The Dragons defense held New Orleans to one touchdown in each of the final two quarters.
Extra Kicks: The Dragons are 2-0 all-time against New Orleans VooDoo...The Dragons are 5-2 at home this season...Chris Anthony became the second Dragon this season to record 100 receptions, joining Jason Willis. This is the first time in Dragons history more than one Dragon eclipsed the 100 reception mark in a season.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 8, 2008
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- Arizona handles Kansas City 73-34 - Kansas City Brigade
- Pivotal defensive plays and a relentless offensive raise Dragons record to 8-6 on the season - New York Dragons
- Storm Sweep Predators, 71-61 - Tampa Bay Storm
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