The Core To Return
June 26, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
The Dragons admittedly ended their season in disappointing fashion on Saturday, falling to the Columbus Destroyers in a game, where a win could have sent them to the postseason with a record of 6-10. But like much of the season, the Dragons fell short, causing them to miss the playoffs for the first time since Weylan Harding took over as head coach for the 2005 season.
An emotional Harding spoke to reporters about the sour taste this season left, motivating him as much as ever to return with a stronger effort next year.
A big help would be the return of re-signed star quarterback Aaron Garcia, who went 4-2 in his six starts. His season was cut short with a leg injury, and the Dragons finished the season 0-4. Garcia's injury is not considered serious, and should make a full recovery prior to training camp in February.
Along with Garcia, other cornerstones of the team returning include WR/LB Chris Anthony and DB Billy Parker, who both re-signed for next season. Already signed for next season are receivers Mike Horacek and Kevin Swayne as well as defensive back Will Holder.
"The core of the team should be back next season," said Parker. "It's a positive outlook next year, despite not ending the season the way we wanted to."
Up front, C Joe Laudano and OL Greg Randall are set to return, along with Hofstra grad LB Daniel Garay.
"I believe we gelled as a line by the end of the season," said Laudano. "We stuck to our scheme and got used to being around each other. Our steps got good through our hard work in practice. I'm looking forward to having the same line next year if everything works out. None of us had played together to start the season. Two of them weren't in New York before and I was a backup last season. We'll hopefully be starting off with the same guys we finished with at the end of this season."
After starting the season 1-6, the Dragons had an uphill battle in order to reach the postseason. The players know that the key to reaching the playoffs next season is a stronger start.
"We put ourselves in a hole, and fought back, but we couldn't get those one or two wins at the end we needed," said Parker. "When we have opportunities like that we can't let it slip through our hands. We have to work hard in the off-season and have a good camp. It's important next season to start off fast."
With the core group of players returning and a healthy Aaron Garcia, the Dragons have the necessary tools to get to the playoffs in 2008.
Below is the list of players set to return for 2008.
QB Aaron Garcia
QB Rohan Davey
QB Asad Abdul-Khaliq
WR Keron Henry
WR Mike Horacek
WR/LB Chris Anthony
WR Kevin Swayne
DB Billy Parker
DB Will Holder
FB/LB Bruce Blue
FB/LB Ivory McCoy
FB Ja'Mar Toombs
DL Kevin Carberry
OL Alonzo Ephraim
LB Daniel Garay
DL Cletidus Hunt
DL Vontrell Jamison
C Joe Laudano
OL Greg Randall
DL Adam Roberts
OL/DL Paul White
K Carter Warley
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