2006 New York Dragons Thread

[badcellphoneguy]

Just a reminder that the NY Dragons training camp kicks off Monday January 9th 2006 at the Mitchell Field Complex in Uniondale. I will keep everybody updated with all the NY Dragons news. See you at camp!!

later

[badcellphoneguy]

the new york dragons added a new QB to back up Aaron Garcia this year. here is the release:

The New York Dragons have signed former Hofstra star QB Ian "Rocky" Butler. He will compete for the understudy role to All-Arena QB Aaron Garcia. The Dragons have also released QB David Corley and WR/DB Antoine Dunklin.

"This is a great opportunity for me," said Butler. "I'm familiar with the area and I still have my Hofstra roots. Off the field it will be an easy transition for me and on the field I get to learn from one of the best that has played Arena Football."

Butler has spent the last four seasons in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders where he played primarily as a backup. But before he went north of the border, Butler made his mark on Long Island as Hofstra's starting quarterback. As a senior, he completed 206 of 335 passes for 3,111 yards and 30 touchdowns and also rushed for 10 scores. That season, he led Hofstra to a 9-2 record and finished second in voting for the Walter Payton Award that goes to the nation's best Division I-AA player.

With the roster moves, the Dragons roster is currently at 36.


here is also some of the times for practise for this week:

All Dragons practices are open to the public and here's a list dates and times for the rest of the week:

Thursday 1/12 - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friday 1/13 - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday 1/14 - 9:45 am - 11:30 am
Sunday 1/15 - 9:45 am - 11:30 am

later

[Cromwell]

I will keep everybody updated with all the NY Dragons news.

Well, well well (in fezzie voice)

Look who's going to "keep us informed".

Meanwhile, *I* will actually be writing a detailed web article after every game. You know - something that *actually takes hard work* to do.

But please, badcellphoneguy - I look foward to all of your internet repostings - as well as your "inside dirt" - all gleaned from your very important job of "writing scores on a greaseboard" for the radio cast :icon_mrgr

Lets Go Dragons!

[badcellphoneguy]

news from training camp 1/13/06.

just a few notes from today. chris anthony injured his knee after catching a bomb from aaron garcia. he was kept out of the rest of the practise for precautionary reasons. also DeShane Dennis also sustained an injury with his knee also. both players will be day to day.

tomorrow the dragons will have a scrimmage at the mitchell athletic complex at 10am. it is free and fans are encouraged to come out.

any questions about directions or where it is just IM me.

see you at practise.

[askewcore]

People watch Arena Football?

[badcellphoneguy]

Well, well well (in fezzie voice)

Look who's going to "keep us informed".

Meanwhile, *I* will actually be writing a detailed web article after every game. You know - something that *actually takes hard work* to do.

But please, badcellphoneguy - I look foward to all of your internet repostings - as well as your "inside dirt" - all gleaned from your very important job of "writing scores on a greaseboard" for the radio cast :icon_mrgr

Lets Go Dragons!


HEY I ALWAYS PUT IN MY USUAL 15% EFFORT! I write on the grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreaseboard. waddle doodle...snarlins ehhhh

later

[badcellphoneguy]

People watch Arena Football?

one of the fastest growing sports in america right now. its fan friendly and affordable. the league has over 10 requests for franchises that they are looking into. its a terrific game live. the nfl actually send their scouts out to these games. alot of players from the nfl that played in the AFL such as Mike Furrey of the St Louis Rams. Kevin Kaversham from the Cincinnatti Bengals, Kevin Swayne played for the NY Jets, Orande Gadson from the Miami Dolphins and many more have played arena football before making it to the big show.

[Cromwell]

HEY I ALWAYS PUT IN MY USUAL 15% EFFORT!


And that's a very generous assessment :action-sm



I write on the grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreaseboard. waddle doodle...snarlins ehhhh

later


"Slinging lead-ah!" :icon_mrgr

[badcellphoneguy]

Just a update from dragons camp 1/14/06. they split the squads up for a scrimmage. Marcus "snowball" Owens looks great on the defensive line. It looks like he lost about 25lbs. Swayne and Horachek had some great catches. Former Hofstra QB Rocky Buter has some great QB scrambles but he has one problem and its not a problem that more cowbell can fix. He cant hold onto the football. He had about 5 fumbles so thats something harding and company needs to fix.

thats it for today.

later

[Cromwell]

Opening Night this Saturday at the Coliseum!

I'll be there (along with the illustrious badcellphoneguy) - covering the game and bring all the action to *you* - the wackbag fans!

Its firebreathing aaaaaareeana foooootballll!

[badcellphoneguy]

saturday is the home opener against the nashville kats. hope to see you guys out there. PM me if your going to the game. I'd like to meet some of you guys.

later

[Cromwell]

Do *I* need to PM you, bcg? :action-sm

CATCH THE DRAGONS ON AFLNET


For those who can't make it out to the Coliseum for the Dragons home opener this Saturday night versus the Nashville Kats, the AFL's official website will broadcast the game on AFLNet. Dragons' fans can also tune in on the radio with WLIE 540 AM.

Usually, users must register an account with AFLNet before viewing the game. But for this week's game, the AFL is offering a free preview. For details, please visit www.arenafootball.com.

The Dragons kickoff the 2006 season this Saturday night at 7:00 when they host the Nashville Kats at the Nassau Coliseum. Tickets are going fast, but great seats are still available. Fans should call 1-866-AFL-TIXX to speak to a Dragons' ticket representative for more information.

[Mother Shucker]

From the lack of interest, I suggest you two just PM each other.

[FreeTheCricket]

Uhhh.... the who on the what now?

[Cromwell]

Uhhh.... the who on the what now?


Ah - a "live" comment.

Sorry MutherShucker - the thread continues :action-sm

[flyerfan116]

Nice opener guys Soul are taking it to the ARENABOWL....S-O-U-L SOUL SOUL SOUL!!!!...yeah i'm gay but at least we won

[Cromwell]

Nice opener guys


Yeah - we completely shit the bed.

I cover the team for OurSportsCentral.com

Read my story:

Dragons falter in season opener
by Dave XM_Era (on Wackbag)

01/29/06 - Arena Football League (AFL) New York Dragons

Opening at home on a night when The New York Dragons hung a banner for
last season's Division Championship (their third consecutive), the team was handed a dose of reality about this season when The Nashville Kats took away a decisive 57-28 victory.

It took Nashville just over five minutes to turn a seven-point deficit into a nine-point lead that they would never relinquish. The combined efforts of QB Clint Stoerner (20-31 for 254 yards and 4 TDs) OS T.T. Tolliver (9 receptions, 132 yards, Offensive Player of Game) and WR/DB Jarrick Hillery (three TD's and earning Game Ironman honors) coupled with a stifling defense that sacked Dragons QB Aaron Garcia seven times (with DE Aaron McConnel earning the Defensive Player of the Game honors) was more than enough to turn an early tight game into a blowout.

The traditionally explosive Dragons offense was held in check for the majority of the night, with QB Aaron Garica going 27-41 for 270 yards and four TDs. However, the Nashville defense sacked Garcia seven times, setting a team record, and falling one shy of the AFL record.

With the loss of key defensive players in the offseason, Dragons headcoach Weylan Harding is well aware of the work that lies ahead for his team. "We brought a bunch of new faces in here. Nashville came back with a strong, pretty much veteran team. Fortunately for us, this is just the first game. We know we've got a lot of work to do for sure," said Harding.

"Losing key players is part of the game," the coach continued. "A player of the caliber of Billy Parker is not easy to replace. We've got rookies back there now and its definitely a work in progress. But our effort has to be maximum throughout the game. You can't make the kind of mistakes that we did against a team like Nashville."

Nashville defensive standout Aaron McConnell was responsible for two of the sacks on Garcia, including the second quarter hit on which went for a safety following an intentional grounding call. It was the essential turning point of the game, and set the tone for things to come.

"We had some busted assignments, and you can't have that," said Harding. "My guys have got to trust what they are being taught to do. You're fighting an uphill battle when you make those mistakes against this type of team. Whether they be interceptions, fumbles, miscues or anything like that."

Nashville executed their gameplan and continued to dominate as the game progressed. The one downside was the eventual loss of Jarrick Hillery in the 3rd quarter to a hyperextended elbow. You could see the grim look on his face, as he headed for the lockeroom with a trainer by his side.

On the Dragons side, OS Kevin Swayne made strong contributions, catching three of the Garcia's four touchdown passes, finishing with nine receptions overall.

Some questioned the logic of leaving Garcia in, late in the game, risking a potential injury to the star QB with the score putting the game essentially out of reach.

"This is football. I can get injured in warmups - in practice," said Garcia. "I want to play no matter what the score is. I feel that's what the starting quarterback is supposed to go. No matter what point of the game it happens to be. I expect my team to fight for four quarters, and if I can't do that then I can't expect that from them."

Despite the disappointing game results, the overall atmosphere in the arena was the typically fun fare one has come to expect at a Dragons game. Back for the second consecutive year were the "Zooperstars". Performing their zany antics during gamebreaks, were "Whale Gretzky" and "Mackerel Jordon"

Further up on the entertainment scale was the return of the dazzling Firedancers. Mixing in a new crop of dancers and returning veterans, the Firedancers are always a big hit with the fans. Along with exciting new choreography to the latest "hot" songs (for instance, the PussyCatDolls "Don't Cha"), the t-shirt-launch into the crowd is truly a fan favorite.

Returning also was the talented and lovely arena-hostess Dina, who keeps the fans in high spirits. Whether on the field running amusing contests during breaks, or visiting some lucky fans right in their seats, you can always count on Dina's exquisite style and charm.

The Dragons go on the road for the next three weeks, beginning with a Friday night tilt in Chicago.

"I'm not thinking past Chicago," said Harding. "We've got to get back to work and take care of the fundamentals."

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3264192


As you can see - I actually provide something substantial for my media meal (unlike a certain topic starter here :rolleyes: )



Soul are taking it to the ARENABOWL....S-O-U-L SOUL SOUL SOUL!!!!.


Yeah, you guys are certainly a contender.




..yeah i'm gay

"I wish I knew how to quit you!"

[HockeyHelmet]

S-O-U-L SOUL SOUL SOUL!!!!...
Hoo Hoo you ripped us Jets fans off


but at least we won
You may have


yeah i'm gay
Yes......... you are


btw, I do not watch nor follow arena football :action-sm

[askewcore]

Yeah, you guys are certainly a contender.

Obviously you're forgetting one important thing. Theyre from Philly. Philly can never have anything more then a contender.

I also do not watch the AFL at all, I just wanted to bash Philly a little. :action-sm

[flyerfan116]

Obviously you're forgetting one important thing. Theyre from Philly. Philly can never have anything more then a contender.

I also do not watch the AFL at all, I just wanted to bash Philly a little. :action-sm
and you sir are forgetting that the curse only applies to the big 4 (of course until the stanley cup this year) when it comes to second teir sports philly tears it up...wings are muliple time lacrosse champs , i believe the kix won the indoor soccer championship a few time, and the Phantoms are 2- time calder cup champs...including last year.......Arena Bowl here we come

[askewcore]

and you sir are forgetting that the curse only applies to the big 4 (of course until the stanley cup this year) when it comes to second teir sports philly tears it up...wings are muliple time lacrosse champs and the Phantoms are 2- time calder cup champs...including last year.......Arena Bowl here we come


I havent a clue as to what the Calder Cup is, but I'll take your word for it and back out of this now....

[flyerfan116]

I havent a clue as to what the Calder Cup is, but I'll take your word for it and back out of this now....
AHL version of the stanley cup

[badcellphoneguy]

it would be nice if the dragons offensive line can give garcia some time to throw the ball without having to run for his life. how about some blocking sheesh.

[Cromwell]

DRAGONS FIGHT HARD FOR FIRST WIN
Dragons 51, Chicago 47

2/3/2006
The Dragons defense held off the Chicago Rush in the final seconds of
the game for a hard fought 51-47 victory in Chicago on Friday night.
Its the Dragons first win of the 2006 season and they improve to 1-1
overall. QB Aaron Garcia completed 21 of 34 passes for 237 yards and
six touchdowns. OS Kevin Swayne led all receivers with nine
receptions for 108 yards and four touchdowns.

"This was a great back and forth battle and its an even better
victory for us," said WR/LB Mike Horacek." We came out and fought
hard for the win and we earned it tonight. This was a great boost for
our team moral. This week we showed everyone who the Dragons are and
more importantly we came out with the win."

Added Garcia: "Its a great feeling to win tonight. We fought hard and
thats what we talked about all week. Everyone fought hard until the
last play of the game and thats how you win these types of games."

In the fourth quarter, both teams went back and forth in thrilling
fashion. The Dragons held onto a two-score lead with six minutes
remaining in the fourth quarter. But Chicago quickly turned around
with two back-to-back scores to take a 47-44 lead with 90 seconds
left on the clock. The Dragons re-took the lead for good with under a
minute remaining, but the action didnt stop there.

The events unfolded in the following fashion: After a Rush touchdown
to close the gap to 44-39, DS DaShane Dennis fumbled the ensuing
kickoff that immediately led to another Chicago score and the Rush
took the three-point lead. Garcia then took control and hooked up
with OS Kevin Swayne for a touchdown to retake the lead with 49.7
seconds remaining on the clock.

Following the score, Dragons K Jesse Obert then hit the scoreboard on
his kickoff to give the Rush the ball on their own 20-yard line.
Taking all the time off the clock, the Rush appeared to find the
endzone when QB Matt DOrazio scored from two yards out. However, an
offensive illegal block in the back penalty negated the score and
gave the Dragons the win.

Swayne was named the Offensive Player of the Game and now has seven
touchdowns on the season. Dennis and DS Dahnel Singfield each had an
interception with Singfield also adding an important breakup on a
fourth quarter two-point conversion attempt by the Rush. Dennis now
has two interceptions on the season.

Next week, the Dragons continue their three-game road swing as they
visit expansion Utah Blaze on Saturday, February 11. Kickoff is
scheduled for 9:00 PM EST and fans can catch the game on WLIE 540 AM.


NOTES: OL/DL Stacy Evans did not play due to a wrist injury... The
attendance at Allstate Arena was 14,947... FB/LB Jeremiah Pharms and
OL/DL Paul White made his AFL debut with the Dragons... Chicagos
FB/LB Bob McMillen was named the Ironman of the Game while OL/DL
Khreem Smith was named the Defensive Player of the Game.


FIRST HALF RECAP:
Garcia had an impeccable start by successfully completing his first
ten pass attempts while leading his team to scores on their first
four possessions. Swayne had the highlight catch of the half with his
touchdown reception late in the first quarter. He made an acrobatic
catch, securing a tipped pass with one hand off the boards for his
fourth touchdown of the year.

Dennis gave the Dragons an early jump, intercepting a D'Orazio
downfield pass on the game's first play from scrimmage. Horacek
capitalized on the turnover, hauling in Garcia's 730th career
touchdown pass for the early edge.

Later on, Singfield stalled a promising seven-play drive late in the
second, picking off the pass at the Dragons one-yard line for his
first interception his career. Swayne's second touchdown catch of the
half one play later extended the Dragons lead to 24-13.

WR/DB Will Holder took back a kickoff 58 yards for a touchdown in the
half's final minute, giving the Dragons their first special teams
touchdown of the season.


THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:
D'Orazio gave his team their first lead of the game midway through
the period. OL/DL John Moyer capped a four play drive by catching his
second touchdown of the game on a three-yard touch pass.

The Dragons suffered a minor scare after Garcia was slow to get up
after an 11-yard scramble. He received medical attention on his left
arm by the team's medical staff, but remained in the game.


STARTING LINEUPS:
New York Dragons
QB: 8 Aaron Garcia
OS: 3 Kevin Swayne
WR/DB/KR: 26 Will Holder
WR/LB: 1 Mike Horacek
FB/LB: 27 Michael Blair
OG/DE: 43 Jamaal Cherry
C/NG: 66 Marcus Owen
TE/DE: 91 Troy Pelshak
DS: 21 DaShane Dennis
DS: 23 Dahanel Singfield
K: 11 Jesse Obert

Chicago Rush
QB: 10 Matt DOrazio
OS: 2 C.J. Johnson
WR/DB: 9 Henry Douglas / 3 Russell Shaw
WR/LB: 17 Etu Molden / 4 Cornelius White
FB/LB: 44 Bob McMillen
G/DE: 98 John Sikora / 58 Khreem Smith
C/DE: 66 Frank Moore / 55 Curtis Eason
TE/DE: 99 John Moyer
DS: 7 Tony Lukins
DS: 12 Todd Howard
K: 00 Steven Azar

[badcellphoneguy]

mazel tov finally

[Cromwell]

The Dragons go for their second straight victory as they take on the expansion Utah Blaze at the Delta Center, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 pm on Saturday night. Peter Schwartz and Wayne Morris have the radio call on WLIE 540 AM. The game is also going to be broadcasted on AFL Net.

http://www.newyorkdragons.com/images_frontpage/player-Garcia.jpg

[Cromwell]

This was a true Arena Football showcase as the Dragons and the Utah Blaze burned up the scoreboard on Saturday night. The Dragons outlasted the Utah Blaze in an offensive slugfest 84-81 in Salt Lake City. QB Aaron Garcia completed 24 of 26 passes for 354 yards and an amazing ten touchdowns - one short of his AFL record of 11. For his efforts, he was named the Offensive Player of the Game. The Dragons improve to 2-1 on the season with their second consecutive win on the road.

http://www.newyorkdragons.com/news/images/garcia21106.jpg

OS Kevin Swayne and WR/LB Mike Horacek each had four touchdown receptions.

With one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, the Dragons found themselves trailing 81-77, but Garcia worked his magic. The All-Arena QB hooked up with Horacek on a 26-yard strike with 22 seconds left on the clock. The Dragons defense held off the potent Blaze offense as Utah ran out of time in the fourth quarter.

The attendance at the Delta Center was 15,213

[badcellphoneguy]

just a footnote to the last post...this game was the 2nd highest combines point total. the dragons have the #1 spot from the 2001 when they beat the carolina cobras 99-55. they have combined 3 of the top 5 highest scoring games of all time. all of which aaron garcia has been the quarterback.

[flyerfan116]

Soul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :action-sm

[badcellphoneguy]

if the dragons dont do something to their offensive line aaron garcia wont last the season. the guy is just getting crushed.