The Official Site of the New York Dragons - Post Game Report

HOME TICKETS PRESSBOX TEAM COMMUNITY FAN ZONE CONTACT

KNOW YOUR DRAGONS

TEAM Game Day
Players

Coaches
DRAGONS GRAND IN WIN
OVER RAMPAGE
Schedule
Dragons 48, Grand Rapids 24
Statistics

Email to a Friend

4/1/2006

The Dragons put on a show at the Nassau Coliseum on Saturday night defeating the Grand Rapids
Rampage 48-24. QB Nick Browder showed his old team what they're missing leading the Dragons to their
second straight victory. The Dragons' record improves to 6-4 on the season.

"It was important to take advantage of being at home and wining two games in a row," said Dragons head
coach Weylan Harding after the game. "The win puts us another game up in the division. This gives a good
feeling going into next week."

Coming off a strong win at home last week, Browder again showed his increasing familiarity with Dragons'
offense, throwing for four touchdowns and 244 yards. The Dragons lead throughout most of the game, but
finally put it away with 7:00 left in the game. With his team up by nine points, Browder took the snap and
threw off his back foot, finding a racing WR/DB Mike Horacek down the sideline for the 36-yard touchdown
that sealed the win. Horacek once again was the Dragons' biggest weapon in the passing attack by leading
all receivers with seven receptions and 123 yards.

"Each week I feel better and better with the offense," said Browder. "There's still room for improvement
and we'll keep growing as a team. But we got the win and the team should build upon it going into a big
game next week."

WR/LB Maurice Brown had a strong game on special teams and a big play in the passing attack. The rookie
out of Iowa returned three kickoffs for 108 yards, including a momentum shifting 57-yard runback in the
first half that erased an early deficit. Brown also added a touchdown reception in the first quarter.
http://newyorkdragons.com/gameday/postgame.asp?id=713 (1 of 3)4/1/2006 6:07:22 PM
The Official Site of the New York Dragons - Post Game Report

Like Browder, DS Mark Ricks was also going up against his former team, having spent time with Grand
Rapids from 2003-2004. He took it to his former teammates, intercepting a pass and deflecting a throw that
contributed to a strong performance by the defensive secondary.

Along with Ricks, DS Will Holder and WR/DB DaShane Dennis gave Rampage quarterback Chad Salisbury's
problems throughout the game. The Dragons' defense generated three interceptions; forcing Salisbury to
throw 19 incomplete passes. Holder added two interceptions and five tackles with a big second half that
prevented any hopes of a comeback. For his efforts, Holder was awarded the Defensive Player of the Game
honor.

In only his second game back from injury, WR/DB Angel Estrada showed his value on offense after being a
force last week in the secondary. Estrada had two touchdown receptions and six catches in total, totaling 64
yards in the process to compliment the duo of Horacek and OS Kevin Swayne.

Next week, the Dragons host the Eastern Division leading Dallas Desperados on Sunday, April 9. The
Dragons currently sit in second place in the East and look to cut into the Dallas lead at the Coliseum. Kickoff
is at 1:00 PM. Tickets are still available and fans should call 1-886-AFL-TIXX to find out how they can
reserve the best seats in the house.

Notes: Blue added his second rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He finished with 28 yards on
the ground in addition to his work on the defensive line. He was named Ironman of the Game… Estrada
was named the Offensive Player of the Game…The attendance at the Coliseum tonight was 10,443…New
York Jets QB Chad Pennington attended the game as a guets of Kevin Swayne and signed several
autographs for fans during the game…The Dragons are now 5-5 all time against the Rampage.

THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

An aggressive play and a couple of fortunate bounces allowed the Dragons to open a two-score lead to
start the quarter. After Browder hit FB/LB Richard McCleskey with a swing pass at the Grand Rapids 10-yard
line, Bryant Shaw forced a fumble that rolled down the field. OL/DL Jovon Bush almost recovered it for the
Dragons, knocking the ball into the endzone in the process. Estrada eventually fell on the ball for the
opportunistic touchdown a 28-17 edge.

Holder helped sustain the momentum with an over-the-shoulder interception on the subsequent possession.
Browder and the offense took advantage of the defensive stop, marching the Dragons down the field before
connecting with Estrada on a bullet 13- yard pass that went for a more conventional touchdown.

FIRST HALF RECAP:

Special teams gave the Dragons a tremendous early edge, as Brown was a one-man wrecking crew in the
kick-return game. He ran back two kicks for 98 yards, including a 57-yard goal line-to-goal line dash that
electrified the crowd and gave the Dragons an emphatic answer to a Grand Rapids field goal.

Ricks showed a greater familiarity with the defense, making a difficult interception by catching Salisbury's
pass that bounced off the right rebound net late in the first quarter. The pick was Ricks' second of the
season.

Brown got the Dragons off to a great start, returning a kickoff 41-yards while avoiding multiple defenders
with a stutter step move to set up his team's first possession. While Brown was up-ended before he could
reach the goal line, he did find the endzone four plays later by catching a lob pass from Browder for the
score.

http://newyorkdragons.com/gameday/postgame.asp?id=713 (2 of 3)4/1/2006 6:07:22 PM

The Official Site of the New York Dragons - Post Game Report

The defensive line generated strong pressure, harassing Salisbury throughout the half. FB/LB Bruce Blue
epitomized that effort with his late second quarter sack that forced a safety. Blue exploded off the line to
tackle a scrambling Salisbury in the endzone. His contributions did not stop there, as the rookie took a
handoff and barreled his way down the right side boards for a 19-yard touchdown, helping the Dragons
take a 22-17 lead heading into halftime.

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Employment Opportunities | Sponsorship

Copyright © 2006, New York Dragons
All rights reserved.

http://newyorkdragons.com/gameday/postgame.asp?id=713 (3 of 3)4/1/2006 6:07:22 PM