Dragons 63, Rampage 34

HEMPSTEAD, NY -- The Dragons defense was perfect in the first half and nearly unstoppable for the entire game as they helped New York to a 63-34 crushing of the Grand Rapids Rampage, Saturday night at the Nassau Coliseum.

DB John Walker led the defense with three interceptions, two pass breakups and two tackles. Walker returned one interception back for a 15-yard touchdown. Also intercepting a pass was DB Levy Brown, who has five on the season. LB Idris Price and DL Henry Taylor also chipped in with fumble recoveries, while DB Billy Parker had three pass breakups.

"The fact that we were able to capitalize on the defensive turnovers was very encouraging," said head coach Weylan Harding. "Everybody did their one-eighth and made the plays that we needed to make. We're expecting (Walker) to do his part. If an opportunity arises, he's supposed to make those plays because that's what he's here for. I expect that from all of our (defensive backs). When you're number is called, you have to perform."

The Dragons defense held the Rampage to no points in the first half. Grand Rapids picked up its first points of the game with 8:29 remaining in the third quarter.

"We all had a heavy ball conscious week," said Walker, who said he last had three interceptions in a game in high school. "I was able to make plays with the opportunities, but give full credit to our DBs and D-line."

On the offensive side, QB Aaron Garcia was the star, going 26-of-42 for 311 yards, seven touchdown passes, one touchdown run and two interceptions. WR/LB Chris Anthony played Ironman today contributing on both sides of the ball. Anthony caught ten passes for 92 yard and four touchdowns. WR Keron Henry, WR Jason Willis and WR Terry Moss also caught touchdown passes from Garcia.

The Dragons led 35-0 at the half before Grand Rapids tried to catch up by scoring 21 points in the third quarter, but the Dragons countered with 21 points of their own in the third. In the fourth, the Rampage scored 13 points to the Dragons' seven.

"I still don't think we played that well," said Anthony. "We made a lot of mistakes in the second half."

For Grand Rapids, QB James MacPherson was 16-of-31 for 235 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. Wide receivers Jermaine Lewis and Kenny Higgins caught touchdown passes, along with OL Fitu Tu'ua.

The Dragons' next game is on Sunday, April 13 at 3 pm at the Nassau Coliseum.