Week 2 Preview: Predators vs. KISS
March 20, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, FL - The Orlando Predators (1-0) are set to take on the LA KISS (1-0) at CFE Arena on Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Both teams will be carrying a ton of momentum heading into the matchup, as both were able to secure victories in the final seconds of their respective games.
The Predators were able to open their season and new arena up with a 49-47 victory over the 2013 American Conference South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks. The team's defense successfully defended a game-tying two-point conversion attempt with just eight seconds remaining, which allowed their offense to run out the clock. The LA Kiss opened their inaugural season up with a 41-38 victory over San Antonio Talons at the Alamodome after kicker Kenny Spencer connected on a 35-yard field goal as time expired.
The Kiss were led by mac linebacker and Riddell Defensive Player of the Week Beau Bell who collected 4.5 tackles, three sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup in the contest. Bell will be priority number one for a Predators offensive line that performed well against the Sharks defense that set a League record for sacks in 2013.
The quarterback battle will be interesting to watch this week, as quarterbacks J.J Raternick and Jason Boltus put up similar numbers in Week 1. Raternick completed 17 of 34 passes for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Boltus completed 17 of 33 passes for 176 yards and four touchdowns. Boltus was the Russell Athletic Player of the Week against Jacksonville after he added two rushing touchdowns to his resume.
Both teams will look to jump out to fast starts to avoid the last-second drama that took place during each of their respective contests last week. The key for the Predators will be to shut down wide receiver Donovan Morgan who hauled six receptions for 65 yards and touchdown in last week's game.
Both teams will be looking to prove that they are legitimate contenders in their respective conferences and a win on Friday night will do just that.
Look for Orlando to come out strong with the Predators attempting to start the season 2-0 for the first time since the 2011 season.
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