Predators Drop 35-34 Decision to Tampa Bay
June 21, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
TAMPA, FL - In the third and final regular season meeting between the two franchises, the Orlando Predators (8-6) fell to the division-rival Tampa Bay Storm (8-6) on Saturday evening by a final score of 35-34. Despite having identical records, Orlando remains atop the South Division due to superior divisional and head-to-head records.
Tampa Bay received the ball to open the game, but was quickly turned away by Predators DB Eddie Moten, who intercepted a pass attempt by Storm QB Randy Hippeard on the fifth play from scrimmage. Four plays later, Predators QB Bernard Morris launched an 18-yard touchdown pass to WR Greg Carr, but a missed PAT would put Orlando up by six.
The Storm responded with a four-play drive that ended in a two-yard touchdown run by Hippeard, taking a 7-6 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Orlando would match the effort, as Morris capped off a five-play, 30-yard series with a three-yard scoring run.
The two teams traded scores throughout the second quarter, resulting in a 27-21 lead for the Predators at halftime. Morris connected with Carr on a deep 35-yard touchdown toss and fired a 19-yard score to WR Kendal Thompkins a series later. Tampa matched those touchdowns, as Hippeard scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper and a five-yard completion to WR Joe Hills.
The Predators looked to be in position to take a firm grasp of the lead heading into the second half, but turnovers and miscues plagued the offense throughout the final two quarters. Three plays into the third period, Morris had his pass attempt intercepted by DB James Harrell and Tampa Bay took a 28-27 lead off a 24-yard touchdown reception by WR Amarri Jackson. On the first play of the ensuing series, Morris was sacked for a nine-yard loss and fumbled the ball. The Storm managed to recover, but the Predators defense stifled Tampa Bay on a goal line stand that resulted in a turnover on downs.
After regaining possession, Orlando got three plays into its drive before a pass attempt by Morris was intercepted again by Harrell. However, the Predators defense would deny the Storm offense once more. Facing 4th-&-goal, Hills received the ball on a screen and attempted to reach over the goal line before losing control and fumbling into the end zone. The Predators recovered and Morris converted the turnover into points off a two-yard touchdown pass to Thompkins, giving Orlando a 34-28 lead with just over eight minutes remaining.
Tampa would take a final lead on the ensuing drive, as Hippeard rushed for a three-yard score on 4th-&-goal. Orlando held one final possession, but Morris had his pass intercepted three plays into the drive and the Storm ran out to clock to close out the game.
Orlando defeated Tampa Bay in each of its previous two meetings this season, holding a 2-1 head-to-head advantage. Additionally, the Predators have posted a 6-2 record inside the South Division compared to Tampa's 4-3 mark. The Predators head into a bye in Week 16 and return to action on Monday, July 7th in a road game against the Philadelphia Soul.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from June 21, 2014
- La Kiss Fall to Unbeaten Rattlers, 83-47 - Los Angeles KISS
- Sharks Dismantle VooDoo on Saturday, 54-13 - Jacksonville Sharks
- TAMPA BAY STORM DEFENSE STOPS ORLANDO IN EXCITING CONTEST, 35-34 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Predators Drop 35-34 Decision to Tampa Bay - Orlando Predators
- Storm defeat Predators - Tampa Bay Storm
- Gladiators Down Soul with Last-Second Score, 69-68 - Philadelphia Soul
- Gladiators Win Thriller on Final Play in Philadelphia, Clinch Playoff Berth - Cleveland Gladiators
- Cleveland's Black Named AFL Pulse Player of the Week - AFL
- Shock Dismantle Talons 70-30 - Spokane Shock
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
