Predators Outlast Portland Steel, Start Season 2-0
April 9, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando Predators WR Brandon Thompkins Races through the Portland Steel
(Orlando Predators, Credit: Brion Price Photography)
ORLANDO - The Orlando Predators (2-0) emerged with a 53-50 victory in a back-and-forth battle with the Portland Steel (0-2) in front of 10,732 fans at the Amway Center on Saturday night.
The Steel took a late 50-46 lead as fullback Bryson Kelly scored off a one-yard run with 49 seconds remaining in the game. Moments later, wide receiver Brandon Thompkins fielded the kickoff in the end zone and eluded multiple defenders as he weaved through the coverage unit before bursting upfield to the opponent's five yard-line. Three plays later, quarterback Randy Hippeard punched it over the goal line on a quarterback sneak to give the Predators a 53-50 lead.
Portland regained possession with 18 seconds remaining on the clock, but newly-acquired defensive back Kent Richardson promptly halted the drive, picking off a pass attempt by Portland quarterback Danny Southwick to seal the win for Orlando.
Orlando managed to score on all eight of its offensive possessions as Hippeard completed 14-of-28 pass attempts for 228 yards and six touchdowns, adding six yards and two scores on the ground. Brandon Thompkins led all receivers with 110 yards and three touchdowns on five receptions. Greg Carr added 59 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions, while LaMark Brown caught four passes for 59 yards and another touchdown.
The Predators travel in Week 3 to take on the rival Jacksonville Sharks on Monday, April 18. Kickoff from Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
UNDER ARMOUR OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Orlando WR Brandon Thompkins
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Orlando DB Kent Richardson
J.LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME: Orlando WR Brandon Thompkins
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME: Six-yard TD reception by Portland WR Jared Perry (Q4 | 9:18)
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME: 48-yard TD reception by Orlando WR Brandon Thompkins (Q4 | 4:46)
Images from this story
 Orlando Predators WR Brandon Thompkins Races through the Portland Steel (Brion Price Photography) |
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Arena Football League Stories from April 9, 2016
- Portland Steel Drop Second Straight Contest in the Final Seconds - Portland Steel
- Predators Outlast Portland Steel, Start Season 2-0 - Orlando Predators
- Gladiators Outlast Storm, 41-29, for First Win of the Season - Cleveland Gladiators
- Storm Suffers Heartbreaker in Cleveland; Lose to Gladiators 41-29 - Tampa Bay Storm
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