25th AFL Season Kicks off with Power Win at Orlando
March 9, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Pittsburgh Power News Release
Opening night of the 2012 season, the 25th in AFL history, in Orlando saw the explosive offence the indoor game is known for, and an exciting victory for the visiting Pittsburgh Power over the Orlando Predators 40-26, in front a crowd 13,002 and a national TV audience on the NFL Network.
The game opened with a series of quick drives resulting in turnovers on downs, highlighted by tight defense by corners Brian Williams and Chris LeFlore. Early in the second quarter, Power QB Andrico Hines founds Randy Hymes in the end zone and, following a 2 point conversion, the Power led 8-0. The Predators marched back with a quick score on a Collin Drafts pass to Albert Dukes, and, after failing to convert for two points the score was 8-6 Power. The Power came back with a long catch and run from Hines to Mike Washington. The Preds then made it four straight scoring drives for the 2 offences with a long post pass to Tory Washington for a TD. A 2-point conversion made the score 14-14. The following drive resulted in a predator interception in their own end zone as the Power looked for a quick score before the half.
The second half opened with a long drive featuring four Hines to Washington completions resulting in a score. Again the conversion failed, leaving the score 20-14 Power. Again the Predators marched back to score on a drive highlighted by two 4th-down conversions. A missed PAT made the score 20-20. BJ Berry then scored for his first time in a Power uniform, taking a screen pass out from under the nose of a Preds defenders, leaving him with a clear 30-yard jog into the end zone. Another failed conversion and a long return inside the Power territory ended the third quarter.
The Power opened the fourth quarter by stopping the Predators on downs, and one play later, Hines found Mike Washington in the end zone, for a 34-20 Power lead. The resilient Preds capped off a drive that featured a drive-extending scramble, and a 2-yard TD run on fourth down by Drafts. Again the conversion failed, leaving the score 34-26. The Power struck back with a quick post past to Washington for his 4th score of the evening and Hines' 6th scoring pass of the game. After stopping the Predators on downs, the Power ran out the clock to preserve the win.
The Net 10 Player of the game, Andrico Hines, ended the night with 18 completions in 35 attempts for 266 yards and 6 touchdowns. Mike Washington caught 9 passes for 166 yards including the long play of the game, a 44 yarder for one of his four touchdowns. Brian Williams led the Power defense with 8 tackles. Drafts finished 21-42 for 188 yards with 3 passing TDs and a rushing TD
The Power have a bye week in week two and take on the Philadelphia Soul in their home opener at the CONSOL Energy Center on Friday, March 23rd.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from March 9, 2012
- 25th AFL Season Kicks off with Power Win at Orlando - Pittsburgh Power
- Pittsburgh Power Defeat Orlando Predators in Season Opener - Orlando Predators
- Release - Week 17 Home Game Changes Dates - Tampa Bay Storm
- Barnstormers React to Player Dispute - Iowa Barnstormers
- VooDoo Fan Fest Set for Saturday, March 17 at Monogram Express - New Orleans VooDoo
- Day 14: Philadelphia Soul Conclude 2012 Training Camp - Philadelphia Soul
- AFL Launches Live Statistics Mobile Platform - AFL
- Blaze Unveil New Website - Utah Blaze
- Fantasy "Survival Arena Football" Returns for 2012 - AFL
- AFL Season Kicks off with Power at Orlando Tonight - Pittsburgh Power
- Day 13: Philadelphia Soul Head into Final Leg of Camp - Philadelphia Soul
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.
