Desperados Fall To Predators, 45-28
June 4, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release
The Dallas Desperados record-breaking season came to an abrupt end in front of 12,954 fans at the American Airlines Center as the Desperados could not overcome their miscues. The Orlando Predators advance with their 45-28 victory today to take on the Chicago Rush in the Arena Bowl.
The Dallas defense, led by AFL Lineman of the Year Colston Weatherington, forced a turnover on downs on Orlando's first possession as Weatherington took down quarterback Joe Hamilton. Duke Pettijohn capped off the three play 28-yard drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown and early 7-0 Desperado lead. On the Predators' next drive the defense forced another stop as Hamin Milligan intercepted Hamilton's pass off the wall setting up the Desperados at midfield. Dallas was unable to extend their lead as Lin-J Snell forced and recovered an Andrew Layton fumble at the Orlando six-yard line. The Predators evened the score, 7-7, as Hamilton hit Javarus Dudley with a 47-yard strike. Following the ensuing kickoff Clint Dolezel hooked up with Jason Shelley to give the Desperados first and goal from the one-yard line, but the Desperados needed four downs and a roughing the passer penalty to reach the end zone. Dolezel's two-yard keeper ended the first quarter with Dallas leading 14-7.
The second began with the Predators' DeAndrew Rubin taking the kickoff 56-yards for the touchdown quickly tying the game 14-14. The Predators took their first lead of the game 21-14 after Khalil Carter picked off Dolezel and returned it 33-yards untouched for the score. Terrill Shaw scored from eight-yards out hauling in the Dolezel pass giving the Desperados 21 points. The Dallas 'D' forced a 26-yard Jay Taylor field goal with just under a minute remaining in the first half as Orlando took a three point lead. The Desperados were kept out of the end zone after four failed attempts from inside the Orlando five-yard line as Orlando took a three point lead into the locker room.
Dolezel scored his second rushing touchdown of the game - a two-yard quarterback keeper - to open the third period and give the Desperados a 28-24 lead. Orlando regained their lead with Hamilton squeezing his pass into Dudley from 15-yards out before their defense forced a 39-yard Martinez field goal attempt that sailed wide right and was returned by Rubin to the Orlando eight. The third period ended with each team scoring once and the Desperados still trailing by three.
The Desperados opened the fourth quarter with a crucial third down stop forcing a Taylor 62-yard field goal attempt that fell short setting up the Dallas offense at their own 11-yard line. Dolezel fumbled on the next play and Orlando added to their lead with a four-yard Greg White touchdown reception from Hamilton. The Predators ended another scoring threat as Rubin came up with the pick of Dolezel in the end zone for a touchback. Dudley gathered in his third touchdown of the game on a seven-yard toss from Hamilton to give Orlando the 45-28 lead. Dolezel threw his third interception of the day with under a minute remaining as Carter stepped in front of his intended receiver Shaw.
The Desperados finished their season with a 14-4 record and as the Eastern Conference Champions advancing to the Conference Championship game for the best season in franchise history.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 4, 2006
- Predators going to Las Vegas for ArenaBowl XX - Orlando Predators
- Desperados Fall To Predators, 45-28 - Dallas Desperados
- Chicago to face Orlando in Arenabowl XX - AFL I
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