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LA KISS Look to Set Franchise Records

June 3, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Los Angeles KISS News Release


This Sunday, the LA KISS (4-4) look to build upon last week's hard-fought win and hand the Orlando Predators (7-2) their third loss in a row. A win this week would give the LA KISS five wins this season and extend their home winning streak to three, which would both set franchise records!

After winning their first seven games of the 2016 season, the Orlando Predators were beaten in Week 8 by the Philadelphia Soul by a score of 62 to 54. Last week, their 28-point fourth quarter, 14 of which were scored in the last minute of the game, was not enough to comeback against the Jacksonville Sharks and they lost 59-56

The LA KISS were able to outlast the Portland Steel last Saturday at the Honda Center and won by a score of 54 to 42. As it so often is in Arena Football, Special Teams played a huge factor in the outcome of the game. With a little under six minutes remaining in the game and the LA KISS down one point, Portland Steel kick returner Christian Wise mishandled and fumbled the kickoff. Jamil Merrell recovered the fumble in the end zone for an LA KISS touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff, Joey Cejudo found the iron of the netting, which sent the ball all the way back to the 20-yard line. Fredrick Obi recovered the bar-ball and the LA KISS had complete control of the game. Those two special teams plays changed the momentum and altered the outcome of the game.

This is the second and final matchup of the season between the LA KISS and the Orlando Predators. In the first meeting, the LA KISS found themselves in a huge 22 point deficit after the third quarter. Although they fought hard and scored three touchdowns in the fourth, it was not enough to dig themselves out of the hole and they lost 43 to 40.

Even though Orlando has lost their two previous games, they still are among the AFL's elite teams. The Predators lead the League in both third and fourth down conversion rates, which are 67.3 and 69.2 percent, respectively. This means they are able to come up with critical completions to extend their drives and get into the end zone. They boast the second highest points scored per game (60.0), which is a direct of these high conversion rates.

Being able to get points on the board when down in the red zone is important in any type of football. However, red zone efficiency is even more crucial in Arena Football where every team is expected to score on virtually every possession. The LA KISS are currently leading the AFL in defensive red zone efficiency, surrendering points to their opponents less than 70 percent of the time. They are able to hunker down and come up with big stops when it means the most. However, their defense will be put to the test, as Orlando comes into this week's game leading the league with an offensive red zone efficiency of over 90 percent.

Donovan "Captain" Morgan has performed exceptionally over the last few weeks. He has recorded four touchdowns in two out of the last three games and over 100 yards receiving in two out of the last four. Last week, he moved into the seventh position of the AFL's all-time reception yards leaderboard. "Captain" Morgan is merely five receptions shy of cracking the AFL top-10 all-time receptions list. Keep an eye on Morgan, and make sure to cheer, and show your gratitude, for the LA KISS' all-time leading receiver if and when he tallies his fifth catch of the night!

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