Orlando Predators Defeat Jacksonville Sharks, 44-34
June 18, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando Predators QB Randy Hippeard vs. the Jacksonville Sharks
(Orlando Predators, Credit: David Pearce)
JACKSONVILLE - An emotional week ended in triumph for the Orlando Predators (10-2) as the team earned a 44-34 road win over the rival Jacksonville Sharks (5-6) on Saturday. On a night in which the team removed the individual names from their uniforms and sported #ORLANDOUNITED on the back of all jerseys as a tribute to the victims of the Pulse tragedy, it was Orlando native and Jones High School graduate Bernard Morris who was called to action to lead the Predators to victory.
Leading 30-27 late in the fourth quarter, Morris subbed into the game for starting QB Randy Hippeard, who went down with injury after being sacked the previous play. Facing 3rd-&-Goal and needing a score to maintain a comfortable lead, Morris took his first snap and tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to WR Greg Carr to put Orlando up, 37-27.
The Sharks would regain possession and quickly made it a three-point game as QB Tommy Grady hit WR Joe Hills from nine yards out for a touchdown. With 47 seconds remaining on the clock, Morris returned to the field determined on putting the game away for good. Facing 3rd-&-Goal once again, the veteran signal caller dropped back and fired a nine-yard strike to Carr in the end zone for the final touchdown.
The two touchdowns were Morris' only pass attempts of the night. Prior to suffering the fourth quarter injury, Hippeard completed 18-of-30 attempts for 180 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. All four of Carr's receptions went for scores while Brandon Thompkins paced the receiving corps with 11 receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, ends Darryl Cato-Bishop and Logan Harrell each forced fumbles that resulted in turnovers for the Predators. LB Terence Moore posted a team-high 11 total tackles and DB Paul Stephens also notched an 11-yard interception.
Orlando now holds the top overall seed in the Arena Football League and is the first team in the AFL to reach 10 victories in 2016.
The Predators return to Amway Center to take on the Tampa Bay Storm next Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network and will feature many events in tribute to the victims of the Pulse tragedy, their families and the City of Orlando. For more information, visit OrlandoPredators.com or call 407-355-2200."â¹
UNDER ARMOUR OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Orlando WR Greg Carr
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jacksonville DB LaRoche Jackson
J.LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME: Orlando WR Brandon Thompkins
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME: Interception by Jacksonville DB LaRoche Jackson (Q2 | 7:10)
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME: 46-yard TD reception by Orlando WR Greg Carr (Q1 | 13:39)
Images from this story
 Brandon Thompkins of the Orlando Predators (David Pearce) |
 Orlando Predators in #OrlandoUnited Jerseys |
 Orlando Predators QB Randy Hippeard vs. the Jacksonville Sharks (David Pearce) |
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Arena Football League Stories from June 18, 2016
- LA KISS Weather the Storm, 54-27 - Los Angeles KISS
- Sharks Fall to Predators 44-34 - Jacksonville Sharks
- Orlando Predators Defeat Jacksonville Sharks, 44-34 - Orlando Predators
- Toliver Sets Another Record, but Storm Falls to KISS - Tampa Bay Storm
- Sharks fall to Predators 44-34 on Saturday night - Jacksonville Sharks
- Toliver Becomes AFL All-Time Leader in Career Receptions - Tampa Bay Storm
- The Rattlers Stop the Soul, 80 - 63 - Arizona Rattlers
- Soul Fall to Rattlers, 80-63 - Philadelphia Soul
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