Sports stats



Orlando Predators game notes

February 24, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


Orlando Predators (3-1) vs. Chicago Rush (2-2)
Date: Friday, Feb. 25, 2005
Toe-to-Leather Time: 8:30 p.m.
Site: Allstate Arena (16,000)
Officials: Referee: Tom McCabe; Umpire: Matt Jordan; Head Linesman: Neil Brunner; Line Judge: Bob McElwee; Back Judge: Keith Washington
Radio: WQTM 740 The Team (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: Sun Sports (Josh Lewin play-by-play )
Streaks: Both teams have lost one game in a row
Series Record: Chicago leads all-time series 4-2
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 56-31, .643); Mike Hohensee (12th season, 87-79, .524)

THE STAKES: PREDATORS LOOK TO RIGHT SHIP AFTER SUFFERING FIRST LOSS OF SEASON
After winning their first three games, the Orlando Predators returned to the pack – in a hurry – after a 42-28 loss to the Dallas Desperados.

"I'm not sure if it was overconfidence or what, but we were soundly beaten in all aspects of the game last week," Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "We warned our players about it all week...one loss...and we would be just like every team in the league. Now we have to find a way to regroup for this week's game."

It will not be an easy task for the Predators as they must hit the road again to face a Chicago Rush team that beat the Predators twice last season – including laying the worst beating ever on an Orlando team – a 58-15 thrashing on March 21, 2004.

The Rush are off to a 2-2 start after a stunning 52-39 upset loss at Columbus on Sunday afternoon. That loss came after impressive wins over Philadelphia and Colorado. "It seems like both teams received wake-up calls last week," Gruden said. "With Chicago losing to Columbus, it certainly isn't going to make our task any easier on Friday." The contest will air on Sun Sports in Florida (formerly Sunshine Network) and will also be broadcast on WQTM radio (740 AM).

Orlando Predators (3-1-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 30 Colorado W 39-36
Feb. 3 At Arizona W 51-40
Feb. 11 Tampa Bay W 61-46
Feb. 17 At Dallas L 28-42
Feb. 25 At Chicago 8:30 p.m.
Mar. 6 San Jose 12 Noon
Mar. 13 At New Orleans 3 p.m.
Mar. 19 At Georgia 1 p.m.
Mar. 25 Austin 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 3 Los Angeles 12 Noon
Apr. 9 At Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 15 New York 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 22 Georgia 7:30 p.m.
May 1 At Philadelphia 1 p.m.
May 7 At Austin 8:30 p.m.
May 20 New Orleans 7:30 p.m.

Chicago (2-2-0)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 At Dallas L 65-66-ot
Feb. 6 Philadelphia W 51-41
Feb. 13 At Colorado W 51-48
Feb. 19 At Columbus L 39-52
Feb. 25 Orlando 8:30 p.m.
Mar. 6 Nashville 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 13 At Grand Rapids 12:00 p.m.
Mar. 20 New Orleans 12:00 p.m.
Apr. 2 At New York 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 10 San Jose 1:00 p.m.
Apr. 17 Colorado 1:00 p.m.
Apr.23 At Los Angeles 10:30 p.m.
May 1 Las Vegas 1:00 p.m.
May 7 At Arizona 10:00 p.m.
May 15 Grand Rapids 1:00 p.m.
May 22 At Nashville 3:00 p.m.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"If anything, I hope we learned that teams are not going to lie down for us. We were beaten on offense, defense and special teams last week and now we have to find a way to put that performance behind us and get ready for a very good Chicago team."

DS Kenny McEntyre

THE COACHES
PREDS HEAD COACH JAY GRUDEN
JAY GRUDEN is in his second stint and begins his 6th year overall as Head Coach and Director of Football Operations for the Orlando Predators. After a Hall of Fame career as a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Storm, Gruden began his coaching career in 1997 by serving as offensive assistant for the Nashville Kats. One season later, the Predators made him the youngest head coach in the AFL. Gruden would go on to lead the Predators to three consecutive appearances in the ArenaBowl and a pair of championships. After guiding the Predators to a fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs in 2001, Gruden announced his intentions to resign in order to return to the playing field after a five-year layoff. In two seasons as Predators quarterback, Gruden directed Orlando to back-to-back appearances in the semifinals, falling one game short of his goal of returning to the ArenaBowl as a player. In 2003, he recorded a 10-0 mark with 49 touchdown passes and two interceptions as a starting quarterback. Off-season surgery, combined with the tragic loss of former Head Coach Fran Papasedero in a June 19, 2003 traffic accident, resulted in Gruden returning to the sideline. Gruden will take a 56-31 (.643) all-time coaching record into the Dallas game. He is 48-28 in regular season games (.632) and a solid 8-3 as a head coach in playoff games (.727).

ORLANDO PREDATORS
HEAD COACHING RECORDS
Coaches, Years Record Pct.
Jay Gruden, 1998-2001, 2004-05 56-31 .643
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

Chicago Head Coach Mike Hohensee
A long-time veteran of the Arena Football League, Mike Hohensee is in his 12th season as an AFL head coach and fifth season with the Chicago Rush. Hohensee will take an all-time record of 87-79-0 (.524) into the Orlando game. The only head coach in Chicago Rush history, Hohensee was named head coach of the expansion team prior to the 2001 season. In his previous four seasons, he has led the Rush to the playoffs all four seasons – including 10-win seasons in both 2002 (10-6) and 2004 (12-6). Against the Predators, Hohenssee has led the Rush to a 4-2 mark – one of only five current AFL teams that has posted an overall winning record against the Predators. Overall, Hohensee is 6-7-0 overall against the Predators, having faced them as head coach of the Albany Firebirds, Anaheim Piranhas, New England SeaWolves, and Chicago Rush. With 88 career victories, Hohensee is the third winningest head coach in Arena Football League history and is also fourth all-time in total games coached at 166.

Gruden/Hohensee Rank In Top 10: For the fourth time this season, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden (ranked ninth in career wins) finds himself facing a coach ranked in the top 10 in career coaching wins. Previously this year, Gruden faced Tim Marcum (d. Tampa Bay 61-46), Todd Shell (d. Arizona, 51-40) and Mike Dailey (d. Colorado 39-36). Before season's end, Gruden and the Predators will also face top 10 coaches Darren Arbet (San Jose) and Mike Trigg (Philadelphia).

1. Tim Marcum 169*
2. Danny White 141
3. Perry Moss 86
4. Mike Hohenssee 86*
5. Mike Trigg 80*
6 Mike Dailey 77*
7. Darren Arbet 74*
8. John Gregory 73
9. Jay Gruden 56*
10. Todd Shell 49*

*Active Coach

COACHING MATCH-UPS
Hohensee vs. Predators (6-7-0 overall; 4-7 regular season games; 2-0 in playoff games)
1994 Albany L, 48-63
1995 Albany L, 47-55
Albany L, 38-56
1996 Albany W, 53-41
1997 Anaheim L, 40-41
1999 New England W, 57-46
2000 New England L, 32-46
2001 Chicago W, 55-41
Chicago W, 46-21*
2002 Chicago L, 38-49
2003 Chicago L, 35-47
2004 Chicago W, 58-15
Chicago W, 59-49*

*denotes playoff games

Hohensee vs. Gruden (5-1-0 overall; 3-1 regular season, 2-0 playoffs)
1999 New England W, 57-46
2000 New England L, 32-46
2001 Chicago W, 55-41
Chicago W, 46-21*
2004 Chicago W, 58-15
Chicago W, 59-49*


SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
Although there is not a lot of history between these two teams, the Predators and Rush have played six emotionally charged contests in the past...Chicago made a name for itself early, defeating the Orlando Predators in the final game of their inaugural season, 55-41, in 2001...as luck would have it, that victory qualified the Rush for the playoffs and sent them to Orlando for a first round match-up where they proved their first victory was not a fluke by handily defeating Orlando for a second straight week by a 46-21 margin...Orlando gained a measure of revenge the next season, knocking off the Rush by a 49-38 score in Orlando...the teams met again in the 2003 season, with rookie Travis McGriff scoring four times to help lead the Predators to a easy 47-35 win in the season opener...the game was not as close as the final score indicated, as the Predators defense did not allow a touchdown pass until the final minute of the game...Predators head coach Jay Gruden, who returned to the playing field for the 2002-2003 seasons, engineered both those wins over the Rush...the two teams met twice last year...Chicago knocked Preds quarterback Joe Hamilton out of the game early and then proceeded to manhandle the Predators, 58-15, sending them to the worst defeat in franchise history...the Rush also won the rematch in the playoffs, taking advantage of a couple of Orlando Predators turnovers in the fourth quarter to record a 59-49 win over the Predators...Chicago and Nashville are the only two expansion teams in AFL history to beat the Orlando Predators twice in their first season...and the Rush are the only expansion team to win a playoff game against the Predators...counting this week's game, five of the seven contests have been played in Chicago.

SERIES RECORDS
Orlando Trails, 2-4
Date ORL CHI
July 21, 2001 (A) 41 55
July 27, 2001 (H) 21 46*
April 26, 2002 (H) 49 38
Feb. 2, 2003 (A) 47 35
Mar. 21, 2004 (A) 15 58
June 6, 2004 (A) 49 59*
*AFL First Round Playoff Game


2004 Meetings
Chicago 58, Orlando 15
March 17, 2004 - Allstate Arena (14,552)
Orlando 7 0 0 8 –15
Chicago 13 14 21 10--58

Chicago, IL -- Orlando scored first, but Chicago came back with 55 unanswered points to lay a 58-15 beating on the Predators, in the most lopsided loss franchise history.

The 43-point margin of defeat and the 15 total points scored on offense both established dubious records for the Predators franchise.

The Rush took advantage of six Predators turnovers and seven quarterback sacks in the win. Raymond Philyaw, who left the game with an injury, completed 8 of 9 passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns for the Rush, who also scored three rushing touchdowns and got a fourth TD pass from Sean Salisbury.


TEAM STATS ORL CHI
First Downs 16 18
Rush Yards 12-55 10-15
Passing Yards 104 197
A-C-I 32-16-3 2016-0
Fumbles/Lost 4-3 1-1
Penalties/Yards 10-40 6-39
Sacks By 1-9 7-32

Rushing
O: Moye-Moore 2-23, Maynor 2-21, Grant 6-11, Copper 1-0, Hamilton 1-0
C: McMillen 5-12, Brown 2-5, Molden 1-1, Salisbury 2-(-3)

Passing
O: Hamilton 8-3-1-23, Maynor 24-13-2-113
C: Salisbury 11-8-0-67, Philyaw 9-8-0-139

Receiving
O: Fleming 10-84, Cooper 3-35, Moye-Moore 1-8, Riley 1-5, Bowden 1-4
C: McDaniel 5-100, Fleshman 4-31, Alfonzo 2-28, Molden 2-14, Tarver 1-14, Baron 1-13, McMillen 1-6

AFL PLAYOFFS
Quarterfinal Round
Chicago 59, Orlando 49

Orlando 7 21 7 14--49
Chicago 16 13 7 23--59

CHICAGO, IL -- For the second time in four years, the Chicago Rush send the Orlando Predators home from the playoffs with a 59-49 win in front of 13,171 fans at the All-State Arena.

Unlike a first round loss in 2001 when the Predators limped into the playoffs, Jay Gruden's corps entered this game with a lot of confidence. The team came into the game with a 10-6 record, including wins in seven of its final eight regular season games.

But things would turn ugly early. Rookie QB Joe Hamilton suffered an interception on his first drive which led to a 7-0 Chicago lead. After trading touchdowns, Hamilton was then sacked for a safety subsequent field goal made it 19-7. Although the Predators battled back to take a brief lead, Keith Gispert nailed a 30-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining to give the Rush a 29-28 lead at the half.

In a fast played third quarter where the Predators only had one possession, the teams traded scored to make it 36-35 heading into the 4th quarter. The turning point came on the Predators first possession. After Etu Molden scored to make it 43-35, Hamilton was intercepted for a second time. One play later, Bob McMillen scored and Chicago had a 50-35, which Orlando could not recover from.

TEAM STATS ORL CHI
First Downs 22 17
Rush Yards 12-56 12-33
Passing Yards 292 203
A-C-I 26-18-2 26-20-1
Fumbles/Lost 0-0 2-0
Penalties/Yards 5-21 7-37
Sacks By 0-0 4-10

Rushing
O: 4-38, Grant 3-8, Price 3-7, Brown 1-3, Cooper 1-0
C: McMillen 5-24, McGourty 4-8, Philyaw 3-1

Passing
O: Hamilton 26-18-2-302
C: Philyaw 26-20-1-203

Receiving
O: Fleming 7-126, Bright 5-93, Cooper 4-36, Miller 1-3, Brown 1-14
C: McDaniel 10-92, Molden 5-77, Fleshman 3-18, McMillen 1-9, McGourty 1-7


Ifs...
If the Orlando Predators defeat the Dallas Desperados on Thursday night, it would:

· Give the Predators a 4-1 record and drop Chicago to 2-3
· Give the Predators a 3-4 all-time record against the Rush
· Give Jay Gruden an all-time head coaching record of 57-31
· Give the Predators an all-time record of 10-5 in Week 5 games.
· Give the Predators a record of 67-43 all-time record in road games.
· Give the Predators six regular season road wins in last seven games and 18 wins in last 24 regular season road games.
· Give the Predators an all-time record of 146-75-0.

How The 2005 Predators Were Built
Veteran Retained From 2004 Season (17): Bret Cooper, Damon Mason, Travis McGriff, Idris Price, Michael Brown, Cory Fleming, Joe Hamilton, Kenny McEntyre, Rupert Grant, Justin Cleveland, Greg Krause, Cecil Caldwell, Buck Gurley, EJ Burt, Doug Miller, Reggie Lee, Marlon Moye-Moore*
*injured reserve list

Veteran Free Agents Signed (2): Reggie Doster, Chris Sanders.

Rookie Free Agents (4): Jimmy Fryzel, David Upchurch, Jerrian James and Justin Skaggs.

Obtained by Trade: None

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES, AND TRENDS

LAST WEEK'S GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY: Reviewing last week's loss to the Dallas Desperados: THE GOOD: Very little to report here...the Predators lost a 14-point game to Dallas in a contest that quite frankly was not that close...about the only good to report was the continued improvement of the kickoff game, where Brian Gowins made all four of his extra points and handled his kickoff duties well...a case can be made that Orlando's defense did fairly well in the middle portion of the game – recording three consecutive stops. THE BAD: Orlando was beaten in every phase of the game...both sides of the line of scrimmage were won by Dallas – a part of the Predators game that has been strong this season...Dallas' front four on defense manhandled the Predators, recording four quarterback sacks and knocking Joe Hamilton to the ground on countless occasions...Predators receivers dropped several balls and had 10 passes either batted down or knocked out of their hands...the Predators defensive front got little pressure on Clint Stoerner and gave up an uncharacteristic seven plays of 20 yards or longer. THE UGLY: After averaging only four penalties a game through three weeks of the season, the Predators were whistled for a season-high 13 penalties for a season-high 67 yards...the team turned the ball over three times and gained just 74 yards in the second half.

PREDATORS STILL ON REGULAR SEASON HOT STREAK: Counting loss to Dallas, the Predators have still won 10 of their last 12 regular season games, the best record in the Arena Football League over that time period.

McENTYRE IS TRUE IRONMAN
Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre has been one of the toughest competitors to ever wear a Predators uniform. Despite numerous injuries in his career, McEntyre has yet to miss a start since coming to the Predators in the tail end of the 1998 season. Heading into this week's game with Chicago, McEntyre has now answered the bell for 109 consecutive games -- building on his own team record.

FLEMING LIFTS STEAK TO 30
With three receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown against Dallas last week, Predators WR/LB Cory Fleming has now caught at least one touchdown pass in 30 consecutive games. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 38 of 40 career games with the Preds.

WHEN PREDATORS LEAD AT HALFTIME GOOD THINGS HAPPEN
When Orlando takes a lead into the locker room at halftime, the Predators usually hold it. The Predators hold an all-time record of 105 wins against just 22 losses when they lead at halftime (82.7% winning percentage).

PREDS LOSE FLEMING; ACTIVATE TWO FROM IR
The Orlando Predators suffered their first major setback of the 2005 season on the injury front, placing last year's "US Army Ironman of the Year" Cory Fleming on the injured reserve list with a hamstring injury.

By placing Fleming on injured reserve the Predators leading receiver with 24 receptions for 233 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns will miss both Friday night's road game with the Chicago Rush and the March 6 game with the San Jose SaberCats. He will be eligible to return against the New Orleans VooDoo on March 13.

Fleming injured his hamstring in last week's 42-28 loss to the Dallas Desperados. In that game, he caught a season-low three passes for 24 yards and one touchdown.

"Hopefully, we'll get Cory back in two weeks," Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Hamstring injuries just require time to heal. Although it doesn't appear to be a serious injury, we don't want to take any chances by playing him when he's not 100 percent. It is a long season and we will need Cory down the stretch run."

The injury marks the third time Fleming has gone on the injured reserve list in his spectacular nine-year AFL career. In 2000, he missed the final four games of the regular season with a sprained foot. He also missed the first 11 games of the 2001 season after breaking his ankle in a pre-season game against Tampa Bay. Fleming set Orlando Predators single season records last year with 131 receptions for 8,533 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Fleming will be replaced in the line-up by rookie Justin Skaggs, who will be making his first career start at WR/LB. When Orlando has started the game on offense, Skaggs has started at WR/DB spot and is the third leading receiver on the team with 19 catches for 257 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

On Wednesday, the Predators also activated two players from injured reserve placing both FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore and OS Jimmy Fryzel on the active roster.


For Moore, the team's leading rusher from a season ago, it represented the latest positive news following a devastating knee injury sustained last April 25 against Dallas. Moore, who rushed for 190 yards and six touchdowns in 2004, dislocated his knee and suffered severe ligament damage while scoring a touchdown on a net recovery during a kickoff. Trainer Kevin Mercuri called the injury potentially "career threatening" and estimated a 12-18 month recovery time. "Marlon worked so hard in the off-season in rehab. It is a real credit that he has made it back in less than 10 months," Mercuri said.

Fryzel, 23, is a former Central Florida star who caught 137 passes for 2,469 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Knights from 1999-2001. He was in training camps Miami and Chicago the last two seasons and also spent time on the practice squads of Atlanta, Tennessee and Chicago in 2003.

The Predators, 3-1 on the season, return to action on Friday night against the Chicago Rush, 2-2. The game will be televised locally on Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network) beginning at 8:30 p.m.

PREDATORS PRODUCE COACHES
Maybe it would be going too far to call the Orlando Predators "The AFL Cradle of Coaches," but at least 16 current and former Predators players have gone on to the coaching ranks, including: Doug Miller (High School), Chris Barber (High School), Ben Bennett (af2), Webbie Burnett (af2), Victor Floyd (High School), Rick Hamilton (AFL), Jay Gruden (AFL, NFL), Kevin Guy (AFL, af2), Bret Munsey (af2, AFL), Jerry Odom (High School, Colleges), Pat O'Hara (High School), Connell Maynor (College), Jeff Parker (College), Fred Ray (High School), Barry Wagner (College), and Herkie Walls (High School). Miller, Wagner, and Ray remain active in the Arena Football League as players – coaching football in the off-season.


HAMILTON CLIMBING UP RUSHING TOUCHDOWN LIST: With three rushing touchdowns in 2005, quarterback Joey Hamilton continues to climb up the Predators all-time list in career rushing touchdowns. Hamilton now has 11 career rushing scores, one short of Paul McGowan's eighth place career total of 12. The record for career rushing touchdowns by a Predators quarterback in 18, accomplished by Connell Maynor in six seasons with the Predators (1998-2000, 2002-2004). While Hamilton could theoretically move into third place on Orlando's all-time list this season, he is a long way away from the Predators career record for rushing touchdowns, held by former six-time "Ironman of the Year" Barry Wagner, who rushed for 69 touchdowns from 1992-99.

Preds All-time Rushing Touchdowns
Name Season TDs
1. Barry Wagner 8 69
2. Rick Hamilton 5 25
3. Connell Maynor 6 18
4. Tommy Dorsey 2 17
5. Michael McClenton 2 16
6. Duke Pettijohn 2 14
7. Jerry Odom 2 13
8. Paul McGowan 5 12
9. Joe Hamilton 1+ 11
10. Many Tied 6

ATTENDANCE UP 3%
Although the Predators played their home opener on a Sunday afternoon (a day the Predators traditionally do not draw well), Orlando's total attendance is up 3% compared to the same time period last year. Orlando drew 26,111 fans to their first two games last year, which included a Friday night home opener against Austin and a Saturday night game against Indiana. This year, the Predators drew 26,848 to their first two games, which included 12,370 for a 12 Noon game against Colorado and a sellout crowd of 14,478 against Tampa Bay last week. Under the current configuration, Hummer Field at the TD Waterhouse holds 13,692 for Arena Football. The chart below compares Predators attendance through two home games:

Year G Attendance Avg. % Capacity
2005 2 26,848 13,424 98.04%
2004 2 26,111 13,056 95.03%
FIELD GOAL DROUGHT CONTINUES: Missing a pair of 51-yard field goals last week has extended Orlando's streak without making a field goal to 24 consecutive quarters. Orlando is 0 for 2005 in field goals, having missed all seven attempts this season. The steak includes all four games this season and the playoff game against Chicago last year.

SOUTHERN DIVISION TOUGH
Although it is early in the season, the Southern Division can claim the early lead as the Arena Football League's power division. With traditional powers Orlando and Tampa Bay, along with upstart New Orleans and Georgia both off to 3-1 starts, the Southern Division boasts five teams with a combined record of 12-7 (.632) – the best winning percentage of the four divisions. Of the seven AFL teams with just one loss, four (Orlando, Georgia, New Orleans and Tampa Bay) reside in the Southern Division. Finally, when you subtract division games from the totals, Southern Division teams are a league-best 9-4 against non-division opponents (.692).


Combined Records of Division Teams
Southern Division 12-7 .632
Eastern Division 8-6 .571
Western Division 8-9 .471
Central Division 5-10 .333


PREDATORS OFFERING FANS ULTIMATE TAILGATE EXPERIENCE
Ever wonder what it's like on the road with your favorite team? Ever want to be part of the "Official Traveling Party" for the big game? Now Orlando Predators fans will have that opportunity thanks to the "Ultimate Tailgate Party" program announced today by team president Brett Bouchy.

The "Ultimate Tailgate Party" will allow fans to travel with the team on road games to New Orleans and Philadelphia during the 2005 season. For $399 for New Orleans and $425 for Philadelphia (based on double occupancy), fans will travel with the team on chartered jet service from Sanford International Airport, stay at the team hotel, attend a pre-game meal or dinner with Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden, attend the game and fly home with the team. The price includes airfare, hotel, one meal, all ground transportation at the destination city, game ticket, beverages and snacks on the plane.

"The Arena Football League bills itself at the most fan-friendly league in the world and this is simply an extension of that concept," Bouchy said. "To my knowledge this is the first time that a professional football team has made this benefit available to its fans. This will be a great opportunity for the average fan to see what's it like to go on the road with the Predators."

Bouchy went on to emphasize that the program is open to all Predators fans. "College football teams may invite big-time boosters and pro teams may take sponsors on trips, but we want to emphasize that Orlando's "Ultimate Tailgate Party" is open to all our fans." The team will utilize a 140-seat Pan American jet for the program. Approximately 40 seats are reserved for the team personnel, leaving 100 seats available to the public. The New Orleans trip departs at 12 Noon on Saturday, Mar. 12 and will return after the game on Sunday, Mar. 13; while the Philadelphia trip will leave at 12 noon on Saturday, April 30 and return after the game on Sunday, May 1.

For more information or to reserve seats on the charter, call Sylvia Bova at the Predators office, 407-447-3320.

GRANT BECOMES "SACK" MACHINE
In his first four seasons, Orlando Predators FB/LB Rupert Grant recorded a total of 3.5 quarterback sacks while playing for Nashville and Detroit. The former fullback at Howard University has become a "sack" machine since joining the Predators prior to the 2004 season. In just 19 games with the Predators, Grant has recoded 11.5 quarterback sacks, including a team-record tying 9.5 sacks last season. "Can't really explain it, other than I have become a lot more comfortable playing defense," Grant said.
GRUDEN ON IR???
Although he retired as a player for a second time after the 2003 season, add Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden to the list of injured Predators for this week's game against Chicago. Gruden suffered a knee injury in a pick-up basketball game over the weekend and was noticeably limping during practice on Monday morning.

PREDATORS RANKINGS IN AFL STATS
Category Stat League Rank
Scoring 44.8 14th
Total Offense 239.8 15th
Scoring Defense 41.0 3rd
Total Defense 235.8 3rd
Rushing Offense 24.2 7th
Pass Rating 14th 96.2
Rushing Defense 12.8 3rd
Pass Rating Defense 3rd 88.5
Passing Offense 16th 215.5
Kickoff Returns 17th 13.1
Interceptions 12th 3
Pass Defense 3rd 223.0
Turnover Margin T-9th -1
Quarterback Sacks T-2nd 8
Penalties (Few Yds.) 6th 33-166

INDIVIDUAL
Category Player Rank-Stat
All-Purpose Yards McGriff 9th- 110.7
Scoring Fleming 12th-42
Rushing TD's Price T2nd-4
Hamilton T5th-3
Rushing Yards Price 8th-44
Hamilton 23rd-21
Passing Yards Hamilton 9th-902
Completion Pct. Hamilton 10th-61.8%
Passing TDs Hamilton 12th-16
Pass Completions Hamilton 7th-81
Receptions Fleming 18th-24
McGriff 20th-221
Rec. TDs Fleming T12th-7
Receiving Yards Skaggs 25th-257
Tackles Mason 2ND-30.5
Forced Fumbles Burt T-1st-2
Fumbles Recov. Grant 1st-3
Pass Defenses McEntyre T4TH - 6
Quarterback Sacks Burt T3RD-3.O

SEVERAL NEW FACES MAY DOT PREDATORS ROSTER THIS WEEK
Although no official announcement is expected before Thursday or Friday, Jay Gruden may use this week to evaluate several situations in the Predators line-up and could make several roster changes for Friday's game with Chicago. Several players are eligible to come off the injured reserve list this week; while rookie Jerrian James may also see his first action of the 2005 season.

HUMMER OF ORLANDO BECOMES
PREDATORS' FIRST TITLE SPONSOR
The Orlando Predators announced that Hummer of Orlando is the team's first title sponsor in the franchise's 15-year history. The three-year comprehensive partnership, which runs through the 2007 season, gives Hummer of Orlando name recognition in practically every aspect of the Orlando Predators operations. As the presenting sponsor, Hummer of Orlando will receive exposure on approximately 80 billboards throughout the 2005 season. Hummer will also be prominently featured on 100,000 schedule cards, all Predators newspaper advertising, website and all printed materials. Subject to final approval from the Arena Football League, Hummer of Orlando receives naming rights to the Predators playing field. The team will now list its home field as Hummer Field at the TD Waterhouse Centre. Advertising elements of the agreement include sideline dasherboard, turf logo, television and radio spots on Predators broadcasts, program advertising, player and cheerleading appearances, on-field and outside the arena promotions, and VIP and promotional season tickets. "Without question, this is the largest and most important corporate partnership in club history," Orlando Predators President and Managing General Partner Brett Bouchy said. "Hummer of Orlando was one of our larger sponsors last year and they have taken their commitment to Arena Football and the Orlando Predators to a whole new level. Our goal is to justify the faith they put in our product by showing the same faith and commitment to promote their products." "This promises to be a banner year for both the Orlando Predators and Hummer of Orlando, and we're excited to move forward as a team," Hummer of Orlando General Manager Gavin Hutchinson said. "It makes sense for the toughest vehicle on the road to partner with the toughest team in Arena Football. Hummer of Orlando is proud to be a part of the Predators' winning tradition." Hummer of Orlando is scheduled to open a new dealership on 434 in Altamonte Springs in late April.

PREDATORS PLAYERS TO WATCH
WR/LB JUSTIN SKAGGS
The first year player from Evangel College continues to produce solid numbers in his first season with the Predators. Despite backing up 2004 US Army Ironman of the Year Cory Fleming, Skaggs is third on the team in receptions (19) and second in receiving yards (257) and has scored two touchdowns this season. He led the Predators in receiving yards against Dallas (78) and is on pace for a 76 reception, 1,028 yard season. In order to get more reps for Skaggs, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden has been starting both Skaggs and Fleming on offense and then substituting for Skaggs on defense.

OL/DL EJ BURT
Orlando's all-time sack leader, third-year veteran EJ Burt picked up quarterback sacks in each of his first three games and forced a pair of fumbles. Last week against Dallas, Burt had 2.5 tackles and nearly added another sack and forced fumble on a close play that was later ruled an incomplete pass.

QB JOE HAMILTON
Hamilton completed 66.7% of his passes last week despite being under heavy pressure for the entire game. He threw four touchdown passes and one interception – a 4th quarter, 4th desperation heave on Orlando's last possession. The Predators offensive line must do a better job of protecting Hamilton this week.

DS KENNY McENTYRE
McEntyre, the Arena Football League's all-time leader in interceptions, has just one pick after four games of the regular season. Still, defensive coordinator Bret Munsey says McEntyre has played extremely well this season and the interceptions will come. McEntyre agrees. "They always seem to come in bunches. Other than last week, I think that all our defensive backs have played well this year. Last week, I don't think anyone on team believes they played well. This is a very important game for us."

2005 ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
CENTRAL
Team Record Pct. PF PA
Chicago 2-2-0 .500 204 207
Colorado 2-2-0 .500 230 213
Nashville 1-3-0 .250 178 218
Grand Rapids 0-3-0 .000 155 203
WESTERN
Team Record Pct. PF PA
Los Angeles 3-1-0 .750 218 207
Las Vegas 2-2-0 .500 131 178
San Jose 1-3-0 .250 229 227
Arizona 1-3-0 .250 214 224

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
EASTERN
Team Record Pct. PF PA
Dallas 3-1-0 .750 188 179
New York 2-1-0 .667 154 135
Philadelphia 2-2-0 .500 213 195
Columbus 1-2-0 .333 121 121
SOUTHERN
Team Record Pct. PF PA
Orlando 3-1-0 .750 179 164
Georgia 3-1-0 .750 186 150
New Orleans 3-1-0 .750 226 188
Tampa Bay 2-1-0 .667 171 139
Austin 1-3-0 .250 204 253

THIS WEEK'S GAMES
Friday
Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Georgia at Austin
Orlando at Chicago
Saturday
Las Vegas at Nashville
Sunday
Dallas at Philadelphia
Columbus at Grand Rapids
Arizona at New York
Los Angeles at Colorado

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Dallas 42, Orlando 28
Georgia 38, Las Vegas 13
Los Angeles 71, San Jose 69
New Orleans 61, Philadelphia 47
Colorado 74, Arizona 69
New York 62, Nashville 49
Columbus 52, Chicago 39
Austin 73, Grand Rapids 61

2005 US ARMY IRONMAN, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME and ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE GAME (selected by media):
After each Arena Football League game, media in attendance select the "US Army Ironman of the Game" as well as the "ADT Defensive Player of the Game" and the "Offensive Player of the Game." As expected, Dallas dominated the game awards last week with a convincing 42-28 win over the Predators. Will Pettis took the "Ironman" award; while Jason Shelley (7 rec. –138 yards- 2 TD) was the "Offensive Player of the Game." Former Orlando Predators FB/LB Duke Pettijohn (6 tackles, 1 QS, 1 FR for TD, 4 yards rushing) was selected "Ironman of the Game."

Week Opp. Player
1 Colorado Ironman: Cory Fleming (O)Offensive: Joe Hamilton (O)Defensive: Damon Mason (O)
2 Arizona Ironman: Cory Fleming (O)Offense: Joe Hamitlon (O)Defensive: Damon Mason (O)
3 Tampa Bay Ironman: Idris Price (O)Offensive: Michael Brown (O)Defensive: Rupert Grant (O)
4 Dallas Ironman: Will Pettis (D)Defensive: Duke Pettijohn (D)Offensive: Jason Shelley (D)

League Wide Honors
Week 1:
Cory Fleming - - US Army Ironman of the Week
Week 2:
Damon Mason – ADT Defensive Player of the Week
Week 3:
Idris Price – US Army Ironman of the Week

2005 ROSTER MOVES
Date Action Player


1/23 Waived WR-LB Leroy McFadden, OS Kerry Watkins, QB Ryan Schneider, WR-LB Andre Cooper, DS Jamie Hatley, WR-DB Ernest Ross, FB-LB Chris Morrant, OL-DL Patrick Scott, OL-DL Joe Fantigrassi, OL/DL Deon White, OL/DL Thomas Pittman
1/23 Placed on IR FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore
1/24 Waived OL/DL Shawn King, FB/LB Kevin Jefferson, OS Anthony Bright.
1/28 Placed on IR OS Jimmy Fryzel
2/7 Waived K Steve McLaughlin
2/7 Activated from NFL-Exempts OL-DL David Upchurch

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 24, 2005


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.

Other Recent Orlando Predators Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central