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Orlando Predators game notes

March 8, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME DETAILS
Orlando Predators (4-2) at New Orleans VooDoo (5-1)
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2005
Kick the Pig Time: 3 p.m. (EST)
Site: New Orleans Arena (16,021)
Officials: Referee: Terry Brown; Umpire: Rick Lowe; Head Linesman: Rusty Baynes; Line Judge: Gary Caveletto
Back Judge: Scott Helverson
Radio: WQTM 740 The Team (Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson)
TV: Local: None; Louisiana (Cox Sports)
Series Streak: Orlando has won two in a row
Series Record: Orlando leads all-time series, 2-0
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 57-32, .640); New Orleans: Mike Neu (4th season, 23-17, .575)

THE STAKES: Predators Face Red Hot VooDoo in Battle of Division Rivals
Following Sunday's disappointing loss to San Jose, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden struggled to find any positives from his team's performance. "At least it was a non-conference loss," Gruden said. "We have an opportunity in the next two weeks to set the stage for the rest of the season."

The Predators will not have an easy row to hoe, as they will take on division leaders New Orleans (5-1) and Georgia (5-1) in a pair of back-to-back road games. It is an incredibly important stretch for the Predators, who held the best record in the league at 3-0 three weeks ago but would find themselves out of the playoffs if they started today.

"Hopefully our players will view this as a great opportunity. It's so hard to win on the road and we are going to be facing the two hottest teams in the Arena Football League," Gruden said. "To go into enemy territory and defeat an outstanding team like New Orleans would do a lot for our confidence."

The Predators offense, which has struggled of late, should be aided by the return of Cory Fleming. The 2005 "Ironman of the Year" should be activated from the injured reserve list later this week.

Orlando Predators (4-1-0) *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 W 48-35
Mar. 6 San Jose L 38-57
Mar. 13 At New Orleans 3 p.m.
Mar. 19 At Georgia 7 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.

New Orleans (5-1-0)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 At Georgia L 44-46
Feb. 4 At Nashville W 59-34
Feb. 13 San Jose W 66-61
Feb. 20 Philadelphia W 61-47
Feb. 25 Tampa Bay W 48-42
Mar. 5 At Dallas W 53-51
Mar. 13 Orlando 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 20 At Chicago 12:00 p.m.
Mar.26 Georgia 8:00 p.m.
Apr. 1 At Austin 8:30 p.m.
Apr. 16 Columbus 8:00 p.m.
Apr. 23 At Grand Rapids 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 30 At Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
May 8 Colorado 1:00 p.m.
May 14 Austin 8:00 p.m.
May 20 At Orlando 7:30 p.m.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"Sunday's loss to San Jose is hard to explain. I think we had a real good week of practice and then we just came out flat. Credit their game plan and their players for frustrating us, but at the same time, I know we are a lot better team then what you saw today. We have one week to get ready for a great team and hopefully you'll see a much better Orlando Predators team against New Orleans."
--FB/LB Rupert Grant

THE COACHES
PREDS HEAD COACH JAY GRUDEN
JAY GRUDEN is in his second stint and 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 57-32 (.640) all-time coaching record into the New Orleans game. He is 49-29 in regular season games (.628) 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 57-32 .640
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

NEW ORLEANS HEAD COACH MIKE NEU
Former Orlando Predators quarterback Mike Neu is quickly establishing himself as one of the top young head coaches in the Arena Football League. Neu began his head coaching career in 2001, taking over the Carolina Cobras franchise from Doug Kay for the playoffs. The following season, Neu recorded a 6-8 regular season record with the Cobras but qualified for the playoffs and made it to the second round, where only a freak touchdown pass off the net on the final play of the game kept Neu from becoming the first coach to take a team with a losing record to the semifinals. Surprisingly, the Cobras made one of their worst administrative decisions following the season – dismissing Neu and his staff. New Orleans quickly hired Neu for its expansion franchise and was rewarded for that decision as Neu led the VooDoo to an 11-5 record and Southern Division championship in his first season. That earned Neu "AFL COACH OF THE YEAR" honors. Neu has the VooDoo off to a 5-1 start this season, the best record in the AFL. Overall, Neu will take a record of 23-17 into the Orlando game (.575).

Gruden 4-1 Against Top 10 Coaches This Season: For the fifth time this season, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden (ranked ninth in career wins) found himself facing a coach ranked in the top 10 in career coaching wins. Previously this year, Gruden has gone 4-0 in these match-ups, defeating #1 Tim Marcum (Tampa Bay 61-46), #10 Todd Shell (d. Arizona, 51-40), #6 Mike Dailey (d. Colorado 39-36), and #3 Mike Hohensee (d. Chicago, 48-35); before losing to #7 Arbet last week by a 57-38 score. Before season's end, Gruden and the Predators will also face a top 10 coach with a rematch with #1 Tim Marcum on April 9.
GRUDEN RANKED IN TOP
Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden is ranked in the top 10 in AFL career coaching wins.
ALL-TIME AFL WINNINGEST COACHES
1. Tim Marcum 170*
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohenssee 88
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Trigg 80
6 Mike Dailey 78
7. Darren Arbet 75
8. John Gregory 73
9. Jay Gruden 57*
10. Todd Shell 48*
*Active Coach

COACHING MATCH-UPS
Gruden vs. Neu
The two coaches have faced each other just twice, with Gruden winning both match-ups against Neu and the expansion VooDoo. The Predators defeated New Orleans 57-24 on April 9 at Hummer Field in Orlando and then recorded a 45-40 win in New Orleans a month later (May 9).

SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
A 2004 expansion team, the New Orleans VooDoo met the Predators twice last year as a member of the Southern Division...Orlando took both games, but New Orleans (11-5) edged the Predators (10-6) for the Southern Division title, becoming just the fourth expansion in league history to win a division title in their first season of play...New Orleans' 11 wins were also the most ever by an expansion team...there are several close personnel ties between the two teams...VooDoo head coach Mike Neu played quarterback for the Predators in 1995 and was a back-up quarterback for the Nashville Kats in 1997 – where current Predators head coach Jay Gruden was offensive coordinator...Predators defensive coordinator Bret Munsey was defensive coordinator for Neu at Carolina in 2002, where he coached the #4 ranked defense in the AFL...VooDoo Defensive Coordinator Kevin Porter was a defensive backs coach for the Predators and Gruden in 1999...New Orleans players Carl Bond (Predators practice squad 2003), Lamont Moore (2001-03), Thabiti Davis (2003), Brian Schmitz (2003), and BJ Cohen (1999-2002) have all played for the Orlando Predators.

SERIES RECORDS
Orlando Lead Series 2-0
Date ORL NO
April 9, 2004 (H) 57 24
May 9, 2004 (A) 45 40

GAME SUMMARIES FROM 2004 MEETINGS

Orlando 57, New Orleans 24
April 9, 2004 TD Waterhouse (13,203)
New Orleans: 3 0 7 14 -- 24
Orlando: 7 20 10 20 -- 57

ORLANDO, FL -- Joe Hamilton threw for four touchdowns and ran for a fifth as the Orlando Predators (4-5) shocked first place New Orleans (7-2) by 33 points.

The Predators would use a stingy defense to jump out to a 27-3 lead at halftime and never look back in the game. Orlando would out-score New Orleans in every quarter, including a 30-0 run after falling behind 3-0 in the game.

Orlando dominated all aspects of the game, holding New Orleans to just 208 yards of total offense and limiting quarterback John Fitzgerald to just 12 completions in 26 attempts (46%). Orlando had one sack and forced two turnovers; while out-rushing the VooDoo 58-19 in the game.


TEAM STATS NO ORL
First Downs 12 16
Rush Yards 9-19 20-58
Passing Yards 189 184
A-C-I 27-13-0 25-17-0
Fumbles/Lost 2-2 2-1
Penalties/Yards 9-56 8-45
Penalties/Yards 9-56 8-45
Sacks By 0-0 1-11

Rushing
NO: Bratton 3-8, Fitzgerald 1-7, Curran 5-4
O: Moye-Moore 10-36, Hamilton 4-19, Cooper 1-4, Miller 1-0, Price 3-(-1)

Passing
NO: Fitzgerald 26-12-0-179; Alfred 1-1-0-21
O: Hamilton 23-16-0-171; Whelihan 2-1-0-13

Receiving
NO: Bailey 6-98, Gooch 4-65, Collins 2-29, Curran 1-8
O: Fleming 5-80, McGriff 4-27, Cooper 3-22m Burt 1-26, Shell 1-20, Riley 1-8, Lee 1-1, Miller 1-0

Orlando 45, New Orleans 40
May 9, 2004 - New Orleans Arena (13,333)
Orlando 21 10 7 7 –-45
New Orleans 6 20 0 14--40


NEW ORLEANS, LA -- Joe Hamilton threw for three touchdowns and the Predators defense forced four turnovers as Orlando won for the fourth time in five games, defeating the New Orleans VooDoo, 45-40.

The win gave the Predators a 7-6 record; while New Orleans fell to 9-4. Orlando was in control for most of the game, but a turnover and successful on-sides kick gave the VooDoo the ball and a chance to take the lead in the final minute of the game.

Orlando's defense stiffened, however, as the Predators used two sacks on New Orleans final drive to hold on for the five point win. Kenny McEntyre had two of Orlando's four interceptions; while Bret Cooper and Cory Fleming added one each.

TEAM STATS ORL NO
First Downs 14 19
Rush Yards 12-57 10-20
Passing Yards 154 284
A-C-I 21-14-1 43-25-4
Fumbles/Lost 3-3 3-0
Penalties/Yards 7-35 10-60
Sacks By 3-30 1-6

Rushing
O: Hamilton 5-50, Grant 6-7, Price 1-0
NO: Browning 2-13, Curran 6-4, Rayborn 1-3, Fitzgerald 1-0

Passing
O: Hamilton 21-14-1-160
NO: Fitzgerald 30-18-3-202; Rayborn 13-7-1-109

Receiving
O: Fleming 5-56, McGriff 4-58, Cooper 4-38, Riley 1-8
NO: Moore 8-103, Bailey 6-94, Spears 4-68, Rumpf 4-28, Hamilton 2-11, Cohen 1-7


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 San Jose...THE GOOD: Not much to report here...rookie Jerrian James provided a glimpse that he may be ready for a breakout game, returning seven kicks for 163 yards (23.3 average)...Orlando has ranked near the bottom of the league stats in kickoff returns for the last three seasons and James' performance turned some heads last week...James also reached career highs in receptions (9), yards (85) and touchdowns (2) in his second career contest...James also had a career-high 248 all-purpose yards. THE BAD: For the third time this season, Orlando's offense struggled...quarterback Joe Hamilton completed just 19 of 40 passes (47.5%) and Orlando's vaunted running attack gained just 10 yards on six carries. THE UGLY: Orlando lost its composure, and was whistled for 13 penalties for 90 yards – both season highs...Jay Gruden was also ejected for the first time in his AFL career.

ORLANDO-GEORGIA KICKOFF CHANGED IN MARCH 19 GAME
The kickoff for the Orlando Predators at Georgia Force on Saturday, March 19 at Philips Arena will be moved from a 1 p.m. kickoff to a 7 p.m. start time. The time change will not affect the television broadcast of the Force-Predators match-up, which can be seen on FSN South and Sun Sports Network.

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 New Orleans, McEntyre has now answered the bell for 111 consecutive games -- building on his own team record. McEntyre's streak almost came to an end last week after the unexpected loss of his father Frank McEntyre last week. McEntyre elected to remain with his teammates and play on Sunday, before flying to Dallas on Monday morning for the funeral.
FLEMING STEAK REMAINS ALIVE
Because he is on the injured reserve list and did not play the last two weeks, Cory Fleming's streak of at least one touchdown in 30 consecutive games played will remain alive. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 38 of 40 career games with the Preds. He is expected to play this week against New Orleans.

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).


PREDATORS RUN THE ROCK
With the exception of three seasons (2001-2002-1991), the Orlando Predators have always been one of the most effective teams in running the football – finishing in the top five in rushing yards per game in 11 of their 14 season. The trend is continuing in Orlando's 15th season, with the team currently ranked 4th in the league in yards per game.

Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2005 185 30.8 13 4th
2004 606 37.9 29 1st
2003 367 22.9 25 3rd
2002 215 15.4 16 11th
2001 194 14.1 14 15th
2000 551 36.8 24 2nd
1999 430 30.7 12 2nd
1998 433 35.7 18 3rd
1997 655 46.8 27 1st
1996 606 42.9 37 2nd
1995 406 35.8 26 3rd
1994 503 45.6 24 2nd
1993 447 37.2 15 3rd
1992 413 41.3 12 4th
1991 303 30.3 14 6th

*Through 6 games; AFL Rank based on rushing yards per game.

PREDATORS PRODUCE COACHES
Maybe it would be going too far to call the Orlando Predators "The AFL Cradle of Coaches," but at least 18 current and former Predators players have gone on to the coaching ranks, including former Predators quarterback Mike Neu, who is head coach of this week's opponent the New Orleans VooDoo. Other former and current Predators players in the coaching ranks include: 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), Bill Stewart (High School) 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 four rushing touchdowns in 2005, quarterback Joey Hamilton continues to climb up the Predators all-time list in career rushing touchdowns. Hamilton now has 12 career rushing scores, tying Paul McGowan's eighth place career total. 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
Joe Hamilton 1+ 12
10. Many Tied 6

ATTENDANCE/MERCHANDISE STRONG IN 2005
Despite playing two of their first three home games on Sunday afternoons – traditionally poor drawing days for the Predators – Orlando continues to have an outstanding year at the gate. The team has drawn 39,863 fans to three homes games at Hummer Field, reaching 97.4% of Arena capacity (13,692). Highlights included a sellout crowd of 14,478 against Tampa Bay – where the Predators set a TD Waterhouse record for concession sales for an Arena Football League game at $142,000, that total did not include $12,000 in merchandise sales. Last week, the Predators set a club record with more than $16,000 in merchandise sales against San Jose.

Year G Attendance Avg. % Capacity
2005 3 39,863 13,287 97.04%




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 New Orleans and Georgia off to 5-1 starts, and Orlando (4-2) and Tampa Bay (3-2) boasting winning records, the Southern Division boasts a league-best 14-5 against non-division opponents (.736).

JAMES 163 YARDS ON KICKOFF RETURNS AMONG TOP TOTALS IN PREDATORS HISTORY
Rookie Jerrian James 163 yards in kickoff returns against San Jose ranks among one of the top totals in Orlando Predators history. His 163 return yards was the 6th best effort in Orlando Predators team history (Including playoffs); while his 248 yards was his 14th best effort.

Top Return Games
Siaha Burley Indiana 2001 222
Barry Wagner Iowa 1996 205
Barry Wagner Albany 1998 205
Barry Wagner Tampa Bay 1999 185
Siaha Burley Tampa Bay 2001 177
Jerrian James San Jose 2005 163
Barry Wagner Iowa 1999 161
Barry Wagner Anaheim 1996 158
Antonio Stanley San Jose 2002 157
Barry Wagner Grand Rapids 1999 157
Herkie Walls Albany 1994 154
Barry Wagner Tampa Bay 1998* 154
Siaha Burley New York 2001 153
Barry Wagner New Jersey 1998 153
Barry Wagner Tampa Bay 1999 153
Travis McGriff Tampa Bay 2004 150

Top All-Purpose Yards
Siaha Burley Indiana 2001 457
Barry Wagner Iowa 1996 435
Barry Wagner Anaheim 1996 319
Travis McGriff Tampa Bay 2004 313
Barry Wagner Grand Rapids 1999 306
Barry Wagner Albany 1998 305
Siaha Burley Tampa Bay 2001 307
Barry Wagner New Jersey 1998 291
Barry Wagner Iowa 1999 285
Siaha Burley Tampa Bay 2001 276
Antonio Stanley San Jose 2002 275
Siaha Burley New York 2001 273
Herkie Walls Tampa Bay 1993 268
Jerrian James San Jose 2005 248

*Playoff Game

PREDATORS OFFERING FANS ULTIMATE TAILGATE EXPERIENCE: NEW ORLEANS TRIP SELLS OUT
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 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 (trip sold out) 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.

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 CORY FLEMING
Cory Fleming returns to the line-up after spending the last two weeks on Orlando's injured reserve list. Fleming was the team's leading receiver prior to sustaining a hamstring injury against Dallas in Week 4. Fleming should help invigorate a Predators offense that struggled last week against San Jose.

QB JOE HAMILTON
The Predators will need a big game from Hamilton if they are to challenge New Orleans this week. Hamilton is coming off is worst outing of the 2005 season, completing less than 50% of his passes (19 of 40) for just 202 yards. Hamilton overthrew open receivers several times on Sunday and appeared out of sync at times. He did manage five touchdown passes against the SaberCats.

K BRIAN GOWINS
Gowins has hit three of his last four field goal attempts and had a streak of 14 consecutive extra points made, before missing two on Sunday against San Jose.

2005 ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
CENTRAL
Team Record Pct. PF PA
Colorado 3-2-0 .600 288 253
Chicago 3-3-0 .500 284 293
Grand Rapids 1-4-0 .200 271 330
Nashville 1-5-0 .167 248 303

WESTERN
Team Record Pct. PF PA
Los Angeles 4-2-0 .667 291 294
Las Vegas 3-3-0 .500 212 252
San Jose 2-3-0 .400 286 265
Arizona 1-5-0 .167 280 318

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
EASTERN
Team Record Pct. PF PA
New York 4-1-0 .800 276 226
Dallas 4-2-0 .667 311 275
Philadelphia 2-4-0 .333 310 328
Columbus 1-4-0 .200 212 229

SOUTHERN
Team Record Pct. PF PA
Georgia 5-1-0 .833 294 227
New Orleans 5-1-0 .833 327 281
Orlando 4-2-0 .667 265 256
Tampa Bay 3-2-0 .600 283 237
Austin 2-4-0 .333 309 360


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

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Los Angeles 33, Arizona 29
Chicago 45, Nashville 38
Georgia 55, Columbus 48
Tampa Bay 70, Grand Rapids 50
New York 61, Philadelphia 54
San Jose 57, Orlando 38
New Orleans 53, Dallas 51
Austin 42, Las Vegas 41


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, San Jose dominated the awards on Sunday, as Mark Grieb took "Offensive Player of the Game," completing 22 of 35 passes for 272 yards and five touchdowns; James Roe won "US Army Ironman of the Game" honors catching seven passes for 72 yards and 2 touchdowns to go with one tackle and Tremain Mack, six tackles, 3 pass break-ups, was "ADT Defensive Player 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)
5 Chicago Ironman: Marlon Moye-Moore (O)Defense: Damon Mason (O)Offense: Jimmy Fryzel (O)
6 San Jose Ironman: James Roe (SJ)Defense: Tremain Mack (SJ)Offense: Mark Grieb (SJ)

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
2/23 Placed on IR WR/LB Cory Fleming
2/23 Activated from IR FB/LB Marlon Moye-MooreOS Jimmy Fryzel

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