Orlando Predators game notes
March 16, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
GAME DETAILS
Orlando Predators (5-2) vs. Georgia Force (5-2)
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2005
Kick the Pig Time: 7 p.m. (EST)
Site: Phillips Arena (18,200)
Officials: Referee: Pat Garvey; Umpire: Paul King;
Head Linesman: Bill Ward; Line Judge: Wayne Mackie;
Back Judge: Dino Paganelli
Radio: WQTM 740 The Team (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network) â Bob Rathbun, Charles Davis and Bob Estes (sideline)
Series Streak: Orlando has won one in a row
Series Record: Georgia leads all-time series 4-2
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 58-32, .644); Georgia: Doug Plank (1st season, 5-2, .714)
THE STAKES: 1st Place in Southern Division Prize for Saturday's Victor
First place in the tough Southern Division will be the prize as the Orlando Predators (5-2), coming off a big road win over New Orleans (5-2) travels to Atlanta, Ga. and the Phillips Arena to take on another division rival â the 5-2 Georgia Force. Thanks to Orlando's win over the VooDoo and Georgia's season opening win over New Orleans â the winner of Saturday's game can claim sole possession of first place of the Southern Division regardless of the outcome of New Orleans game against Chicago.
"This is a huge game for us," Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "After this week's game, we have four of our next five at home. A victory against Georgia would give us a 3-0 record in our division and a lot of momentum heading into the second half. A loss puts us right back where we were two weeks ago, fighting to get back to the top."
It will not be an easy task for the Predators. The Force hold a 4-2 series lead over the Predators â winning three of the last four games on last-second plays. "They are well coached and have outstanding players," Gruden added. "We will need a total team effort to win."
Orlando Predators (5-2-0) *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 W 63-52
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.
Georgia (5-2-0)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 New Orleans W 46-44
Feb. 4 At Los Angeles L 41-46
Feb. 12 Arizona W 61-47
Feb. 20 At Las Vegas W 38-13
Feb. 25 At Austin W 66-63
Mar. 6 Columbus W 55-48
Mar 12 At New York L 51-53
Mar. 19 Orlando 1:00 p.m.
Mar. 26 At New Orleans 8:00 p.m.
Apr. 2 At Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 8 Austin 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 15 Grand Rapids 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 22 At Orlando 7:30 p.m.
May 8 Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m.
May 14 Dallas 7:00 p.m.
May 21 At San Jose 10:30 p.m.
QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"They tend to come in bunches and I can't explain why. To some extent, I think my opportunities have been limited as I don't have a lot of balls thrown at me. The important thing is that you take advantage of those opportunities when they present themselves. Andy threw a couple of bad balls today and I was able to cash in."
--DS Kenny McEntyre on his two interceptions
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 58-32 (.644) all-time coaching record into the Georgia game. He is 50-29 in regular season games (.633) 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 58-32 .644
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684
GEORGIA HEAD COACH DOUG PLANK
The architect of a defense that led the Arizona Rattlers to three consecutive ArenaBowl championships, Doug Plank is in his first season as head coach of the Georgia Force. Plank spent the last three years as defensive coordinator of the Rattlers â helping that team to the league championship game in each of his three seasons. A 12th round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, Plank enjoyed a long and successful NFL career where he earned a reputation as one the league's fiercest hitters. The famed Chicago Bear "46 Defense" created by Buddy Ryan was named for Plank's jersey number. Prior to joining the Rattlers coaching staff, Plank spent five seasons as Arizona's color commentator on radio and television broadcasts.
FUN FACT: Georgia Head Coach Doug Plank is a franchisee in Burger King, where he owns and operates 17 Burger King restaurants in three different states.
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 171*
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohenssee 89
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Trigg 80
6 Mike Dailey 79
7. Darren Arbet 76
8. John Gregory 73
9. Jay Gruden 58*
10. Todd Shell 48*
*Active Coach
SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
Formerly the Nashville Kats, the franchise relocated to Atlanta and became the Georgia Force prior to the 2002 season...as part of the agreement, the Nashville nickname and records remained in Nashville, essentially creating an expansion franchise...Georgia played their inaugural season in the Phillips Arena, moved to Gwinnet Arena for the 2003-04 season, before returning to Phillips Arena in 2005 under new owner Arthur Blank...Georgia holds a 4-2 series lead over the Predators...for the most part, the games have been highly competitive, with Georgia winning three of the last four games in the final seconds...the team split a pair of games in 2004, with each team winning on the other team's home floor...Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden enjoyed three huge passing games against Georgia, posting three-300 yards games while passing for 991 yards and 14 touchdowns in the three contests....the visitors have won 5 of 6 games in the series, as Orlando is 2-1 in games played in Atlanta and 0-3 in games at home...Georgia Force lineman Jermaine Smith played for the Orlando Predators last season...three of the eight games have been decided by one score, with two of the games coming down to the final play of the game...the Predators came with a few plays of recording a shutout, allowing just seven points last in the second game of the season â it was the 4th fewest points (tie) allowed in Arena Football League history.
SERIES RECORDS
Georgia Leads All-Time Series 4-2
Date ORL GA
Apr. 20, 2002 (A) 49 67
July 13, 2002 (H) 40 41
Mar. 23, 2003 (H) 36 38
Apr. 16, 2003 (A) 38 27
Mar. 12, 2004 (H) 44 52
Apr. 18, 2004 (A) 30 7
Points 237 232
PPG 39.5 38.6
GAME SUMMARIES FROM 2004 MEETINGS
Georgia 52, Orlando 44
March 12, 2004 - TD Waterhouse Centre (13,263)
Georgia: 7 10 14 21 -- 52
Orlando: 14 7 10 13 -- 44
Orlando, Fla. -- Jay Taylor missed a 25-yard field goal with 34 seconds remaining and Markeith Cooper caught a 44-yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds left as the Georgia Force held on to defeat the Orlando Predators, 52-44 in front of 13,263 fans at the TD Waterhouse Centre.
Trailing 45-38, the Predators rallied on James Bowden's 55-yard kickoff return for TD that pulled them within one at 45-44 in the final four minutes. But after Taylor missed the extra point, Kenny McEntyre gave the Predators new life with his 49th career interception. But Orlando failed to muster a first down and Taylor's 25-yard attempt hit the left upright.
Cooper scored three touchdowns and accounted for a game-high 222 yards. Dialleo Burks caught four passes for 53 yards and one score and also returned an interception 38 yards for another score, as Orlando fell to 2-3 on the season.
TEAM STATS GA ORL
First Downs 22 15
Rush Yards 9-20 11-36
Passing Yards 272 229
A-C-I 35-23-1 27-17-1
Fumbles/Lost 1-0 0-0
Penalties/Yards 5-25 10-66
Sacks By 0-0 3-12
Rushing
G: Thomas 5-14, Murray 3-7, Porter 1-(-1)
O: Grant 6-18, Hamilton 3-13, Maynor 1-4, Miller 1-1
Passing
G: Murray 35-23-1-284-4 TD
O: Hamilton 24-16-1-216-4 TD, Maynor 3-1-0-13-0
Receiving
G: Cooper 10-125, Burks 4-53, Anderson 3-32, Porter 2-31, Ward 1-17, Thomas 1-11, Evans 1-9, Grice 1-6
O: Cooper 7-90, Fleming 6-91, Riley 2-40, Shell 1-7, Bowden 1-1
Game 10
Orlando 30, Georgia 7
April 18, 2004- Gwinnett Center (7,879)
Orlando 6 14 10 0 -â30
Georgia 7 0 0 0--7
ATLANTA, GA -- Joe Hamilton threw for three touchdowns and Jay Taylor booted three field goals to lead the Orlando Predators to a 30-7 win over the Georgia Force on Sunday afternoon.
By limiting the Force to seven points, the Predators held a team to the fourth fewest points (tie) in league history. The Predators defense was stifling, recording four sacks, knocking down two passes and forcing three turnovers â including Kenny McEntyre AFL record-tying 50th career interception.
The contest was not an offensive masterpiece. Despite recording two consecutive stops to begin the game, Orlando could only convert them into field goals and actually trailed 7-6 at the end of the first quarter. But after giving up the touchdown, the Predators only allowed 99 yards of total offense the rest of the way -- recording eight consecutive defensive stops.
TEAM STATS ORL GA
First Downs 12 10
Rush Yards 11-26 7-9
Passing Yards 183 162
A-C-I 32-18-1 34-17-2
Fumbles/Lost 3-2 1-1
Penalties/Yards 6-35 6-33
Sacks By 4-15 1-3
Rushing
O: Moye-Moore 9-21, Grant 2-5
G: Thomas 5-7, Hixson 1-1, Murray 1-1
Passing
O: Hamilton 24-14-1-158, Whelihan 8-4-0-28
G: Murray 23-9-0-109; Hixson 11-8-2-68
Receiving
O: Fleming 6-47, McGriff 4-44, Cooper 3-29, Riley 2-35, Shell 2-25, Moye-Moore 1-6
G: Burks 6-79, Anderson 5-29, Lindsey 2-29, Ward 2-4, Cooper 1-27, Bray 1-9
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:
The Good: Orlando's did a great job of scheming New Orlean's offense...Jay Gruden's goal was to play soft on New Orlean's short passing game and have defenders run to the ball to prevent big plays from short passes...he also talked about the lineman getting their hands up to shut down passing lanes and forcing turnovers...the Predators graded well on all three aspects, as Andy Kelly was intercepted twice, sacked twice and averaged just 5.1 yards per pass...Orlando forced a total of three turnovers and limited Kelly to just 98 passing yards in the first half...The Predators offense came alive, scoring a season-high 63 points and putting points on the board in 10 of their first 11 possessions. The Bad: Orlando built a 16-point lead in the third quarter but failed to score after a turnover...Brian Gowins missed 28-yard field eventually allowed New Orleans to get within five points of the Predators in the 4th quarter. The Ugly: Penalties again played a role in the game, as the Predators were flagged eight times for 61 yards, including three unsportsman-like conduct penalties following touchdowns or change of possession.
THIS WEEK'S KICKOFF CHANGED!!! ORLANDO-GEORGIA KICKOFF CHANGED TO 7 P.M.
Members of the media are reminded that this week's kickoff for the Predators vs. Georgia Force game has changed. The kickoff has been moved from a 1 p.m. 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 Georgia, McEntyre has now answered the bell for 112 consecutive games -- building on his own team record. McEntyre's streak almost came to an end two weeks ago after the unexpected loss of his father Fran McEntyre to a fatal stroke just two days before the San Jose game.
FLEMING STEAK REMAINS ALIVE
With three touchdown receptions against New Orleans, Cory Fleming has now caught a touchdown in 31 consecutive games with the Predators. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 39 of 41 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. Counting last week's game against New Orleans, the Predators hold an all-time record of 106 wins against just 22 losses when they lead at halftime (82.8% 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 the AFL for running the football â finishing in the top five in rushing yards per game in 11 of their 14 seasons. The trend is continuing in Orlando's 15th year, with the team currently ranked 3rd in the league in rushing at 33.9 yards per game.
Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2005 237 33.9 16 3rd
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.
KENNY "THE GLOVE" McENTYRE TABBED
"ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK"
With two interceptions, six tackles and a pair of pass break-ups, Orlando's Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre has been tabbed the Arena Football League's "ADT Defensive Player of the Week." McEntyre led a Predators defense that helped contain one of the league's most-efficient passing games. McEntyre's first interception allowed the Predators to grab a 13-0 lead. He also came up with a key pass defense on a 4th and goal situation midway through the fourth quarter and the Predators clinging to a 12-point lead at the five-minute mark. Orlando would go on to score on its next possession, creating a 14-point swing. "I said it before and I'll say it again, I believe Kenny McEntyre is the best overall defensive specialist in the Arena Football League," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "The fact that teams tend not to challenge him too much supports that notion." A five-time selection to the first unit of the All-Arena team, McEntyre has won three "ADT Defensive Player of the Year" awards with the Predators. McEntyre's selection marked the fourth time that a Predators player has won player of the week honors in 2005.
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 â coaching football in the off-season.
A PREPONDERENCE OF 13s
Thirteen is rarely considered a lucky number, but the Orlando Predators may want to reconsider that notion after Sunday's win over New Orleans, a game that was marked with a large number of 13s. The evidence:
Date of Game: March 13, 2005
Joe Hamilton's Birthday: March 13, 1977
# Player Tickets Purchased : 13
Cost of Tickets: $13 each
Preds lead after 2nd score: 13-0
HAMILTON ON RECORD SETTING PACE
With 30 touchdown passes in seven games, Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton is on pace to throw 69 touchdown passes this season. If succeeds in hitting that number, he would break Jay Gruden's club record of 68 touchdowns set in 2002. Here is the Predators all-time list for touchdown passes in a season:
1. Jay Gruden 2002 68
2. Pat O'Hara 1998 67
3. Craig Whelihan 2001 60
MAC NEEDS TWO FOR 70
With two interceptions against New Orleans, Kenny McEntyre now has 57 interceptions during regular season games. Counting 11 post-season interceptions, the three-time ADT AFL Defensive Player of the Year now has 68 career interceptions in 112 career games played.
HAMILTON CLIMBING UP RUSHING TOUCHDOWN LIST: With five rushing touchdowns in 2005, quarterback Joey Hamilton continues to climb up the Predators all-time list in career rushing touchdowns. Hamilton now has 13 career rushing scores, tying Jerry Odom's 7th 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 7 13
Joe Hamilton 2 13
9. Paul McGowan 5 12
10. Many Tied 6
ATTENDANCE/MERCHANDISE STRONG IN 2005
Despite playing two of their first three home games on Sunday afternoons â traditionally poor drawing days for the Predators â 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 â 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, Orlando and Georgia off to 5-2 starts, and Tampa Bay checking in at 4-2, the Southern Division boasts a league-best 15-6 against non-division opponents (.714).
ROAD WARRIORS: PREDS 3-1 ON ROAD
Since joining the league in 2004, the New Orleans VooDoo have dropped just two of 11 home games in their brief history. Orlando owns both of those wins, combining last week's win over the VooDoo with a 45-40 win on May 9 of last year. But winning road games is nothing new for the Predators. Counting a 3-1 start on the road this year, the Orlando Predators have continued to enforce their rapidly growing reputation as one of the league's best road teams. In regular season contests, the Predators have won 19 of their last 25 road games â a winning percentage of .760. In the same time period the Predators are just 15-11 at home, a winning percentage of .577.
LAST 25 PREDATORS ROAD GAMES
3-13-05 at New Orleans W, 63-52
2-25-05 at Chicago W, 48-35
2-17-05 at Dallas L, 28-40
2-3-05 at Arizona W, 51-40
5-30-04 at Los Angeles W, 52-50
5-15-04 at Austin W, 43-26
5-9-04 at New Orleans W, 45-40
4-18-04 at Georgia W, 30-7
4-4-04 at Columbus L, 46-55
3-21-04 at Chicago L. 15-50
2-28-04 at Carolina W, 59-42
2-2-04 at Tampa Bay L, 41-52
5-16-03 at Detroit W, 50-38
5-4-03 at Colorado W, 46-40 (ot)
4-26-03 at Georgia W, 38-27
4-6-03 at Arizona L, 36-62
3-16-03 at Tampa Bay L, 32-52
3-2-03 at New York W, 72-56
2-21-03 at Carolina W, 70-42
2-2-03 at Chicago W, 47-35
7-20-02 at Dallas W, 44-41
7-7-02 at Tampa Bay W, 55-48
6-28-02 at Carolina W, 52-48
6-15-02 at New York W, 52-33
5-24-02 at Indiana W, 40-37
JAMES 163 YARDS ON KICKOFF RETURNS AMONG TOP TOTALS IN PREDATORS HISTORY
Rookie Jerrian James 163 yards in kickoff returns against San Jose two weeks ago, 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
PREDS SELLOUT FIRST ULTIMATE TAILGATE EXPERIENCE, FANS GET SECOND OPPORTUNITY
The Orlando Predators sold out their first "Ultimate Tailgate Party" as 110 fans attended the Predators win over New Orleans last week. The Ultimate Tailgate Party was an all-encompassing trip that includes airfare, hotel, one meal, all ground transportation at the destination city, game ticket, beverages and snacks on the plane. The Predators have scheduled a second Ultimate Tailgate Tour for the Philadelphia game April 30-May 1. Call Sylvia Bova for details at 407-44-PREDS.
ORLANDO PREDATORS VS. GEORGIA FORCE
AFL STATISTICALLY RANKINGS
Category ORL GA
Scoring Offense 46.9 (14th) 51.1 (8th)
Total Offense 241.1 (14th) 294.1 (5th)
Scoring Defense 44.0 (3rd) 44.9 (4th)
Total Defense 254.1 (4th) 289.7 (10th)
Rushing Offense 33.9 (3rd) 13.1 (13th)
Pass Rating 99.8 (13th) 116.4 (5th)
Pass Rating (Def) 94.3 (4th) 107.1 (9th)
Passing Offense 207.3 (17th) 281.0 (3rd)
Had Intercepted 7 (t-9th) 8 (T-11th)
Pass Defense 240.6 (6th) 276.6 (13th)
Field Goal Pct. 55.6 (T-4th) 35.7 (12th)
PAT Pct. 87.2 (8th) 70.5 (17th)
Kickoff Returns 15.5 (15th) 16.1 (14th)
Interceptions 6 (T-13th) 8 (T-3rd)
Turnover Margin +3 (6th) +1 (8th)
3rd Down Efficiency 30.2 (17th) 43.6 (9th)
4th Down Efficiency 35.7 (14th) 57.1 (3rd)
Opp. 3rd Down Eff. 32.7 (1st) 43.2 (9th)
Opp. 4th Down Eff. 40.0 (8th) 66.7 (15th)
Sacks 11 (T-2nd) 9- (T-5th)
Sacks Allowed 12 (17th) 5 (6th)
Penalties Yds-Fewest 395 (10th) 478 (15th)
Red Zone Offense 87.2% (3rd) 74.2% (12th)
Red Zone Defense 74.2 (6th) 67.7 (1st)
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
OS Jimmy Fryzel
With the possible loss of Jerian James (pending one-game suspension), Jimmy Fryzel may have to handle kickoff return duties for the Predators this week. Orlando was dead last in the league in kickoff returns through week 5, but jumped up three notches after James gained 163 yards on seven returns against San Jose. Orlando did not have an opportunity to return a regular kickoff against New Orleans â who tried five on-sides kicks in the game and had a pair of touchbacks.
QB Joe Hamilton
Joe Hamilton completed less than 60% of his passes for a second consecutive game, but had a much better day against the VooDoo then he did against San Jose two weeks ago. Hamilton averaged a season-high 15.4 yards per completion and accounted for seven touchdowns (6 TD passes, 1 run) in Orlando's impressive 63-52 win over previous one-loss New Orleans.
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." Orlando swept all three awards in Week 7, as Kenny McEntyre took ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors; Cory Fleming was the US Army Ironman honors and Joe Hamilton took offensive player of the game honors.
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)
7 New Orleans Ironman: Cory Fleming (O)Offense: Joe Hamitlon (O)Defensive: Kenny McEntyre (O)
League Wide Honors
Week 1:
Cory Fleming - - US Army Ironman of the Week
Week 2:
Damon Mason â ADT Defensive Player of the Week
Week 3:
Idris Price â US Army Ironman of the Week
Week 7:
Kenny McEnture â ADT Defensive Player 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 FlemingOL-DL Bret Cooper
2/23 Activated from IR FB/LB Marlon Moye-MooreOS Jimmy Fryzel
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 16, 2005
- Orlando, Georgia battle for Southern bragging rights - AFL I
- Dolezel, Garcia approaching milestones in week eight - AFL I
- Arizona Rattlers game notes - Arizona Rattlers
- Dragons Rank Tops in Polls - New York Dragons
- Soul waive kicker Derek Schorejs - Philadelphia Soul
- Orlando Predators game notes - Orlando Predators
- Tampa Bay Storm game notes - Tampa Bay Storm
- Austin Wranglers game notes - Austin Wranglers
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