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Orlando Predators game notes

March 29, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME DETAILS
Los Angeles Avengers (5-3) at Orlando Predators (6-3)
Date: Sunday, April 2, 2005
Kick the Pig Time: 12 Noon (EDT)
Site: TD Waterhouse Centre/Hummer Field (13,692)
Officials: Referee: Perry Havener; Umpire: Tom Laverty; Head Linesman: Kelly Saalfeld; Line Judge: Art Lucky; Back Judge: Barry Anderson
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson);
WESH –2 (Local)
Series Streak: Orlando has won one in a row
Series Record: Series Tied 1-1
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 59-33, .641); Los Angeles: Ed Hodgkiss (4th season, 33-24, .579)

THE STAKES:
PREDS LOOK FOR CONSISTENCY AGAINST TALANTED AVENGERS
After getting off to a 3-0 start, the Predators have resembled a yo-yo of late, alternating losses and wins over the last five weeks. With three of their next four games at home, Head Coach Jay Gruden says its time for his team to put forth consistent efforts week-in and week-out if they are to become a part of the 2005 post-season.

"One week, we have looked pretty good and the next week we stink the joint out. It's been that way since the Tampa Bay game," Gruden said. "I told our players on Friday to enjoy the win over Austin and then put it totally out of their minds. With the level of competition in the Arena Football League this year, there is no way we can afford to keep on this win one, lose one pattern. From this point forward, we have to come out slugging every week."

This week's opponent will present a stiff challenge to the Predators. Los Angeles is (5-3) on the season and has made the playoffs three seasons in a row. Gruden expects a huge challenge. "They always seem to match up well with us. We played them two times and the game came down to the final play of the game both times."

Orlando Predators (6-3-0) *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 L 47-49
Mar. 25 Austin W 51-31
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.

Los Angeles (5-3)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 At Las Vegas L 37-46
Feb. 4 Georgia W 46-41
Feb. 11 At Austin W 64-51
Feb. 20 San Jose W 71-69
Feb. 27 At Colorado L 40-58
Mar. 6 At Arizona W 33-29
Mar. 18 Dallas L 50-72
Mar. 26 Tampa Bay W 59-28
Apr. 3 At Orlando 12:00 p.m.
Apr. 10 New York 3:00 p.m.
Apr. 17 At Nashville 1:00 p.m.
Apr. 23 Chicago 10:30 p.m.
Apr. 30 Arizona 10:30 p.m.
May 7 At San Jose 10:30 p.m.
May 14 Las Vegas 10:30 p.m.
May 21 At Grand Rapids 7:30 p.m.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"You can't really compare things from a week to week basis. Tonight, we won the battle up front and it made it easy for us. Next week, we might not win the line the scrimmage and it will be harder to defend the passing game. We need to build of our success from this week but not get over-confident from it."
--Kenny McEntyre on getting ready for Los Angeles

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 59-33 (.641) all-time coaching record into the Georgia game. He is 51-30 in regular season games (.630) 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 59-32 .641
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

LOS ANGELES HEAD COACH ED HODGKISS
One of the bright young offensive minds in the Arena Football League, Ed Hodgkiss is in his four season as head coach of the Avengers. Following last week's (won/loss) against Tampa Bay, Hodgkiss will take an overall record of 33-24 into the Orlando game. Hodgkiss was named head coach of the Avengers prior to the 2002 season. In his first two years, he posted a regular season record of 19-11 – making him the first coach to win 19 regular season games in his first two seasons. The 2003 runner-up for AFL "Coach of the Year" honors, Hodgkiss has led the Avengers to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons at the helm. Prior to joining the Avengers, Hodgkiss was with the Indiana Firebirds since 1997, spending his last three years as the team's offensive coordinator. With the Firebirds, he annually guided one of the top offenses in all of Arena Football – including the 1999 season when the Firebirds beat the Predators in ArenaBowl XIII.



EYE ON 60: GRUDEN RANKED IN TOP TEN
Ranked in the top 10 among winningest coaches in Arena Football League history, Orlando's Jay Gruden can become just the ninth coach in AFL history to win 60 games with a victory against Los Angeles on Sunday.
ALL-TIME AFL WINNINGEST COACHES
1. Tim Marcum 171*
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohenssee 89
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey 81
6. Mike Trigg 80
7. Darren Arbet 77
8. John Gregory 73
9. Jay Gruden 59*
10. Todd Shell 48*
*Active Coach

SERIES HISTORY:
Although the two teams have only played twice since Los Angeles joined the league in 2000, the series has produced two incredible finishes with both teams winning on the other's home floor...In 2003, Tony Graziani fired two touchdown passes in the game's final 19 seconds to lead the Avengers to a 64-63 win...Orlando appeared to clinch a victory when Kenny McEntyre returned an on-sides kick for a touchdown and a 12-point lead with just 37 seconds remaining...but Kelvin Ingram's 50-yard kickoff return set up a quick touchdown pass from Graziani to Chris Jackson...Los Angeles would then recover an on-sides kick with 19 seconds remaining...following a 12-yard completion to Jackson, Graziani lined up with time running out and fired a bomb off the rebound net that Greg Hopkins pulled in for a touchdown and a one-point victory...Orlando would avenge that loss final game of the 2004 season...after the Predators would lead for most of the game, Chris Jackson's 4th touchdown of the game put the Avengers on top 50-49...Anthony Bright returned the kickoff 16-yards and with time running out, quarterback Joe Hamilton found Bright and Fleming on back-to-back receptions that put the ball on the LA 20 with three seconds remaining...emergency replacement kicker Jason Wells then drilled a 30-yard field goal as time expired to give the Predators a thrilling 52-50 win.

SERIES RECORDS
All-time Series tied 1-1

Date ORL LA
Mar. 30, 2003 (H) 63 64
May 23, 2004 (A) 52 50


GAME SUMMARIES FROM LAST MEETING

ORLANDO 52, LOS ANGELES 50
May 23, 2004 - STAPLES CENTER (11,508)

Orlando 9 14 14 15—52
Los Angeles 6 14 14 16-- 50

Los Angeles, CA (May 23) – Emergency kicker Jason Wells booted a 30-yard field goal as time expired to give the Orlando Predators a dramatic 52-50 win over the Los Angeles Avengers and give the Predators the 6th seed for the AFL playoffs.

Orlando led for most of the game, taking a 23-20 lead into the locker room at halftime. But a pair of Los Angeles turnovers gave the Avengers leads of 27-24 in the third quarter and 41-37 in the fourth. The teams would then trade scores, with Chris Jackson's 4th touchdown of the game putting Los Angeles ahead 50-49 with just 26 seconds remaining.

Anthony Bright's 16-yard kickoff return and 19-yard reception gave the Predators the ball on the LA 20 with just six seconds to go. QB Joe Hamilton hit Cory Fleming on a 5-yard pass to set up Wells' 30-yard field goal with no time remaining.

TEAM STATS ORL LA
First Downs 23 16
Rush Yards 10-35 2-2
Passing Yards 306 213
A-C-I 38-26-1 28-22-1
Fumbles/Lost 1-1 0-0
Penalties/Yards 7-40 3-14
Sacks By 2-13 1-6

Rushing
O: Grant 5-19, Hamilton 4-12, Brown 1-4
LA: Clemens 1-4, Jackson 1-(-2)

Passing
O: Hamilton38-26-1-312
LA: Graziano 28-22-1-226

Receiving
O: Fleming 13-158, Bright 1-108, Cooper 5-46
LA: Jackson 14-146, Hopkins 3-41, Douglas 3-28, Ford 1-9, Ingram 1-2


How The 2005 Predators Were Built
Veteran Retained From 2004 Season (14): Bret Cooper, Idris Price, Michael Brown, Cory Fleming, Joe Hamilton, Kenny McEntyre, Justin Cleveland, Greg Krause, Cecil Caldwell, Buck Gurley, EJ Burt, Doug Miller, Reggie Lee, Marlon Moye-Moore

Veteran Free Agents Signed (3): Reggie Doster, Chris Sanders, Johnnie Harris

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

Obtained by Trade: None

BY THE NUMBERS...ORLANDO PREDATORS
Orlando Predators by the numbers for 2005:

2005 Overall Record: 6-3-0
National Conference Record: 3-2-0
Southern Division Record: 3-1-0
Against American Conference: 3-1-0
At Hummer Field: 3-1-0
On the road: 3-2-0
When scoring first: 3-1-0
When other Team Scores First: 3-2-0
When leading after one quarter: 3-0-0
When trailing after one quarter: 2-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-2-0
When leading at the Half: 5-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 1-3-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 6-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-3-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 1-1-0
Friday: 3-0-0
Saturday: 0-1-0
Sunday: 2-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 80-33-0
All-Time Road Record: 68-44-0*
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14**
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14

*Includes neutral site away game at Lakeland, Fla. Against the Florida Bobcats in 1998.

**Includes playoff games. Team finished at .500 in 1999, but won two playoff games to finish with a 9-8 record.


PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES, AND TRENDS

LAST WEEK'S GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY:
The Good: After giving up the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Predators dominated all phases of the game and recorded a 30-point win over Southern Division rival Austin...Joe Hamilton had perhaps his best night at quarterback this season, completing more than 84% of his passes and throwing six touchdowns in just three quarters of work...Jay Gruden was able to get back-up Chris Sanders some meaningful work, as he played the entire 4th quarter...the Predators defense forced three turnovers, had two sacks and limited Austin to just two offensive touchdowns. The Bad: Orlando's kickoff coverage was suspect at best...the team allowed Tacoma Fontaine 156 yards on just five returns (31.2 average) and gave up 184 yards on just 7 returns overall. The Ugly: Despite winning easily, its was a physical game...the Predators have just 20 players on their active roster and many will be nursing bumps and bruises this week from a hard-hitting game.

IMPORTANT RADIO/TV/INTERNET INFORMATION
The Predators game with Los Angeles will be seen throughout most of the country on NBC Sports, with Orlando drawing the network's number one AFL announce team of Tom Hammond, Pat Haden and Lewis Johnson...the northeast will receive the Philadelphia – Columbus game with the majority of the country getting the Orlando – Los Angeles game...after one week on WFLA (540 AM) because of scheduling conflicts, the Predators return to WQTM 740 "The Team" on Sunday...Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson will make the call...For updates throughout the week on the Orlando Predators, please log on to www.orlandopredators.com.

PREDATORS SHAKE-UP ROSTER FOR STRETCH RUN
In a single day last week, the Orlando Predators made three blockbuster moves to shake-up their roster for the remainder of the 2005 season. Orlando released defensive specialist Damon Mason, traded starting fullback/linebacker Rupert Grant to the Nashville Kats and signed NFL/AFL veteran Johnnie Harris in a whirlwind of activity that Head Coach Jay Gruden called one of the "most trying days" of his AFL coaching career.

Both the release of Mason and the trading of Grant were done to clear enough salary cap space to allow the Predators to sign Harris, a former AFL Defensive Player of the Year. "These moves were made to allow us to compete for an Arena Football League championship," Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "It became obvious to me in the first half of the season that something was missing. We were a solid team and played very well at times but were not playing at a championship level. Johnnie Harris is a player that can help us to get to that level."

Gruden admitted that the moves to get ready of Mason and Grant were both emotional and extremely difficult. Mason played for the Predators from 1998-2001, helping the Predators to three consecutive ArenaBowl championship games and a pair of championships. He left for free agency the following year, but was re-acquired by the Predators prior to week 11 of the 2004 campaign. With Mason in the line-up, the Predators won six of their final seven games to qualify for the playoffs. Through eight games this season, Mason led the team with 49.5 tackles, had two interceptions and five pass break-ups. A veteran in his 8th year, Mason has 644.5 tackles with 12.5 tackles-for-loss, 16 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 81 pass defenses and 28 interceptions. He was a second-team All-Arena selection three times.

"Damon Mason has meant so much to this organization and it's extremely difficult to let him go on both a professional and personal level. He's the type of player a coach loves to have on his team. He always goes full speed and we're going to miss him on the field and in the clubhouse."

With seven years experience, Mason becomes a free agent and can negotiate with any team in the league.

Grant, one of the league's premiere blocking fullbacks, became a defensive force last year when he tied the Predators team record with 9.5 quarterback sacks. This season, Grant had 12.5 tackles with two quarterback sacks in seven games. He also had three touchdowns rushing.

"Rupert is a great player and a friend. What made it even more difficult is that he committed to sign with us as turning down several more lucrative offers. He enjoyed playing in Orlando and that made it difficult to trade him."

The loss of Grant is tempered somewhat with the fact that the Predators have two other outstanding fullbacks in second-year players Idris Price and Marlon Moye-Moore. Price has 14 tackles two quarterback sacks in six games this season; while Moye-Moore has five tackles and one pass break-up in four games. Price and Moye-Moore are the two leading rushers on the Predators team and have combined for 135 yards and seven touchdowns on just 30 carries this season.

In exchange for Grant, the Predators will receive future considerations from Nashville.

"All three of our fullback/linebackers could be starting for many teams in the league and we were blessed and cursed with having three good ones. The problem with that scenario is that we can only dress two each week when all three of them deserve to play."

In Harris, the Predators get a proven veteran who has found success at both the Arena and NFL levels. Originally signed by the Tampa Bay Storm in 1996, Harris recorded 38 tackles with six interceptions and two forced fumbles in just seven games. He played in both the AFL and Canadian Football League in the 1997 season, earning All-CFL honors with 61 tackles and five interceptions in 18 games.

Harris returned to the Storm in 1998, earned AFL Defensive Player of the Year honors with a league record 33 pass defenses and 11 interceptions. He had three interceptions in June 12 game against the Predators and also had an interception against Orlando in ArenaBowl XII.

His outstanding season earned Harris a contract with the Oakland Raiders. He would play with the Raiders from 1999-2001, before spending two years with the New York Giants (2002-03). His career stats included 58 NFL games played, with 14 starts. He compiled 156 total tackles with 10 pass defenses, five forced fumbles, one-half sack and five interceptions.

Harris, 6-2, 210, played college football at San Bernadino Community College and Mississippi State, starting all 12 games as a senior and helping the Bulldogs to the 1996 Peach Bowl.


JOE'S BIG NIGHT
Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton had a huge night against the Austin Wranglers, throwing for six touchdowns and 235 yards while completing 84.6% of his passes (22 of 26). Hamilton played just three quarters, being relieved of action before the start of the 4th quarter by Chris Sanders. Hamilton's 84.6% completion percentage was the third best in Orlando Predators history, surpassing Pat O'Hara's 83.3% (10-12) against Arizona in 1995. It was also the highest completion percentage ever by a Predators quarterback who had thrown at least 20 passes in a game. "We've been waiting all season for Joe to have a breakout game," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Hopefully he can build on this performance."

Highest Single Game Completion Percentage
By a Predators Quarterback

1. 89.4%, Ben Bennett (17-19) vs. Milwaukee, 1994
2. 86.6%, Bennett (13-15) vs. Arizona, 1992
3. 84.6 %, Joe Hamilton (22-26) vs. Austin, 2005
4. 83.3%, Pat O'Hara (10-12) vs. Arizona, 1995
5. 82.4%, Joe Hamilton (14-17) vs. New York, 2004


HAMILTON HOT OF LATE
As the chart below indicates, Joe Hamilton has posted some impressive numbers in his last three starts. Most impressive is his 16-1 touchdown to interception ratio after posting a 3.4-1 touchdown to interception ratio in his first six games.

Games A-C Yards Pct. YPG TD INT
First 6 201-119 1340 59.2 223 24 7
Last 3 77-54 711 70.1 237 16 1

30 POINT MARGIN OF VICTORY AMONG TOPS FOR PREDATORS
Orlando's defense held Austin to just two offensive touchdowns last week (the other came on a game-opening 56-yard kickoff return by Tacoma Fontaine) in helping the Predators to a 30-point win (51-21). The 30-point margin of victory was the Predators biggest margin of victory since beating the New Orleans VooDoo by 33 during the 2004 season and the 19th largest margin of victory in club history.

Big Wins by the Predators

54: Orlando 68, Charlotte 14 1994
54: Orlando 62, New Orleans 8 1992
50: Orlando 50, Sacramento 0 1992
50: Orlando 71, Arizona 21 1992
48: Orlando 70, Toronto 22 2001
44: Orlando 58, Portland 14 1997
44: Orlando 56, Minnesota 12 1996
43: Orlando 66, Buffalo 23 2003
42: Orlando 56, Miami 14 1993
38: Orlando 51, Miami 13 1995
33: Orlando 57, New Orleans 24 2004
33: Orlando 62, Connecticut 29 1995
32: Orlando 42, Florida 10 1999
32: Orlando 67, Florida 35 1997
32: Orlando 59, Florida 27 1996
32: Orlando 49, Dallas 17 1993
31: Orlando 40, Portland 9 1997
31: Orlando 53, Miami 21 1994
30: Orlando 51, Austin 21 2005


McENTYRE EXTENDS STREAK
Kenny McEntyre's streak of consecutive starts with the Predators remained in tack last week when the three time ADT Defensive Player of the Year not only extended the streak to 114 games against Austin (counting playoffs), but won Defensive Player of Game honors in the process – leading the Predators in tackles and adding an interception, forced fumble, fumble recovery and two pass defenses in the process. It has been a trying three weeks for McEntyre, who lost his father just two days prior to the New Orleans game on Friday, March 11. Last week, McEntyre left the game against Georgia in the first quarter and spent most of the night in an Atlanta hospital after going head first into the boards trying to break-up a pass.


FLEMING STEAK REMAINS ALIVE
With a second quarter touchdown reception against Austin, Cory Fleming has now caught a touchdown in 33 consecutive games with the Predators. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 41 of 43 career games with the Preds. Fleming moved David Cool for second place on the all-time points scored list with the Predators and now has 464 points in an Orlando uniform.
ORLANDO PREDATORS
All-Time Points Scored List

Name Seasons Points
1. Barry Wagner 8 1,766
2. Cory Fleming 2.5 458
3. David Cool 5 457
4. Bret Cooper 5.5 396
5. Herkie Walls 5 324


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 the game against Austin last week, the Predators hold an all-time record of 107 wins against just 22 losses when they lead at halftime (82.9% winning percentage). They are 5-0 this year when leading at the half.

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 – finishing in the top five in rushing yards per game in 11 of their 14 seasons. Orlando had another big day on the ground last week, gaining 56 yards on 13 attempts (4.3 average). The team is currently ranked 3rd in the league in rushing at

Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2005 315 35.0 19 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
*Ranking through Week 9
*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 20 current and former Predators players have gone on to the coaching ranks, including former Predators quarterbacks Mike Neu, who is head coach of the New Orleans VooDoo and Scot Semptimphelter, who was named QB coach of the Nashville Kats two weeks ago. 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), Durwood Roquemore (af2, 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.

McENTYRE'S INTERCEPTIONS COME IN BUNCHES
In his illustrious career, Orlando Predators defensive specialist Kenny McEntyre holds AFL records for career regular season interceptions (58), post-season interceptions (11) and total interceptions (69). It's interesting to note that last week's interception against Austin was the first time McEntyre caught a ball off the net for an interception. It's also interesting to note that McEntyre's interceptions tend to come in bunches. Throughout his career, McEntyre has had multiple interception games a league-record 10 times, and has also had two post-season multiple interception games. McEntyre has intercepted three passes in a single game twice. McEntyre has intercepted two or more passes against Nashville on three occasions, and has posted multiple interception games twice against Tampa Bay. A review of McEntyre's multiple interception games follows:

Date Opponent Total
Aug. 7, 1998 Nashville 2*
Apr. 23, 1999 Nashville 2
Aug. 7, 1999 Tampa Bay 2*
May 12, 2000 Tampa Bay 2
May 19, 2000 Nashville 3
June 2, 2001 Toronto 2
June 16, 2001 New York 2
May 4, 2002 New Jersey 2
Feb. 21, 2003 Carolina 2
April 11, 2003 Buffalo 3
April 20, 2003 Las Vegas 2
Mar. 13, 2004 New Orleans 2
*Indicates playoff game



HAMILTON ON RECORD SETTING PACE
With 40 touchdown passes in nine games, Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton is on pace to throw 71 touchdown passes this season. If he 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


PREDATORS TOUGH ON D
Through week 9, the Orlando Predators remain one of the toughest teams in the Arena Football League to both move the ball on and to score against. The Predators are particularly tough against the pass, as the team ranks as one of only three teams in the Arena Football League whose opponents have less than a 60% pass completion percentage against and has a 92.1 pass defense rating – 2nd best in the AFL. Here's how the Predators stand in defensive categories:

Category Stat AFL Rank
Pass Defense Rating 92.1 2nd
Pass Defense Yards Allowed 235.5 4th
Scoring Defense 42.0 1st
Total Defense 250.7 2ND
Rushing Defense 14.4 2nd
Opponent Comp. Percentage 58.9 3rd


ATTENDANCE/MERCHANDISE STRONG IN 2005
Despite playing two of their first four home games on Sunday afternoons and playing another on a holiday weekend – traditionally poor drawing days for the Predators – Orlando continues to have an outstanding year at the gate. The team has drawn 52,913 fans to four homes games at Hummer Field, reaching 96.6% 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 4 52,913 13,228 96.6%

MISSED FIELD GOAL RETURNS: AN ENDANGERED SPECIES
Perhaps it's more of a reflection of AFL coaches trying to "go for it" on fourth down from any position on the field than it is about the quality of the team's return man, but the field goal return has not been an overly important part of the Orlando Predators game plan in 2005. Through nine weeks of the regular season, the Predators have returned exactly two missed field goals for a grand total of two yards to rank last in the AFL in average yards per return. But it is interesting to note that Tampa Bay and New York, which lead the league in missed field goal return yardage, have returned just seven and three missed field goals respectively. Compare Orlando's missed field goal return yardage to the club record of 374 yards by Herkie Walls during the 1993 season when he returned 17 missed field goals. "Coaches are less likely to attempt field goals on their side of the 25," Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "First, your chances of making it are thin. Second, if they have a good return guy, he's probably going to get it back to at least midfield. I think the percentages tell us that you have a better chance of picking up a first down than having the field goal attempt work out to your advantage." One exception is this week's opponent Los Angeles, which has already attempted 22 field goals. But that's understandable because Avengers' kicker Remy Hamilton has drilled 19 of 22 attempts this season – an incredible percentage of 86.4%. "We had Jay Taylor last year and it seems like he never missed and Hamilton is the same way," Gruden added. "You are more likely to kick a field goal if you know you kicker is going to make it."

BURT ON PACE TO BREAK SACK RECORD
With six quarterback sacks in his first nine games, Orlando Predators OL/DL EJ Burt is on pace to break the Orlando Predators single season record (9.5) he jointly holds with Rupert Grant. Burt is on pace to record 10.5 sacks this season and he is already the all-time Predators sack leader with 22.

Orlando All-Time Sack Leaders
Name Seasons QS
EJ Burt 2+ 22
Paul McGowan 5 19
Ernest Allen 4 16.5
Victor Hall 6 14
Eric Drakes 8 13
Curtis Easton 3 13


SOUTHERN DIVISION TOUGH
At the mid-point of the 2005 season, the Southern Division can claim the lead as the Arena Football League's toughest division. Following last week's games, the Southern Division boasts a league-best 17-8 against non-division opponents (.680).

ROAD WARRIORS: PREDS AMONG LEAGUE'S BEST ON THE ROAD IN LAST THREE SEASONS
Although the Orlando Predators dropped a heart-breaking decision to Georgia two weeks ago, they 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 26 road games – a winning percentage of .731. In the same time period the Predators are just 16-11 at home, a winning percentage of .592. The Predators will face a stiff challenge on the road next week – traveling to Tampa Bay to face their arch-rivals.

LAST 26 PREDATORS ROAD GAMES
3-19-05 at Georgia L, 47-49
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

TRAVIS vs. JIMMY: Early Numbers Favor UCF Star
After Jay Gruden benched popular offensive specialist Travis McGriff for Jimmy Fryzel five weeks ago, McGriff requested and was granted a trade. Since that time, Fryzel has posted three games with 100 or more yards receiving and has certainly put himself in contention for AFL All-Rookie and AFL Rookie of the Year honors. Here is how the two players stacked up with the Predators.

Player G Rec. Yards Avg. TD's
Fryzel 5 33 498 15.1 9
McGriff 4 20 221 11.1 4


PREDATORS PRACTICE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Monday Film Study Citrus Bowl 9-11 a.m.
Tuesday Practice Thunder Field 9-11 a.m.
Wednesday Practice Thunder Field 9-11 a.m.
Thursday Practice Thunder Field 9-11 a.m.
Friday Practice Thunder Field 9-11 a.m.
Saturday Walk-Through TBA 9-9:30 a.m.

ORLANDO PREDATORS VS. LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
AFL STATISTICALLY RANKINGS

Category ORL LA
Scoring Offense 47.3 (12th) 50.0 (T-9th)
Total Offense 261.0 (16th) 269.8 (11th)
Scoring Defense 42.0 (1st) 49.2 (11th)
Total Defense 250.7 (2nd) 299.8 (13th)
Rushing Offense 35.0 (3rd) 22.5 (8th)
Pass Rating 107.5 (10th) 106.2 (11th)
Pass Rating (Def) 92.1 (2nd) 101.2 (5th)
Passing Offense 226.0 (17th) 250.6 (11th)
Had Intercepted 9 (t-9th) 7 (t-7th)
Pass Defense 236.2 (4th) 290.8 (16th)
Field Goal Pct. 37.5 (9th) 86.4 (1st)
PAT Pct. 75.0 (17th) 89.6 (6th)
Kickoff Returns 14.5 (16th) 16.4 (12th)
Interceptions 10 (5th) 13 (2nd)
Turnover Margin +6 (5th) +9 (3rd)
3rd Down Efficiency 35.7 (17th) 43.1 (10th)
4th Down Efficiency 47.1 (9th) 44.4 (10th)
Opp. 3rd Down Eff. 34.4 (1st) 45.5 (10th)
Opp. 4th Down Eff. 41.2 (8th) 33.3 (4th)
Sacks 13 (t-2nd) 3 (17th)
Sacks Allowed 14 (16th) 10 (t-11th)
Penalties -Fewest 81 (11th) 54 (1st)
Red Zone Offense 87.8 (1st) 77.8 (11th)
Red Zone Defense 71.1 (2nd) 71.7 (3rd)

PREDATORS PLAYERS TO WATCH

OS Jimmy Fryzel
In just five games, Jimmy Fryzel is off to a great start in his
Arena Football League career. Fryzel has already posted three, 100-yards games and has scored nine touchdowns. More impressive then his 99.6 receiving yards per game has been Fyrzel's ability to break tackles and pick-up extra yards after the receptions. Fryzel's 15.1 yards per reception is the 6th best average in the league; while his 99.6 yards receiving per game is also the fifth best total in the Arena Football League.


QB Joe Hamilton
After completing just 59% of his passes and throwing seven interceptions in his first six games, Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton has been hot of late – completing more than 70% of his passes with 16 touchdowns and just one interception in his last three games.

OL/DL EJ Burt
Far from the biggest lineman in the league at 6-2, 265, EJ Burt continues to be one of the most effective pass rushers in the Arena Football League. Through nine games, Burt has relied on speed and technique to force three fumbles and record six quarterback sacks, which ranks second in the Arena Football League. In 41 career games, Burt had 22 quarterback sacks and has already forced 12 fumbles.

OL/DL Buck Gurley
Playing in the middle, this second year player from Florida rarely gets a chance to make tackles or quarterback sacks, but Predators head coach Jay Gruden says Gurley's strength and ability to get a push up the middle defensively have opened things up for the ends and mac linebacker. "Buck is a real force for us," Gruden says. "When he plays well, our whole defense does well."

DS Johnnie Harris
Harris played well in his Orlando debut, making five tackles and picking off a 4th quarter pass. Still, Jay Gruden believes the best is yet to come from the former AFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-year NFL vet. "Once he gets into football shape, I think you'll see a lot more from him," Gruden said. "But I could not have been happier with his first game performance."

PREDS FEATURED GAME ON NBC
This week's game with Los Angeles will be the feature game on NBC Sports. Sections of the northeast will receive the Philadelphia vs. Columbus game, but the majority of the country will receive Orlando and Los Angeles. NBC's #1 AFL broadcast team of Tom Hammond, Pat Haden and Lewis Johnson will call the game, which will be seen locally on WESH-2.

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. 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.

VENTURE TO VEGAS: PREDATORS TEXAS HOLD'EM TOURNAMENT SLATES FOR SATURDAY, MAY 14

A trip to Las Vegas and ArenaBowl XIX will be at stake as the Orlando Predators Foundation in conjunction with The Apartment Association of Greater Orlando host "Venture To Vegas," a Texas Hold'Em Charity Tournament on Saturday, May 14 at Hotel Orlando North in Maitland.

The charity event begins at 7:30 p.m. and features an upscale "Las Vegas-style experience," including thirty tables of eight, professional dealers, and authentic casino script in a "no limit" tournament format. Major prizes will be awarded to all players making the final table (8 seats), with the grand champion winning a four-day, three-night trip for two to Las Vegas for a VIP weekend at ArenaBowl XIX. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, hotel, and tickets to the ArenaBowl concert, awards show, skills challenge and ArenaBowl XIX on June 11-13, 2005. The Las Vegas trip is valued at more than $2,500.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Orlando Predators Foundation, which provides financial support to the Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc.(4C), Anthony House, and other local charities. "We are extremely excited to be able to support these wonderful charities. They should be commended for the work they do for the families, children, and for the homeless throughout our community. The Orlando Predators staff, players and coaches are committed to helping our community by raising funds to help these organizations continue their labors of love," said Sylvia Bova, Orlando Predators Foundation Director.

A suggested $150 donation to the Orlando Predators Foundation includes entry into the tournament, a "Venture To Vegas" raffle ticket, and complimentary upscale appetizers in an elegant casino atmosphere. Orlando Predators players and coaches will participate in the event. In addition to the silent auction, cash bar and "Venture To Vegas" raffle, there will be a special "Jackpot Raffle" with a top prize of an expenses-paid (includes round trip airfare, hotel and game tickets) trip for two to Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

For more information on Venture to Vegas or to learn of sponsorship opportunities, call Sylvia Bova at 407-447-3320 or e-mail her at sbova@orlandopredators.com.

ABOUT THE CHARITIES

ABOUT 4C
The Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. was founded in 1969 and is one of Central Florida's resources to help families and children grow together. Their mission is "To empower the community to provide for it's future through developing, coordinating and strengthening programs that care for children." The 4C's is national accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services. They believe that "every child deserves the right to a bright and successful future" and the Orlando Predators are excited to help support that belief.

ABOUT ANTHONY HOUSE
Anthony House is an organization that is based on the idea of "Helping the Homeless Help Themselves". Their emphasis is "giving people the opportunity to take responsibility for their own lives, to become self-sufficient, to be held accountable, to be exposed to and take advantage of educational opportunities and training".


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.

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." All three awards went to Georgia players last week, as the Force beat the Predators, 49-47.


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)
8 Georgia Ironman: Ricky Parker (G)Offensive: Derek Lee (G)Defensive: Kevin Gaines (G)
9 Austin Ironman: Jerrian James (O)Offensive: Joe Hamilton (O)Defensive: Kenny McEntyre (O)

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

Week 7:
Kenny McEntyre – 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
3/22 Traded to Nashville FB/LB Rupert Grant
3/22 Released DS Damon Mason
3/22 Signed DS Johnnie Harris
3/24 Activated from IR OL/DL Cecil Caldwell
3/24 Placed on IR OL/DL David Upchurch
3/27 Trade OL/DL Cecil Caldwell to Grand Rapids for OL/DL William Carr

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