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Orlando Predators game notes

April 5, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME DETAILS
Orlando Predators (7-3) at Tampa Bay Storm (5-4)
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2005
Toe-To-Leather Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: St. Pete Times Forum (19,200)
Officials: Referee: Bill McCabe; Umpire: Doug Wilson; Head Linesman: Royce Cooley; Line Judge: Dirk Bell
Back Judge: Jimmy Buchanan
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: Sun Sports (Rick Peckham and James Bates)
Series Streak: Orlando has won one in a row
Series Record: Series Tied 18-18-0
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 60-33, .641); Tampa Bay: Tim Marcum (17th season, 171-66, .721)

STAKES ELEVATED FOR 37th EDITION OF WAR ON I-4
The stakes have never been higher, as the Arena Football League's most storied rivalry resumes this weekend as the Orlando Predators (7-3) face the Tampa Bay Storm (5-4) in the 37th edition of the "War on I-4." For the Predators, it will present an opportunity to complete a rare season-sweep their arch-rivals and also present Tampa Bay with a major setback in its quest to extend its league record 15 consecutive playoff appearances.

For Tampa Bay, it presents an opportunity to jump right back in the playoff race and gain a split of the season series with the Predators, who dealt Tampa Bay a 61-46 loss in Week 3 of the regular season.

"Obviously this a huge game for both teams in the standings," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "But this game means so much more than that to the players, coaches and fans. Without question, this is the marquee match-up in Arena Football. I've played and coached in a lot of these games and no other rivalry in this league can match the intensity."

The game will be televised to a state wide audience on Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network) with Rick Peckham and James Bates on the call. Fans can also tune into WQTM (740 AM) the team with Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson.

Orlando Predators (7-3-0) *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 51-21
Apr. 3 Los Angeles W 55-54 (ot)
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.

Tampa Bay (5-4-0)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 San Jose W 63-33
Feb. 6 Austin W 62-45
Feb. 11 At Orlando L 46-61
Feb. 25 At New Orleans L 42-48
Mar. 6 Grand Rapids W 70-50
Mar. 13 Arizona W 59-56
Mar. 20 At Philadelphia L 63-69
Mar. 26 At Los Angeles L 28-59
Apr. 2 Georgia W 48-38
Apr. 9 Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 17 At Austin 1 p.m.
Apr. 24 At Nashville 1 p.m.
Apr. 30 New Orleans 7:30 p.m.
May 8 At Georgia 1 p.m.
May 15 New York 3 p.m.
May 22 At Columbus 3 p.m.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"I love to play golf and it was like someone giving me a mulligan. If you are going to give me another shot off the tee, I'll take it."
--Kicker Brian Gowins after making game winning extra point in overtime against Los Angeles after missing extra point with 7.7 seconds remaining that forced overtime period.

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 60-33 (.645) all-time coaching record into the Tampa Bay game. He is 52-30 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 60-32 .645
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

TAMPA HEAD COACH TIM MARCUM
Without question, Tim Marcum is the top Head Coach in the history of the Arena Football League. Marcum, now in his 17th season as an AFL head coach, ranks number one in regular season wins, post-season wins, total wins, regular season winning percentage, post-season winning percentage, overall winning percentage, most Arena Bowls coached and most ArenaBowl victories.

One of the true pioneers of the Arena Football League, Marcum is the only coach in AFL history to win championships with three different teams (Denver 1987), Detroit (1988-89-92) and Tampa Bay (1995-96, 2003). He has posted 10 or more wins in 10 of 16 seasons. Through the 2004 season, Marcum has posted an impressive 25-9 record in post-season games.

A two-time winner of the Arena Football League Coach of the Year award, Marcum is also member of the Arena Football League Hall of Fame.

Marcum will take an all-time record of 171-66 into the Orlando game after serving a two-week suspension for salary cap violations.

GRUDEN REACHES 60, EYES ANOTHER MATCH-UP AGAINST COACHES RANKED IN TOP 10
Sunday's game features a match-up of two coaches ranked in the top ten in AFL coaching victories. Tim Marcum is ranked number one all-time with 171 career victories in 17 seasons. Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden became the ninth coach in AFL history to reach 60 wins with a 55-54 win over Los Angeles last Sunday. This game marks the 6th time this season that Gruden has faced a "Top Ten" coach. Gruden is 4-1 in those games, having beaten #1 Tim Marcum (Tampa Bay, 61-46). #10 Todd Shell (Arizona, 51-40), #5 Mike Dailey (Colorado, 39-36), and #3 Mike Hohensse (Chicago, 48-35); while falling to #7 Darren Arbet (San Jose, 37-58).

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 60*
10. Todd Shell 48*
*Active Coach

GRUDEN MAKES 33rd APPEARANCE IN WAR ON I-4
Perhaps no individual has had a bigger influence on the War on I-4 than Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden who is making a record 33rd appearance as a player ofrhead coach in the game. Just as the series has been close with each team winning 18 games, Gruden's experience has also been right down the middle as he has appeared on the winning side 16 times and on the losing side 16 times. Its interesting to note that regardless of the role he has played in the game, Gruden has compiled a .500 record at each spot. As quarterback of the Tampa Bay Storm, Gruden was 7-7-0 against the Orlando Predators. As Head Coach of the Predators, Gruden is also 7-7-0 – winning six of the last nine to pull even with mentor Tim Marcum. When Gruden returned to the playing field as quarterback for the Orlando Predators in 2002-03, he once again finished with a .500 record, recording a 2-2-0 mark against his former team.

Tampa Bay QB Gruden vs. Orlando 7-7-0
Orlando QB Gruden vs. Tampa Bay 2-2-0
Orlando Head Coach Gruden vs. Tampa Bay 7-7-0
All time record 16-16-0



GRUDEN vs. ORLANDO AS PLAYER (7-7-0)
6/1/91 39-25-2, 229 yards, 2 TD L, 38-51
5/29/92 40-28-2, 213 yards, 2 TD W, 32-39
7/2/92 42-25-5, 304 yards, 3 TD L, 33-48
8/15/92 29-19-1, 229 yards, 0 TD L, 21-24**
5/21/93 20-10-3, 120 yards, 2 TD L, 34-46
6/19/93 30-20-0, 287 yards, 6 TD L, 45-46
8/14/93 36-24-1, 265 yards, 4 TD W, 55-52**
7/1/94 52-25-1, 260 yards, 4 TD L, 40-61
8/13/94 31-15-1, 197 yards, 3 TD W, 40-39
7/14/95 37-26-0, 291 yards, 5 TD W, 51-34
7/29/95 34-19-0, 199 yards, 5 TD W, 44-20
9/1/95 30-18-2, 209 yards, 4 TD W, 48-35*
5/18/96 27-17-1, 227 yards, 4 TD W, 42-63
7/19/96 29-19-0, 276 yards, 4 TD L, 39-40

*ArenaBowl
**AFL Semifinal Game


GRUDEN vs. TAMPA BAY AS COACH (7-7-0)
6/12/98 L, 34-42
6/27/98 L, 30-56
8/23/98 W, 62-31*
6/12/99 L, 37-63
7/11/99 L, 28-47
8/21/99 W, 41-19**
5/12/00 W, 44-43
7/1/00 L, 36-50
8/3/00 W, 34-24**
6/10/01 W, 57-45
7/1/01 W, 46-38
2/2/04 L, 41-52
5/2/04 L, 58-63
2/11/05 W, 61-46

*ArenaBowl
**AFL Playoff Game

GRUDEN vs. TAMPA BAY AS A PLAYER (2-2-0)
7/7/02 32-18-1-215 yards, 6 TD W, 55-48
6/9/02 32-24-0, 286 yards, 4 TD L, 45-48
2/9/03 41-24-0, 330 yards, 6 TD W, 54-51
7/3/03 42-25-2, 341 yards, 6 TD L, 50-60*
*AFL semifinal game

SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
With a 61-46 win over Tampa Bay on Feb. 11, the Orlando Predators evened the series of the Arena Football League's oldest rivalry at 18 games each. As mentioned earlier, no other teams in the Arena Football League have a longer, continuously running series than the Predators and Tampa Bay. This week's game marks the 37th meeting between the two teams, dating back to the 1991 season. The teams have played in the same division since Orlando joined the league in 1991. The series has featured two regular season games each year and the Predators have met the Storm seven times in the post-season. In addition, the Predators have played the Storm in five pre-season games (results not included in series records). In a testament to how evenly matched these two teams are, it should be noted that the Storm hold a 15-14 edge in regular season games, with the Predators holding a 4-3 edge in post-season games. Orlando has won three of the last four post-season contests between the Storm and Predators, sending their archrivals packing for three consecutive years from 1998-2001. Tampa Bay returned the favor by pounding out a 60-50 win in the semifinals during the 2003 season. The all-time series scores between the Predators and Storm follow:

ALL-TIME SERIES RESULTS AND NOTES:
DATE ORL TB ATTENDANCE
June 1, 1991 (A) 51 38 10,354
July 27, 1991 (H) 16 26 13,680
May 29, 1992 (H) 32 39 11,312
July 2, 1992 (A) 48 33 20,091
August 15, 1992 (H) 24 21* 13,680
May 21, 1993 (H) 46 34 13,720
June 19, 1993 (A) 46 45 28,746**
August 14, 1993 (H) 52 55* 13,720
July 1, 1994 (H) 61 40 14,015
August 13, 1994 (A) 39 40 20,819
July 14, 1995 (H) 34 51 15,638
July 29, 1995 (A) 20 44 24,055
August 14, 1995 (A) 35 48& 20,087
May 18, 1996 (A) 42 63 25,087
July 19, 1996 (H) 40 39 16,444
May 17, 1997 (A) 43 17 16,236
June 27, 1997 (H) 54 30 14,179
June 12, 1998 (H) 34 42 16,529
June 27, 1998 (A) 30 56 15,948
August 23, 1998 (A) 62 31$ 14,125
June 12, 1999 (H) 37 63 15,101
July 11, 1999 (A) 28 47 11,777
Aug. 7, 1999 (A) 41 19% 10,706
May 12, 2000 (H) 44 43 13,342
July 1, 2000 (A) 36 50 14,047
August 8, 2000 (H) 34 24% 13,122
June 10, 2001 (H) 57 45 13,691
July 1, 2001 (A) 46 38 17,634
June 9, 2002 (H) 45 48 12,855
July 7, 2002 (A) 55 48 11,784
Feb. 10, 2003 (H) 54 51 13,521
March 16, 2003 (A) 32 52 15,054
June 7, 2003 (A) 50 60* 14,028
Feb. 8, 2004 (A) 41 52 15,404
May 2, 2004 (H) 58 63 13,714
Feb. 11, 2005 (H) 61 46 14,478
Series Totals 1528 1541 558,743

*AFL Semifinals &ArenaBowl IX
$ArenaBowl XII %AFL Quarterfinals
**All-Time AFL Attendance Record

SERIES NOTES:
When post season games are factored in, the
all-time series is now tied at 18-18...
only 13 points of the more than 3,000 that has
been scored in this series, separates the two teams
as Orlando has scored 1,528 points in the series,
while Tampa Bay has scored 1,541 ...Orlando is
averaging 42.44 points per game in the series, while
Tampa Bay is averaging 42.81...the visiting team
won the first four games of the series and
16 of 36 games overall... Orlando is 10-8 at home
and 8-10 on the road in the series...the longest
winning streak in the series is five games (Tampa
Bay, Aug 13, 1994 through May 18, 1996)...Orlando
Is 5-5 in the last 10 games, but the
Storm have captured four of the last five games...
Orlando has won four in a row on two occasions...
the largest regular season crowd (28,746)
and largest ArenaBowl crowd (25,087) came during
this series (both games played in Thunderdome...
now Tropicana Field)... the series has been
witnessed by more than 500,000 fans (15,520
average)...the teams have met seven times in the
playoffs, with Orlando holding a 4-3 series
edge... both teams have won an ArenaBowl
championship game at the other's expense.

THE JAY FACTOR: No discussion of the Orlando / Tampa Bay series would be complete without re-hashing the "Jay Factor." For those new to Arena Football, Gruden was Tampa Bay's "Golden Boy" quarterback of the early ‘90's, leading the team to four AFL championships in six years – winning the last two under Tim Marcum. Gruden left the game as a player in 1997 to assume the offensive coordinator's job with the expansion Nashville Kats. After helping that team to an AFL expansion-record 10 wins that season, Gruden came on the radar screen of the Predators Search Committee that was attempting to find a new Head Coach. The Predators shocked Storm fans a few months later by announcing that at age 30, Gruden would become the new Head Coach of the Orlando Predators. In his first season, the Storm thumped the Predators twice by an average of 17 points. Those games led up to the third contest between the two in ArenaBowl XII. By racing to a 14-2 record, Tampa entered the game as prohibitive 15-point favorites over the Predators; while Orlando needed a miracle comeback in the desert against Arizona to keep its championship hopes alive. After a close first half, everything that could possibly go wrong for a team went wrong for Tampa Bay in the first six minutes of the third quarter as the Predators would claim their first AFL championship, 62-31, on the home floor of its arch-rivals with their former hero leading the Predators charge. The following season would once again have a surreal ending for the Storm. After another outstanding season, Tampa Bay entered the playoffs as the league's number one seed (11-3) and would host Gruden and his #8 seeded Orlando team (7-7). After jumping out to a 10-0 lead at halftime, it looked like Tampa Bay would get its much sought-after revenge, only to see the Predators outscore them 41-7 in the second half and become the first and only last-seeded AFL team to take-out a top-seeded team in the playoffs. To add insult to injury, Gruden knocked his former team out of the playoffs for a third consecutive season in 2000, as the #2 seeded Predators took a 34-24 win in the TD Waterhouse Centre. In his final season as Head Coach, Gruden again put a hurting on the Storm, sweeping the regular season series. Coming back in 2002 as a player, Gruden lost a close three-point game at home, but guided the Preds to a 55-48 win on the road in 2002. Gruden added a second victory against his former team as a player, with a 54-51 win over the Storm back on Feb. 10 of this year, but did not participate in the rematch – suffering an ankle injury in Week four and missing six games. Tampa Bay defeated Gruden and the Preds in a semifinal game that year. Since joining the Predators, Gruden has guided Orlando to an 8-9 record against his former team, including a 3-0 mark in the playoffs. Adding more juice to the Gruden/Tampa Bay situation was the fact that the Storm "retired" Jay Gruden's jersey in a ceremony a few years ago and then unceremoniously "un-retired" his jersey in 2002 and re-issued it to a player right before an Orlando-Tampa Bay game. Tampa would later re-retire the number after Gruden left the game as a player in 2003.

PREDS/STORM AMONG WINNINGEST TEAM IN ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE HISTORY
Whether considering regular season wins, regular season winning percentage, post-season wins, or post-season winning percentage, the Orlando Predators and Tampa Bay Storm both rank among the top four teams in AFL history in every significant victory category as the lists below indicate:

Most Regular Season Wins
Tampa Bay 135
Orlando 130
Arizona 123
San Jose 99
Albany 82

Best Regular Season Winning Pct.*
Detroit Drive .821
Tampa Bay .696
Orlando .667
Arizona .661
Iowa .670
Albany .612
*Five seasons minimum

Most Post-Season Wins
Tampa Bay 20
Arizona 20
Orlando 19
Detroit 12
San Jose 9

Post Season Winning Pct.
Detroit .857
Tampa Bay .690
Arizona .667
Orlando .663
San Jose .600

Most ArenaBowl Appearances
Tampa Bay 6
Orlando 6
Detroit 6
Arizona 5

ORLANDO-TAMPA BAY CONNECTIONS
Not only are Tampa Bay and Orlando closely connected by just 70 miles of interstate, but the teams share a lot of personnel bonds as indicated by the following: Predators Head Coach JAY GRUDEN was Tampa Bay's starting quarterback from 1991-96, guiding that team to four championships...Tampa Bay WR/LB CLIF DELL was an outstanding player for the Orlando Predators from 1999-2002 and played a key role in the Preds' 2000 AFL championship season...Storm QB (on injured reserve) and offensive coordinator PAT O'HARA played for the Predators from 1995-2000, directing Orlando to its first title as a starting quarterback in 1998...Predators WR/DB BRET COOPER began his AFL career with Tampa Bay in 1994...Predators Defensive Specialist Johnnie Harris began his AFL career with the Tampa Bay Storm, where he was named AFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1998 ...Predators OL/DL DOUG MILLER is a Tampa native...Predators QB JOE HAMILTON, OL/DL BUCK GURLEY, and WR/LB JUSTIN SKAGGS all spent time with the Tampa Bay Bucs (NFL).


GAME SUMMARIES FROM LAST MEETING

ORLANDO 61, TAMPA BAY 46
Feb. 11, 2005 - HUMMER FIELD
14,478

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando overcame deficits of 10-0 and 17-6 to rout arch-rival Tampa Bay, 61-46, before a sellout crowd of 14,478 fans at the TD Waterhouse Centre on Friday ngiht.

After trailing early, the Predators went on a 41-7 run to grab a commanding 47-24 lead in the game. The key plays came on Michael Brown's 39-yard touchdown reception in the waning seconds of the first half and a 13-0 run in the third quarter when the Predators defense recorded four sacks and dominated the quarter.

Joe Hamilton threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as seven different players scored touchdowns for the Predators.


Tampa Bay 10 14 0 22 -- 46
Orlando 6 21 13 21 -- 61

How The 2005 Predators Were Built
Veterans Retained From 2004 Season (13): Bret Cooper, Idris Price, Michael Brown, Cory Fleming, Joe Hamilton, Kenny McEntyre, Justin Cleveland, Greg Krause, 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.

Veterans Obtained by Trade (1): William Carr

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

2005 Overall Record: 7-3-0
National Conference Record: 4-2-0
Against American Conference: 3-1-0
Southern Division Record: 3-1-0
At Hummer Field: 4-1-0
On the road: 3-2-0
When scoring first: 3-1-0
When other Team Scores First: 4-2-0
When leading after one quarter: 4-0-0
When trailing after one quarter: 2-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-2-0
When leading at the Half: 6-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 1-3-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 7-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-3-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0-0
Overtime Games: 1-0-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 1-1-0
Friday: 3-0-0
Saturday: 0-1-0
Sunday: 3-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 81-33-0
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: Joe Hamilton continued his hot play, completing 82.4% of his passes against Los Angeles and throwing for a career-high 316 yards...the Predators lost second half leads of 19 and 16 points and even fell behind at 48-42, but found a way to win...Jimmy Fryzel continued his sensational play on offense, catching 9 balls for 151 yards and two touchdowns; while Cory Fleming scored four touchdowns and had a monster game receiving (11-159). The Bad: After near-perfect execution for two and a half quarters, the Predators offense stumbled down the stretch throwing two interceptions and being stopped inside the five-yard line in the second half – allowing Los Angeles to get back in the game. The Ugly: Injuries, something the Predators were able to avoid for the most part in 2005, are starting to take a toll on an already thin roster. Michael Brown (eye) and Idris Price (ankle, ribs) head a long list of Orlando Predators players who will be spending a lot of time in the training room this week.

IMPORTANT RADIO/TV/INTERNET INFORMATION
The Predators game with Tampa Bay will be seen state-wide on Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network), with Rick Peckham and James Bates calling the action...although a complete list will not be available, several FOX Sports Affiliates from around the nation are expected to pick-up the game as part of the AFL regional television package. On radio, Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson will make the call on WQTM 740 The Team, beginning with a 7 p.m. pre-game show. For updates throughout the week on the Orlando Predators, please log on to www.orlandopredators.com.

PREDATORS SWAP LINEMAN WITH GRAND RAPIDS
The Predators--looking to improve their pass rush for the 2005 stretch run--traded OL/DL Cecil Caldwell along with the Predators first pick in the next AFL dispersal draft to the Grand Rapids Rampage in exchange for OL/DL William Carr.

In Carr, the Predators receive an experienced pass rusher. Carr, in his fourth season, began his AFL career with Orlando in 1999. He played two seasons with the Georgia Force, before signing as a free agent with Grand Rapids this season. In five games this season, he has recorded 5.5 total tackles. For his AFL career, he has 27 tackles with 7.5 quarterback sacks.


HAMILTON REACHES TOP FIVE FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE WEEK
For the second time in two weeks, Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton has broke into the Orlando Predators top five for single game completion percentage. Hamilton, who completed 22 of 26 passes (84.6%) two weeks ago against Austin, followed that performance with a 24 of 29 (82.7%) effort against Los Angeles last week. Those totals rank third and fifth on the Predators all-time list and now give Hamilton four of the top 10 games in Orlando Predators history for completion percentage.

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. 82.7%, Hamilton (24-29) vs. Los Angeles, 2005
6. 82.4%, Hamilton (14-17) vs. New York, 2004
7. 78.6%. Jay Gruden (22-28) vs. Chicago, 2002
8. 75.9%, Bennett vs. Miami, 1994
9. 75.0%, Gruden vs. Tampa Bay, 2002
10. 75.0%, Hamilton vs. Tampa Bay, 2004


HAMILTON HOT OF LATE
As the chart below indicates, Joe Hamilton has posted some impressive numbers in his last four starts. Most impressive is his 23:3 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 4 106-78 1073 73.5 268 23 3

LOS ANGLES GAME LED TO RECORD SETTING PERFORMANCES AND GAME OF FIRSTS
Not only did the Predators move to 7-3 on the season with a thrilling overtime win over Los Angeles last week, but the game featured several records and "firsts" in it. Most notable was Joe Hamilton, who broke Jay Gruden's single game passing record. Hamilton's 362 passing yards, surpassed Jay Gruden's club record of 361 set against Georgia in the 2002 season. Hamilton was the first player in Orlando Predators history to throw for 300 yards in less than 30 attempts (29). On the receiving end, Cory Fleming (11-159) and Jimmy Fryzel (9-151) became the first Orlando Predators combo to each catch 150 or more yards of passes in a single game. Finally, Fryzel (193), Fleming (159) and Jerrian James (137) marked the first time that the Orlando Predators had three players gain more than 100 all-purpose yards in a single game.


McENTYRE EXTENDS STREAK; CLOSES IN ON WAGNER
With Sunday's start against Los Angles, Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre's streak of consecutive games played moved to 115 (counting playoffs), the longest streak in franchise history. In addition, with 115 games played, McEntyre continues to inch closer to Barry Wagner's club record of most games played in. From 1992-99, Wagner appeared in 117 games for the Predators.

FLEMING STEAK REMAINS ALIVE
With four touchdown receptions against the Los Angeles Avengers, Cory Fleming has now caught a touchdown in 34 consecutive games with the Predators. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 42 of 44 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 488 points in an Orlando uniform.

ORLANDO PREDATORS
All-Time Points Scored List
Name Seasons Points
1. Barry Wagner 8 1,766
2. Cory Fleming 2.5 488
3. David Cool 5 457
4. Bret Cooper 5.5 396
5. Herkie Walls 5 324


PREDATORS MOVE TO 6-0 WHEN LEADING AT HALFTIME
When Orlando takes a lead into the locker room at halftime, the Predators usually hold it. The team had to hang on last week against the Avengers, but moved their record to 6-0 this season when leading at halftime. Counting that game, the Predators hold an all-time record of 108 wins against just 22 losses when they lead at halftime (83.1% winning percentage).

HAMILTON ON RECORD SETTING PACE
With 47 touchdown passes in 10 games, Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton is on pace to throw 75 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. Hamilton's seven touchdown passes last week give him 23 in his last four games. It also marked just the 10th time in club history that a Predators quarterback had thrown for seven or more touchdowns in a single game. 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 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. The Predators running game stalled a little against Los Angeles, as the team picked up just 20 yards on nine attempts. But with 33.5 yards rushing per game, the Preds continue to rank third in the league in rushing yards per game.

Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2005 335 33.5 20 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.


PREDATORS TOUGH ON D
Despite giving up 54 points in an overtime win over Los Angeles, the Orlando Predators remain one of the toughest teams in the Arena Football League to both move the ball on and to score against. Orlando did manage to record four defensive stops in the first half and limited Los Angeles' high-flying offense to just 16 first-half points before John Kaleo's offense exploded for 32 points in the second half. Still, the Predators continue to rank high in practically every defensive category and 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 91.4 pass defense rating – best in the AFL. Here's how the Predators stand in defensive categories:

Category Stat AFL Rank
Pass Defense Rating 91.4 1st
Pass Defense Yards Allowed 239.0 3rd
Scoring Defense 43.2 1st
Total Defense 256.1 3rd
Rushing Defense 17.1 6th - Tied
Opponent Comp. Percentage 57.8 3rd


ATTENDANCE/MERCHANDISE STRONG IN 2005
Despite playing three of their first five 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 65,988 fans to five 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 and have sold more than $12,000 in merchandise in each of their five home games.

Year G Attendance Avg. % Capacity
2005 4 65,988 13,198 96.4%

FRYZEL AMONG LEAGUE LEADERS IN RECEIVING YARDS PER GAME
With 649 yards receiving in his first six games, Orlando Predators offensive specialist Jimmy Fryzel is averaging 108.2 yards receiving per game. That total ranks fourth in the Arena Football League in yards per game. If he continues at the same clip, Fryzel would break Barry Wagner's club record of 103.5 yards per game set during the 1994 season. Only Wagner and Cory Fleming (16-1620-101.3 in 2004) have averaged more than 100 yards receiving per game in an Orlando Predators uniform.

2005 AFL LEADERS RECEPTION YARDS PER GAME
1. Marcus Nash Las Vegas 124.3
2. Siaha Burley Arizona 113.8
3. Aaron Bailey New Orleans 110.5
4. Jimmy Fryzel Orlando 108.2
5. Troy Bergeron Georgia 98.9

100+ Receiving Yards Per Game – Predators Season
1. Jimmy Fryzel 2005 108.5*
2. Barry Wagner 1999 103.5
3. Cory Fleming 2004 101.3

*Through 10 games of 2005 season.

PREDS TAKE OVER TOP SPOT IN QUARTERBACK SACKS RACE
After a slow start, the Orlando Predators once again find themselves in familiar territory as they rank first in the Arena Football League with 15 quarterback sacks. Averaging 1.5 sacks per game, the Predators are on pace to record 24 sacks this season, which would mark the sixth straight season Orlando has recorded 20 or more sacks in a single season. The Predators have finished in the top three in quarterback sacks for each of the previous five seasons.

Preds Sacks Last Six Seasons
Year Sacks League Rank
2005 15 1st
2004 35* 1st
2003 25 3rd
2002 25 1st
2001 23 2nd
2000 23 3rd
Average Last Five Seasons 26.2 Sacks Per Season

*Club Record

PREDS DEFENSE TOUGH ON 3rd DOWN CHANCES
Orlando's defense remains the toughest in the league when it comes to converting third down chances. To date, Predators opponents have converted just 24 of 71 third down opportunities for a league low 33.8% success rate. The top five teams in stopping third down plays:

1. Orlando Predators 24-71 33.3
2. Colorado Crush 24-61 39.3
3. San Jose SaberCats 21-53 39.6
4. Grand Rapids Rampage 22-52 42.3
5. Tampa Bay 30-68 44.1

ORLADO IN OVERTIME
Sunday's game against Los Angeles marked the eighth overtime game in Orlando's 15-year history. The Predators have fared well when the game has gone to an extra stanza, posting a 6-2 record. Orlando lost the first overtime in club history, dropping a 43-40 decision to Detroit in their inaugural season. The Predators then proceeded to win five consecutive overtime games before dropping a 49-48 decision to Austin in Week 1 of the 2004 season. All overtime games involving the Predators came in the regular season with the exception of a 24-21 win over Tampa Bay in the 1992 semifinals. Three of Orlando's overtime games ended in a field goal, while the most unusual overtime game came in 1999 at New Jersey. The scored was tied at 38-38 in regulation. New Jersey won the toss and elected to defer. Orlando scored on its first possession on a Pat O'Hara 26-yard touchdown pass to Barry Wagner. Orlando linebacker Bill Hall then recovered a fumble on New Jersey's third play of overtime and returned it for a touchdown for the Predators 13-point win. Six of Orlando's eight overtime games have come at home.

Predators in Overtime (6-2-0)
June 21, 1991 Detroit 43, Orlando 40
Aug. 15, 1992 Orlando 24, Tampa Bay 21*
Aug. 5, 1996 Orlando 50, Anaheim 44
June 6, 1997 Orlando 40, Texas 34
May 22, 1999 Orlando 51, New Jersey 38
May 4, 2003 Orlando 46, Colorado 40
Feb. 13, 2004 Austin 49, Orlando 48
April 3, 2005 Orlando 55, Los Angeles 54

FLEMING/FRYZEL JOIN EXCLUSIVE COMPANY
In 225 previous games, the Orlando Predators have had only 17 receivers catch more than 150 yards of passes in a single game. Barry Wagner accomplished it 11 times, while Siaha Burley and Cory Fleming did it twice and Travis McGriff and Junior Lord cracked the list once. On Sunday, the Predators had two players reach the 150-mark in the same game as Fleming (11-159) and Jimmy Fryzel (9-151) both reached the mark. Wagner is the only Predators player to reach 200 yards in receiving, having reached that level twice – including a 229-yard effort against Iowa in 1996. The all-time single game leaders:

1. 229, Barry Wagner vs. Iowa, 1996
2. 200, Wagner vs. Charlotte, 1992
13. 159, Cory Fleming vs. Los Angeles, 2005
16. (t) 151, Jimmy Fryzel vs. Los Angeles,
2005

PREDS RANK IN TOP FIVE IN BOTH RED ZONE DEFENSE AND RED ZONE OFFENSE
When it comes to moving the ball in the red zone and keeping the opponents out of the end zone when they penetrate the end zone, the Predators have fared well in both areas. On offense, the Predators are tied for San Jose for first place as both teams put points on the board 86.8% of the time. Defensively, the Predators rank 4th in the league, allowing points to be scored 75% of the time once a team cracks its red zone.

OFFENSE
Red Zone
Team Scoring Pct.
1. Orlando Predators 46-53 86.8
San Jose 46-53 86.8
3. Colorado 37-43 86.0
4. New Orleans 41-48 85.4
5. Tampa Bay 44-52 84.6

DEFENSE
Red Zone
Team Scoring Pct.
1. Tampa Bay 27-41 65.9
2. Los Angeles 36-50 72.0
3. San Jose 26-36 72.2
4. Orlando Predators 33-44 75.0
5. Georgia 38-50 76.0

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 three missed field goals for a grand total of 12 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 four 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 was last week's opponent Los Angeles, who attempted five field goals against the Predators. But that exception probably had more to do with the Avengers kicker Remy Hamilton, who came into the game with 19 field goals on 22 attempts. Hamilton made four of the five field goal attempts but saw his percentage go down a point from 86.3 to 85.2. "Without question, Hamilton is an exception to the current way of thinking about field goals. That guy can make it from anywhere on the field and when you have a weapon like that, you have to use it," Gruden said.

FLEMING NAMED "IRONMAN" AND PLAYER OF WEEK
Orlando Predators WR/LB picked up a pair of honors this week, being named the Arena Football League's "US Army Ironman of the Week" and the Arena Football League Writers Association "Player of the Week." Fleming caught a season-high 11 passes for 159 yards and four touchdowns to go with two tackles on defense. His fourth touchdown, with just 7.7 seconds remaining, forced overtime. It marked the second time this season that Fleming has been honored as "US Army Ironman of the Week."

BURT ON PACE TO BREAK SACK RECORD
With seven quarterback sacks in his first 10 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 11 sacks this season and he is already the all-time Predators sack leader with 23.

Orlando All-Time Sack Leaders
Name Seasons QS
EJ Burt 2+ 23
Paul McGowan 5 19
Ernest Allen 4 16.5
Victor Hall 6 14
Eric Drakes 8 13
Curtis Easton 3 13

SOUTHERN DIVISION TOUGH
Through 10 weeks 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 18-8 against non-division opponents (.692).

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 three 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 17-11 at home, a winning percentage of .607. The Predators will face a stiff challenge on the road this 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 four 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 6 42 649 15.5 11
McGriff 4 20 221 11.1 4


PREDATORS PRACTICE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Wednesday 10-11:30 a.m. Citrus Bowl
Thursday 10-11:30 a.m. Citrus Bowl
Friday 9:45-10:15 a.m. Citrus Bowl
Saturday Orlando at Tampa 7:30 a..m.



ORLANDO PREDATORS VS.TAMPA BAY
AFL STATISTICALLY RANKINGS

Category ORL TB
Scoring Offense 48.1 (10th) 53.4 (3rd )
Total Offense 271.6 (12th) 304.1 (4th)
Scoring Defense 43.2 (1st) 52.6 (13th)
Total Defense 256.1 (3rd) 280.3 (8th)
Rushing Offense 33.5 (3rd) 8.9 (17th)
Pass Rating 111.8 (10th) 116.5 (4th)
Pass Rating (Def) 91.4 (1st) 98.6 (3rd)
Passing Offense 238.4 (14th) 295.2 (3rd)
Had Intercepted 11 (t-9th) 7 (t-3rd)
Pass Defense 239.0 (3rd) 263.8 (9th)
Field Goal Pct. 37.5 (11th) 44.4 (8th)
PAT Pct. 76.6 (17th) 93.7 (4th)
Kickoff Returns 15.0 (17th) 16.9 (9th)
Interceptions 10 (6th – T) 10 (6th – T)
Turnover Margin +4 (T-5th) +1 (8th – T)
3rd Down Efficiency 38.1 (16th) 41.7 (14th)
4th Down Efficiency 44.4 (10th) 31.2 (15th)
Opp. 3rd Down Eff. 33.8 (1st) 44.1 (5th)
Opp. 4th Down Eff. 44.4 (7th – T) 47.1 (11th)
Sacks 15 (1st) 8 (10th)
Sacks Allowed 17 (16th) 10 (t-10th)
Penalties -Fewest 90 (11th) 77 (6th)
Red Zone Offense 86.8 (1st – T) 84.6 (5th)
Red Zone Defense 71.1 (2nd) 71.7 (3rd)

PREDATORS PLAYERS TO WATCH

OS Jimmy Fryzel
A leading candidate for "Rookie of the Month" honors, Jimmy Fryzel has posted huge numbers in his first six games and is one of only four players in the Arena Football League averaging more than 100 yards receiving per game. Fryzel has provided the Predators with a second legitimate offensive threat and has taken a lot of pressure off of Cory Fleming.

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 80% of his passes the last two weeks and more than 72% of his passes over the last four weeks. Hamilton's improvement has played a major role in the Predators winning three of their last four 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 10 games, Burt has relied on speed and technique to force four fumbles and record seven quarterback sacks, which ranks second in the Arena Football League. In 42 career games, Burt had 23 quarterback sacks and has already forced 13 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." Gurley has picked up quarterback sacks in back-to-back games for the Predators, with his second sack of the season coming on a third down Los Angeles drive and leading to a defensive "stop" for the Predators.

WR/DB/OS Jerrian James
A rookie who played three seasons in the "arenafootball2" league, Jerrian James is a high energy player who is gaining a reputation for making plays at the right time. Last week against Los Angeles, James caught just three passes, but the last one went for 36 yards and a touchdown in overtime to give the Predators a 55-54 overtime win.

PREDS GAME FEATURED ON SUN
This week's game with Tampa Bay will be available to more than 5 million homes in Florida as it will be broadcast on Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network). Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. (Channel 31 on Time Warner).

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.

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