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Orlando Predators game notes

April 12, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


New York Dragons (6-4) at Orlando Predators (7-4)
Date: Friday, April 15, 2005
Toe-To-Leather Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Hummer Field, TD Waterhouse Centre (13,692)
Officials: Referee: Dennis Lipski; Umpire: Richard Brown;
Head Linesman: Brent Durbin; Line Judge: Art
Lucky; Back Judge: Joe Duncan
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: None
Series Streak: Orlando has won six in a row in the series
Series Record: Orlando leads all-time series 8-4-0*
(*includes
Tickets: Available by calling 407-44-PREDS
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 60-34, .638); New York: Weylan Harding (1st Season, 6-4, .600)

INJURED PREDS LOOK TO REBOUND
After a taxing road loss to arch-rival Tampa Bay, the Orlando Predators (7-4-0) return home to the friendly confines of Hummer Field and the TD Waterhouse for an important conference game with the New York Dragons (6-4-0).

The game is important as New York is one of five teams who will be battling the Predators for one of four playoff spots available to National Conference teams. Currently the Predators trail the Georgia Force (8-3) in the Southern Division while New York trails first place Dallas (6-4-1) in the Eastern Division. Division champions are guaranteed two of the four playoff berths.

"This is a huge game for both teams," Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "With New York, Georgia, Austin and New Orleans all left on our schedule, we have an opportunity to control our own destiny. But it will be vital for us to win our home games and that starts this Friday night at home against the Dragons."

Counting games played as the Iowa Barnstormers, the Orlando Predators lead the all-time series with the Dragons, 8-4-0, including victories in the last five games.


Orlando Predators (7-4-0) *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 L 42-54
Apr. 15 New York 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 22 Georgia 7:30 p.m.
May 1 At Philadelphia 1 p.m.
May 7 At Austin 8:30 p.m.
May 20 New Orleans 7:30 p.m.

New York (6-4-0)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 6 Dallas W 55-45
Feb. 11 At Las Vegas L 37-41
Feb. 19 Nashville W 62-49
Feb. 27 Arizona W 61-37
Mar. 6 At Philadelphia W 61-54
Mar. 12 Georgia W 53-51
Mar. 19 At Austin L 47-57
Mar. 26 At Columbus W 56-55
Apr. 2 Chicago L 43-44
Apr. 10 At Los Angeles L 35-66
Apr. 15 At Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 24 Philadelphia 1:00 p.m.
Apr. 29 At Dallas 8:30 p.m.
May 7 Columbus 7:00 p.m.
May 15 At Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m.
May 21 Colorado 7:00 p.m.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"On behalf of the entire Orlando Predators family, we would like to offer our condolences to the family of Al Lucas and the Los Angeles Avengers organization. Al was a fierce competitor and an outstanding football player who will be greatly missed in the Arena Football League. It is extremely difficult to understand the how and why of this tragedy. Our prayers go out to his family and the Avengers."
-- Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden on the tragic death of LA Avengers Lineman Al Lucas

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 coordinator 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 60-34 (.638) all-time coaching record into the New York game. He is 52-31 in regular season games (.627) 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 60-34 .638
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

DRAGON HEAD COACH WEYLAN HARDING
After spending three seasons as Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach of the Columbus Destroyers, Weylan Harding received his first head coaching assignment when he was selected by the New York Dragons to replace Todd Shell – who became head coach of the Arizona Rattlers.

As a player, Harding was a defensive specialist for the Iowa Barnstormers, Nashville Kats and Portland Forest Dragons before retiring as a player with Buffalo in 2000. He finished out the 2000 season working with the Destroyers defensive backs. After spending one season as a defensive backs coach of Rochester in the "arenafootball2" league, Harding returned to the Destroyers in 2002 in the role of defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.

Harding, a former all-Big Ten standout for Iowa State, will take a 6-4 record (.600) into the Orlando game.



GRUDEN RANKED IN TOP 10 FOR ALL-TIME AFL COACHING WINS

ALL-TIME AFL WINNINGEST COACHES
1. Tim Marcum 172
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohenssee 90
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey 82*
6. Mike Trigg 80
7. Darren Arbet 77
8. John Gregory 73
9. Jay Gruden 60*
10. Todd Shell 49

*Active Coach


SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
This week's game will mark the 13thcontest between the Orlando Predators and New York Dragons...the Dragons joined the Arena Football League in 1995 as the Iowa Barnstormers...the team played in Des Moines, Iowa through the 2000 season, when owner James Foster sold the team to New York businessmen Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar...the team relocated to Long Island in time for the 2001 season and became the New York Dragons – but elected to retain the history and record books of the Barnstormers...Orlando leads the all-time series 8-4-0, including victories in the last six games...the totals include a 5-0 record against the Dragons and a 3-4 mark against the Barnstormers...eight of the 12 games have been played on the road for the Predators, but the last two have been played in Orlando...the teams have met four times in the playoffs, with Orlando winning three of those games...the Preds are 5-3 in regular season games against the Dragons.

Series Results vs. New York Dragons
Orlando leads 8-4-0

Date ORL OPP
August 19, 1995 (A) 56 49$*
June 21, 1996 (H) 50 59$
July 12, 1997 (A) 56 60$
August 16, 1997 (A) 34 52$*
May 15, 1998 (H) 28 6$
May 1, 1999 (A) 47 64$
Aug. 13, 1999 (A) 48 40$*
July 16, 2002 (A) 74 63
June 15, 2002 (A) 52 33
Mar. 2, 2003 (A) 72 56
June 1, 2003 (H) 69 62**
May 23, 2004 (H) 65 41

$Team Played as Iowa Barnstormers (1995-2000)
*AFL Semifinal Game
*AFL Quarterfinal Game

GAME SUMMARIES FROM LAST MEETING

Game 15
ORLANDO 65, NEW YORK 41
May 23, 2004 - TD Waterhouse (13,144)
New York: 0 21 7 13 -- 41
Orlando: 14 24 21 6 -- 65


ORLANDO, FL -- Joe Hamilton threw for four touchdowns and ran for a fifth and the Predators defense harassed New York Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia all night as Orlando routed New York, 65-41.

Hamilton, who won Offensive Player of the Game honors for a third straight week, hit Cory Fleming on a pair of first quarter touchdown passes to give the Predators a 14-0 lead and set the tone for the game.

Defensively, Orlando recorded five quarterback sacks on the night and held Garcia to just 18 of 37 for 232 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Idris Price led the way with two quarterback sacks and an interception he returned 44 yards for a touchdown. It was New York's worst loss since a 76-50 loss to New Jersey in 2002.


TEAM STATS NY ORL
First Downs 21 15
Rush Yards 6-20 13-24
Passing Yards 217 166
A-C-I 44-20-2 21-15-1
Fumbles/Lost 1-1 0-0
Penalties/Yards 6-29 6-50
Sacks By 0-0 5-30

Rushing
NY: Garcia 3-17, Achebe 2-2, Boden 1-1
O: Grant 3-6, Whelihan 2-5, Price 2-4, Hamilton 5-4, Brown 1-4

Passing
NY: Garcia 37-18-2-232; Boden 7-2-0-15
O: Hamilton 17-14-1-168; Whelihan 4-1-0-6

Receiving
NY: Holder 9-111, Flowers 5-60, DeMatteo 2-16, Dupree 2-14, Brown 1-6, Miles 1-20
O: Fleming 9-88, Cooper 3-30, Bright 2-50, Brown 1-6


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 (5): Reggie Doster, Chris Sanders, Johnnie Harris, Herman Bell, Arkee Thompson

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: 7-4-0
National Conference Record: 4-3-0
Against American Conference: 3-1-0
Southern Division Record: 3-2-0
At Hummer Field: 4-1-0
On the road: 3-3-0
When scoring first: 3-1-0
When other Team Scores First: 4-3-0
When leading after one quarter: 4-0-0
When trailing after one quarter: 2-2-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-2-0
When leading at the Half: 6-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 1-4-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 7-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-4-0
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: 0-2-0
Sunday: 3-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 81-33-0
All-Time Road Record: 68-45-0*
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

TAMPA BAY GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY:
The Good: After falling behind by two scores early, the Predators battled back to actually take a lead in the second quarter...Jimmy Fryzel continued his outstanding play with another 100-yard receiving game to take "Offensive Player of the Game" honors...despite being out-manned and losing two players to injury early, the Predators battled back and fought hard for the enite game. The Bad: Orlando fumbled on the opening kickoff and fell behind early...the Predators committed just four penalties in the game, but an off-sides cost the Predators a on-sides kick recovery. The Ugly: Injuries continue to haunt the Predators...Idris Price dressed but did not play in the game; Orlando lost OL/DL Buck Gurley to a knee injury in the game's opening play...defensive back Reggie Doster went down in the first quarter with a groin injury and DS Johnnie Harris played the entire game with a groin injury – essentially leaving the Predators with a 20 on 16 situation.

IMPORTANT RADIO/TV/INTERNET INFORMATION
The Predators game with New York is not being televised. 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 MAKE ROSTER MOVES, MORE EXPECTED
On Thursday of last week, Gruden activated lineman David Upchurch from the injured reserve list. Upchurch has played in two games this season, recording 2.5 tackles. The team also announced that it had signed free agent WR/DB Herman Bell to its practice squad.

Bell began his Arena Football League career with the Orlando Predators in 2003, but was traded to the Detroit Drive in the pre-season. In two years with the Fury, Bell played in 19 games, catching 72 balls for 724 yards and 11 touchdowns. He played WR/DB in 2003, making 22 tackles with an interception. He was an offensive specialist in 2004. Bell will not be eligible to play in games for the Predators unless he is activated from the practice squad to the active squad.

Orlando received additional bad news on Thursday when it was determined that fullback/linebacker Marlon Moye-Moore's leg injury was serious enough to put him on the team's injured reserve list. Moye-Moore will be not be eligible to return until the Georgia game on April 22.

Moye-Moore's injury, along with the ankle injury to Idris Price, leaves the Predators with no healthy fullbacks for the Tampa Bay game. Gruden used newly acquired Kevin Jefferson and lineman Doug Miller at the fullback/linebacker against Tampa Bay last week.

On Monday, the Predators waived OS Anthony Bright from the practice squad. Gruden said the team could make several other roster moves prior to Friday night's game with New York.


HAMILTON HOT OF LATE
As the chart below indicates, Joe Hamilton has posted some impressive numbers in his last five starts. His totals included his second consecutive 300-yard game and sixth of his career, as Hamilton threw for 309 yards and accounted for six touchdowns in the Tampa Bay game.

Games A-C Yards Pct. YPG TD INT
First 6 201-119 1340 59.2 223 24 7
Last 5 145-102 1382 70.3 276 28 4


McENTYRE EXTENDS STREAK; CLOSES IN ON WAGNER
With Sunday's start against Tampa Bay, Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre's streak of consecutive games played moved to 116 (counting playoffs), the longest streak in franchise history. In addition, with 116 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; REACHES 500 POINTS SCORED WITH PREDATORS
With two touchdown receptions against the Tampa Bay Storm, Cory Fleming has now caught a touchdown pass in 35 consecutive games played with the Predators. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 43 of 45 career games with the Preds. Fleming moved David Cool for second place on the all-time points scored list with the Predators three weeks ago and now has 500 points in an Orlando uniform.

ORLANDO PREDATORS
All-Time Points Scored List
Name Seasons Points
1. Barry Wagner 8 1,766
2. Cory Fleming 2.5 500
3. David Cool 5 457
4. Bret Cooper 5.5 396
5. Herkie Walls 5 324


PREDATORS ARE 6-0 WHEN LEADING AT HALFTIME
When Orlando takes a lead into the locker room at halftime, the Predators usually hold it. The team moved their record to 6-0 this season when leading at halftime with a win against Los Angeles two weeks ago. 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). Last week, the Predators just missed taking the lead at halftime against Tampa Bay when Brian Gowins 45-yard field goal attempt just missed -- clanging off the left upright.

HAMILTON ON RECORD SETTING PACE
With 52 touchdown passes in 11 games, Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton is on pace to throw 76 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 five touchdown passes last week give him 28 in his last five games. With five regular season games remaining, Hamilton has moved into 6th place for single season touchdown passes. He needs theee this week to surpass Connell Maynor for fifth place; while six touchdown passes will move him past himself for 4th place on the all-time list. 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
4. Joe Hamilton 2004 57
5. Connell Maynor 2000 54
6. Joe Hamilton 2005 52*
7. Ben Bennett 1993 50
8. Jay Gruden 2004 49
9. Pat O'Hara 1996 45
Ben Bennett 1994 45


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 produced 27 yards on just six carries against Tampa Bay, which was 6.5 yards below the season average But with 32.9 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 362 32.9 21 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 11


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.

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 TIES SINGLE SEASON MARK, ON TARGET TO HIT 1,000
Orlando Predators rookie wide receiver Jimmy Fryzel has tied a team record for the most consecutive 100-yard games in a single season with four. Fryzel's 11-catch, 159-yard, 3 touchdown performance against Tampa Bay last week earned him the "Offensive Player of the Game" award – something usually reserved for a player from the winning team. With the outing, Fryzel has now posted for straight 100-yard games and has caught 36 passes for 535 yards and eight touchdowns during that time period. For the season, he has caught 52 passes for 798 yards in just seven games. Fryzel's four straight 100-yard receiving games ties Barry Wagner's record for the most consecutive 100-yard receiving games in the same season (1997). Wagner holds the overall team record for regular season games with 100+ yards – hitting the mark in six consecutive games (last four regular season games of 1997 and first two regular season games of 1998). Averaging more than 115 yards per game, Fryzel is on pace to finish with 1,350 yards, which would rank him third on the Predators all-time single season list – despite playing in only 11 regular season games. Fryzel's 159 yard performance last week against the Storm also gave him back-to-back games with at least 150 yards – the first player in Predators history to accomplish that feat. Counting the 150 yard performance against Los Angeles two weeks ago, Fyrzel has now posted two of the 17 top receiving games in Orlando Predators history.

2005 AFL LEADERS RECEPTION YARDS PER GAME
1. Marcus Nash Las Vegas 121.4
2. Jimmy Fryzel Orlando 114.0
2. Siaha Burley Arizona 113.3
3. Aaron Bailey New Orleans 110.5

Highest Receiving Yards Per Game – Predators Season
1. Jimmy Fryzel 2005 114.0*
2. Barry Wagner 1999 103.5
3. Cory Fleming 2004 101.3
*Through 11 games of 2005 season.

TOP RECEIVING GAMES IN ORLANDO PREDATORS HISTORY
1. 229, Barry Wagner vs. Iowa, 1996
2. 200, Wagner vs. Charlotte, 1992
13. 159, Cory Fleming vs. Los Angeles, 2005
13. (t)159, Jimmy Fryzel vs. Tampa Bay, 2005
16. (t) 151, Jimmy Fryzel vs. Los Angeles,
2005

ORLADO IN OVERTIME
The game against Los Angeles two weeks ago 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


SOUTHERN DIVISION TOUGH
Through 11 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).

BROWN UNDERGOES SURGERY
Orlando Predators defensive specialist Michael Brown underwent eye surgery on Tuesday afternoon to repair an orbital fracture sustained during a 55-54 overtime win over Los Angeles on Sunday, April 3. Originally feared lost for the season, there is some speculation that Brown might be able to return by the end of May.

PREDS STILL #1 IN SCORING DEFENSE
Despite giving up 50 points in back-to-back games, the Orlando Predators remain the toughest team to score against. The Preds have allowed a league low 486 points in 11 games (44.2), edging out Georgia as the top defensive team in the Arena Football League.

Team Points Per Game
1. Orlando Predators 44.2
2. Georgia Force 45.6
3. Dallas Desperados 46.0
4. Nashville Kats 46.1
5. Chicago Rush 46.6

PLAYOFF RACE WILL GO DOWN TO WIRE
With five weeks remaining in the 2005 regular season, Arena Football League fans have started to watch the scoreboard for playoff implications. For the first time ever, the ArenaBowl will feature a playoff format where the National Conference Champion will face the American Conference Champion in the ArenaBowl. Under this new format, each division champion is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, with two "wildcard" spots available in each conference. This format also means that for the first time ever, a team with a better record could be sitting at home while a team in the other conference with a worse record could qualify for the playoffs. If the playoffs were to start this weekend, the Orlando Predators would make the playoffs, but things are extremely tight as only 1 ½ games separated the top team in the Conference (Georgia 8-3) from the sixth place team in the conference (New Orleans 6-4). With New York (6-4) in the same conference as Orlando, Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden has already called this contest "one of the most critical games of the season." Here are the other games that will have a direct implication on the Predators playoff hopes this week:

GRAND RAPIDS vs GEORGIA
DALLAS vs SAN JOSE
COLUMBUS vs NEW ORLEANS
TAMPA BAY vs AUSTIN

IF THE PLAYOFFS STARTED TODAY: NATIONAL CONFERENCE*
IN
Georgia 8-3-0
Dallas 6-3-1
Orlando 7-4-0
Tampa Bay 6-4-0
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
New York 6-4-0
New Orleans 6-4-0

*Source: Arenafootball.com

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

PREDATORS PLAYERS TO WATCH

OS Jimmy Fryzel
With another 100-yard receiving game, Jimmy Fryzel could become the first Orlando Predators player to hit 100 yards receiving in five consecutive regular season games in a single season. Fryzel's 11-159-3 TD performance against the Tampa Bay Storm last week marked the second consecutive game that Fryzel has surpassed the 150-yard mark in receiving.

OL/DL EJ Burt
Orlando's single season and career leader in quarterback sacks, EJ Burt has been challenged by Jay Gruden to become the franchise type player he wants to become. Burt has come up big against New York in the past, coming up with six quarterback sacks and four forced fumbles in three games against the Dragons.


ORLANDO PREDATORS VS.TAMPA BAY
AFL STATISTICALLY RANKINGS

Category ORL NY
Scoring Offense 47.5 (12th) 51.0 (8th)
Total Offense 275.1 (12th) 254.7 (17th)
Scoring Defense 44.2 (1st) 49.9 (11th)
Total Defense 260.0 (3rd) 304.4 (15th)
Rushing Offense 32.9 (3rd) 11.4 (14th)
Pass Rating 111.2 (10th) 120.7 (1st)
Rushing Defense 18.9 (7th) 24.5 (14th)
Pass Rating (Def) 92.3 (1st) 96.5 (3rd)
Passing Offense 242.2 (14th) 243.3 (13th)
Had Intercepted 13 (14th) 7 (T-1st)
Pass Defense 241.1 (3rd) 279.9 (13th)
Field Goal Pct. 38.9 (10th) 30.0 (14th)
PAT Pct. 76.5 (T-16th) 85.5 (11th)
Kickoff Returns 15.5 (17th) 20.3 (2nd)
Interceptions 11 (8th-T) 18 (1st)
Turnover Margin +3 (7th) +7 (3rd)
3rd Down Efficiency 40.3 (16th) 52.0 (5th)
4th Down Efficiency 38.1 (12th) 31.2 (15th)
Opp. 3rd Down Eff. 36.7 (1st) 50.0 (14th)
Opp. 4th Down Eff. 42.1 (7th) 66.7 (T-16th)
Sacks 15 (T-1st) 5 (16th)
Sacks Allowed 19 (16th) 16 (15th)
Pen. Yards-Fewest 595 (10th) 529 (8th)
Red Zone Offense 87.5 (2nd) 71.7 (16th)
Red Zone Defense 76.9 (5) 79.7 (10th)

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."

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)
10 Los Angeles Ironman: Cory Fleming (O)Offensive: Jimmy Fryzel (O)Defensive: Greg Hopkins (LA)
11 Tampa Bay Ironman: Lawrence Samuels (TB)Offensive: Jimmy Fryzel (O)Defensive: Jonathan Ordway (TB)

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
Week 10:
Cory Fleming – US Army Ironman of the Week

2005 ROSTER MOVES
Date Action Player


1/23 Waived WR-LB Leroy McFadden, OS Kerry Watkins, QB Ryan Schneider, WR-LB Andre Cooper, DS Jamie Hatley, WR-DB Ernest Ross, FB-LB Chris Morrant, OL-DL Patrick Scott, OL-DL Joe Fantigrassi, OL/DL Deon White, OL/DL Thomas Pittman
1/23 Placed on IR FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore
1/24 Waived OL/DL Shawn King, FB/LB Kevin Jefferson, OS Anthony Bright.
1/28 Placed on IR OS Jimmy Fryzel
2/7 Waived K Steve McLaughlin
2/7 Activated from NFL-Exempts OL-DL David Upchurch
2/23 Placed on IR WR/LB Cory 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
4/4 Placed on IR WR/DB Michael Brown
4/8 Signed to practice squad WR/DB Herman Bell
4/8 Activated from IR OL/DL David Upchurch
4/11 Waived from practice squad OS Anthony Bright



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 12, 2005


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