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Orlando Predators game notes

April 25, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME DETAILS
Orlando Predators (9-4-0) at Philadelphia Soul (5-8-0)
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2005
Toe-To-Leather Time: 7:00 p.m.
Site: Wachovia Center (17,597)
Officials: Referee: Terry Brown; Umpire: Rick Lowe;
Head Linesman: Rusty Baynes; Line Judge: Gary Cavaletto;
Back Judge: Scott Helverson
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: None
Series Streak: First Game in Series
Series Record: Tied 0-0-0
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 62-34, .646); Philadelphia: James Fuller (1st Season, 3-5, .375)

"It Means Nothing If We Don't Take Care of Business"
After Friday night's emotional 52-49 win over Georgia, where Orlando dressed six players who were not on the active roster three weeks earlier, Head Coach Jay Gruden warned his team that the victory would not mean anything if the Predators failed to take care of business this week against a disappointed but potentially explosive Philadelphia team. "Obviously the Soul are disappointed in the season they have had to date, but they are an extremely dangerous team with a lot of offensive weapons," Gruden said. "Even with the win over Georgia, we need to understand that we are not good enough to go up there and win without a 100% effort from every player. Last week's win was nice, but it will mean nothing if we don't win this week. We put ourselves in a position to control our own destiny, but now we have to close the deal with a strong finish."

It will not be an easy task, particularly if the injured Predators are forced to play without starting OS Jimmy Fryzel. Orlando will already be without the services of QB Joe Hamilton, DS Kenny McEntyre, OL/DL Buck Gurley, WR/LB Justin Skaggs, and FB/LB Kevin Jefferson and have several other players listed as doubtful or questionable. Fryzel suffered a rib cage injury in the 3rd quarter of the Georgia game and never returned. He will be re-evaluated on Monday. "If Jimmy can't go, then we'll need to have someone else step up," Gruden said. "We can't worry about who isn't playing and need to concentrate on who can go."

Orlando Predators (9-4-0) *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 W 72-60
Apr. 22 Georgia W 52-49
May 1 At Philadelphia 1 p.m.
May 7 At Austin 8:30 p.m.
May 20 New Orleans 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia (5-8-0)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 At Austin W 66-35
Feb. 6 At Chicago L 41-51
Feb. 13 Nashville W 59-48
Feb. 20 At New Orleans L 47-61
Feb. 27 Dallas L 47-61
Mar. 6 New York L 54-61
Mar. 11 At San Jose L 26-52
Mar. 20 Tampa Bay W 69-63
Mar. 27 Grand Rapids W 64-41
Apr. 3 At Columbus W 62-45
Apr. 10 At Colorado L 56-77
Apr. 17 Las Vegas L 44-56
Apr. 24 At New York L 37-51
May 1 Orlando 1:00 p.m.
May 15 Columbus 1:00 p.m.
May 22 At Dallas 3:00 p.m.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"This is a dangerous team. Tony Graziani is a great quarterback and just like Georgia's quarterback, he has a lot of outstanding receivers to throw to."

--Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden on facing the 5-8 Philadelphia Soul

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 62-34 (.646) all-time coaching record into the Philadelphia game. He is 54-31 in regular season games (.635) 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 62-34 .645
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

Soul Head Coach James Fuller
A former AFL player, James Fuller is in his 8th season in the league and first as a head coach. Fuller began the 2005 season as defensive coordinator to Mike Trigg. He was elevated to head coach in Week 6, after a 2-3 start prompted a coaching change. Previous experience for Fuller included two seasons as head coach of Bakersfield of the "arenafootball2" league. He also coached for the Oklahoma Wranglers and Portland Forest Dragons and played one season with the Dragons.

ALL-TIME AFL WINNINGEST COACHES
1. Tim Marcum 173
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohenssee 91*
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey 82*
6. Mike Trigg 80
7. Darren Arbet 79*
8. John Gregory 73
9. Jay Gruden 62*
10. Todd Shell 50 *Active Coach

SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
Not much to report here, as Philadelphia was a 2004 AFL expansion team and this will be the first meeting ever between the Predators and Soul...unlike most teams in the AFL, Philadelphia is one of the few that does not feature a former Orlando Predators player on its roster.

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 (6): Reggie Doster, Chris Sanders, Johnnie Harris, Herman Bell, Arkee Thompson, Kevin Jefferson

Rookie Free Agents (7): Jimmy Fryzel, Korey Banks, David Upchurch, Jerrian James, Kevin Nagle and Justin Skaggs.

Veterans Obtained by Trade (1): William Carr

BY THE NUMBERS...ORLANDO PREDATORS
2005 Overall Record: 9-4-0
National Conference Record: 6-3-0
Against American Conference: 3-1-0
Southern Division Record: 4-2-0
At Hummer Field: 6-1-0
On the road: 3-3-0
When scoring first: 5-1-0
When other Team Scores First: 4-3-0
When leading after one quarter: 6-0-0
When trailing after one quarter: 2-2-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-2-0
When leading at the Half: 7-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 2-4-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 9-0-0
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: 5-0-0
Saturday: 0-2-0
Sunday: 3-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 83-33-0
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
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – GAME CHANGE
The Week 14 game between the Philadelphia Soul and the Orlando Predators at the Wachovia Center has been rescheduled from Sunday, May 1 at 1 p.m. ET to Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. ET. The change in schedule is a result of the Philadelphia 76ers' first round playoff game (game 4) against the Detroit Pistons now slated for May 1.


PREDATORS CONTINUE TO BE SHORTHANDED, FRYZEL LATEST OF INJURED PLAYERS
If the Predators are to win their 10th game of the season this week, they will definitely have to do it short-handed for a third week in a row. Already, the Predators know they will be without the services of starting quarterback Joe Hamilton (IR-shoulder), starting DS Kenny McEntyre (IR-Ribs), starting nose tackle Buck Gurley (IR-knee), back-up WR-LB Justin Skaggs (IR-neck) and FB/LB Kevin Jefferson (IR-Knee). In addition, the status of starting FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore (IR-quad) and WR/DB Michael Brown (IR-Eye) was not known on Monday. The latest injury could be devastating, as talented rookie OS Jimmy Fryzel went down with a rib injury in the third quarter of the Georgia game and did not return. Fryzel, who finished the game with five catches for 45 yards, saw his streak of five consecutive games with 100+ yards receiving snapped. "Jimmy has been an integral part of our offense for the last month," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Obviously we can't afford to lose him for any length of time." Fryzel is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday and a follow up doctors appointment on Tuesday.

GEORGIA GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY:
The Good: Despite playing without its two best players and several more on the shelf, Orlando found a way to win the game and go to 9-4 on the season...back-up QB Chris Sanders played well in his first start, completing 20 of 34 passes and accounting for four touchdowns (3 passing TDs, one rushing)...Orlando's pass rush – absent for much of the past two games, came alive – recording two sacks and some solid pressure on Matt Nagy...FB/LB Kevin Nagle, brought in as a last second replacement, played well in his Predators debut – scoring a touchdown on a 12-yard run. The Bad: Orlando's offense did struggle at times, attempting a season-high four field goals...The Predators failed to put the game away after a 4th quarter interception with a 10-point lead and just 2:30 remaining – resulting in another nail-biting finish. The Ugly: For a third consecutive week, the Predators may have suffered a devastating injury as OS Jimmy Fryzel went down with a rib injury.


IMPORTANT RADIO/TV/INTERNET INFORMATION
The Predators game with Philadelphia is not being televised back to Central Florida. The game will be broadcast on WQTM 740 AM the Team with Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson calling the action. For news, updates and other information on the Orlando Predators, visit our website: www.orlandopredators.com.


MAYNOR RETURNS TO FOLD
After placing starting quarterback Joe Hamilton on the injured reserve list last Wednesday, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden turned to an old friend to alleviate the team's depth problem at quarterback – signing 11-year AFL veteran Connell Maynor to a one-year contract.

Maynor will back-up Chris Sanders, who was elevated to the starting quarterback position. Sanders replaced Hamilton last week and completed 13 of 17 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two in leading the Predators to a 72-60 win over the New York Dragons. Sanders made his first career start for the Predators and guided them to a 52-49 win against the Georgia Force on Friday night.

Gruden's time with Maynor goes back to 1994, when Maynor served as back-up quarterback to Gruden with the Tampa Bay Storm for three seasons. He later played three seasons (1998-2000) with the Predators under Gruden, helping the Predators to three consecutive ArenaBowl appearances. In 2000, he became the team's starting quarterback – throwing for 3,167 yards and 54 touchdowns and also ran for six more in leading Orlando to a second Arena Football League world championship.

After stints in New Jersey (2001) and Carolina (2002), he rejoined the Predators toward the end of the 2002 season. He backed up Gruden in both the 2002 and 2003 seasons, throwing for 1,400 yards and 27 touchdowns in six games when Gruden was injured. In 2004, he replaced Hamilton for two games as a starter and backed up in several others, throwing for 650 yards and 10 touchdowns. Together, Gruden and Maynor have won four AFL championship rings.

"I am extremely comfortable bringing Connell in as a back-up for Chris," Gruden said. "Connell has a lot of playing time under his belt, knows our system and knows what it takes to win. He's the first player I thought of when we knew we were going to lose Joe for a couple of weeks." Gruden added that Maynor is a versatile athlete, having been used at defensive back, kick returner, wide receiver and "jack" linebacker in his career. He has more than 700 career receiving yards, 500 career rushing yards and close to 500 career kickoff return yards. "We're bringing him in as a back-up quarterback, but it substitution rules require it, we're not afraid to play him at wide receiver."


INJURY SLOWS DOWN THE HAMILTON EXPRESS
As the chart below indicates, Joe Hamilton was on his way to posting an outstanding second half of the 2005 season prior to being injured two weeks ago against New York. Hamilton was having a great game, completing 15 of 18 passes (83.3%) for 189 yards and five touchdowns in the first half. The totals marked the third time Hamilton had hit 80% or more of his passes in a single game – giving him four of the top 10 games in Orlando Predators history in completion percentage (12 or more attempts in a game). As the chart below indicates, Hamitlon's numbers over the last six games were significantly better than the first six games of 2005.

Games A-C Yards Pct. YPG TD INT
First 6 201-119 1340 59.2 223 24 7
Last 6 163-117 1571 71.2 262 33 4


McENTYRE STREAK ENDS, WILL BREAK WAGNER'S MARK ON RETURN
After being placed in injured reserve last Thursday, Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre's team record of consecutive starts came to an end at 117 (including playoffs). It was the first game McEntyre failed to start since coming to the Predators in Week 13 of the 1998 season. "It was an incredible run," Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Week-in and week-out, Kenny was always there to answer the call. Even last week, when he knew he had a fractured rib, he asked not to be placed on IR, in case there was any chance he could go. Because of free agency, I doubt anyone will be challenging his team record for consecutive starts anytime soon." McEntyre is currently tied with former Orlando Predators star Barry Wagner for the most games played in a Predators uniform. He will break that record in his next game back from an injury.

FLEMING STEAK REMAINS ALIVE
With three touchdown receptions against the Georgia last week (9-123, 3 TD), Cory Fleming has now caught a touchdown pass in 37 consecutive games played with Orlando. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 45 of 47 career games with the Preds. Fleming moved David Cool for second place on the all-time points scored list with the Predators five weeks ago and is one of only two players in Orlando history to score 500 or more points in an Orlando Predators uniform. Fleming has caught two or more touchdown passes in four consecutive games and eight of 11 games played this season.



ORLANDO PREDATORS
All-Time Points Scored List
Name Seasons Points
1. Barry Wagner 8 1,766
2. Cory Fleming 2+ 530
3. David Cool 5 457
4. Bret Cooper 5.5 396
5. Herkie Walls 5 324

PREDATORS ARE 7-0 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 7-0 this season when leading at halftime with a win against Georgia last week. Counting that game, the Predators hold an all-time record of 109 wins against just 22 losses when they lead at halftime (83.2% winning percentage). Conversely, the Predators have had some trouble when trailing at halftime. The team's come-from-behind win over New York two weeks ago was just the second time in six games the Predators have been able to pull out a win when trailing at halftime.


PREDS EXTEND STREAK TO LEAGUE RECORD 14
Win a victory against the Georgia Force last week, the Orlando Predators extended one of the most impressive streaks in Arena Football League history. A win gave the Predators a 9-4 record on the season and ensured an overall winning record (including playoffs) for an AFL record 14th consecutive season. Orlando streak now includes 11 regular seasons with winning records and two .500 marks (7-7-0 in both 1999 and 2002). The team managed to win a pair of playoff games in both of those seasons to finish with overall winning records. The 14 consecutive seasons with overall winning records is a league record, topping Tampa Bay's streak of 11 consecutive overall winning seasons from 1991-2001 (Storm went 6-8 in regular season and 7-9 overall in 2002).

GRUDEN CLOSING IN ON MOSS
With nine wins in 2005, Orlando Predators Head Coach continued to close in on AFL Hall of Famer Perry Moss to become the winningest head coach in Orlando Predators history. Now in his sixth season as head coach, Gruden has 62 total victories and is just five short of Perry Moss' franchise record of 67 wins. Moss, the first head coach and general manager in Orlando Predators history, recorded a 67-31-0 record in seven seasons as the Predators head coach from 1991-97. The Moss/Gruden comparison:

Moss Gruden
Seasons 7 6+
Wins 67 62
Regular Season Wins 59 54
Playoff Wins 8 8
AFL Championships 0 2
Overall Winning Pct. .684 .645
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 carried the ball 13 times for 28 yards and two touchdowns last week, just falling short of their 2005 average of 33.4 yards per game. Still the Predators rank as the third most effective team in the Arena Football League in running the ball this season at

Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2005 434 33.8 26 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 12

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.

ORLANDO IN OVERTIME
The game against Los Angeles four 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 13 weeks of the 2005 season, the Southern Division can claim the lead as the Arena Football League's toughest division. The Southern Division struggled a little in interdivision games last week, going 1-2. Still, the division has posted a 22-10 record against non-division opponents for a league-best winning percentage of .688. The Southern Division is also the only division in the AFL to have four teams with seven or more wins and three teams with eight or more wins through week 13 of the regular season.

BROWN BACK EARLY?
After suffering a fracture of the orbital bone against Los Angeles in Week 10 (Apr. 3), the prognosis on WR/DB Mike Brown was that he could possibly return for the playoffs, but might be lost for the season. After undergoing surgery four days after the injury, the prognosis has changed. Brown could return to the Predators as early as this week against Philadelphia, but will definitely be cleared in time to play against Austin on May 7.

FRYZEL STREAK COMES TO END
After leaving the game in the third period with a rib injury, Orlando Predators rookie sensation Jimmy Fryzel saw his streak of consecutive games played with 100+ yards receiving come to an end. Fryzel had five receptions for 45 yards against the Force. Fryzel had become the first player in Orlando Predators history to have five consecutive 100-yard receiving games in the same season and was tied for Barry Wagner for the most consecutive 100-yard receiving games. Wagner posted his five consecutive games over two seasons, gaining three consecutive games at the end of the 1997 season and adding two to start the 1998 season. A look at Fryzel's string, where he averaged nine receptions for 134 yards and 2.2 touchdowns per game:

At Georgia 7 110 15.7 0
Austin 10 115 11.5 3
Los Angeles 9 151 16.7 2
AT Tampa Bay 10 159 15.9 3
New York 9 136 15.2 3

ORLANDO SELLOUTS SECOND GAME OF SEASON
With 14,100 tickets sold for Friday night's game with the Georgia Force, the Predators hit a sellout for the second time this season at Hummer Field. The Predators list capacity of the TD Waterhouse Centre at 13,692, uncovering some obstructed view seats when the situation calls for it. In seven homes games at Hummer Field, the Predators are averaging 97.1% of capacity, while posting a 6-1 record. The team has one regular season game remaining, a May 20 game with New Orleans.

Date Opp Result Attd. % Capacity
1/30 Colorado W 12,370 90.3%
2/11 Tampa Bay* W 14,478 105.7%
3/6 San Jose L 13,015 95.1%
3/25 Austin W 13,050 95.3%
4/3 Los Angeles W 13,075 95.5%
4/15 New York W 12,940 94.5%
4/22 Georgia* W 14,100 103.0%
Season Totals 7-1 93,028 97.1%
*Sellout based on 13,692 capacity

PREDS CAN REACH 10 WINS FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR
With a win against Philadelphia, the Orlando Predators can reach 10 regular season wins for third consecutive season and fourth time under head coach Jay Gruden. Here are a list of the Predators' eight, 10-win seasons, including playoff wins:
Regular
Year Total Wins Season Final
2000 14 11-3-0 14-3-0
2003 13 12-4-0 13-5-0
1994 13 11-1-0 13-2-0
1998 12 9-5-0 12-5-0
1997 11 10-4-0 11-5-0
1993 11 10-2-0 11-3-0
1992 11 9-1-0 11-2-0
2004 10 10-6-0 10-7-0
10 REGULAR SEASON WINS WOULD RANK SECOND ALL-TIME
A win next week would also give the Predators 10 regular season wins for the 7th time in their history. That total would rank second best all-time in the Arena Football League behind the Arizona Rattlers, who have hit 10 regular season wins an AFL record eight times. The Predators are currently tied with Tampa Bay for second place with six, 10-win seasons, followed by San Jose (5) and Albany 4. A list of the most 10-win seasons (regular season only) follows:

Arizona (8): 1996-97-98-99-00-02-03-04
Orlando (6): 1993-94-97-00-03-04
Tampa Bay (6): 1995-96-98-99-02-03
San Jose (5): 2000-01-02-03-04
Albany (4): 1994-96-98-99
Iowa (3): 1996-97-98
Nashville (2): 1997-01
Chicago Bruisers (1): 1988
Detroit Drive (1): 1993
Grand Rapids (1): 2001
Los Angeles (1): 2003
Chicago (1): 2004
Colorado (1): 2004
New Orleans (1): 2004

FRYZEL FIRMLY IN TOP 10 IN ROOKIE RECEIVING
With 979 yards receiving in just nine games played, Orlando Predators rookie Jimmy Fryzel is already in the Orlando Predators top 10 for receiving yards by a first year Orlando player. Fryzel, ranked third on the all-time Orlando Predators rookie receiving list, would need 248 receiving yards to surpass Travis McGriff on the all-time Preds Rookie Receiving List.

Most Predators Receiving Yards by an AFL Rookie
Travis McGriff 2003 1226
Siaha Burley 2001 1135
Jimmy Fryzel 2005 979
Barry Wagner 1992 859
Robert Gordon 1998 855
Herkie Walls 1991 783
Joe Douglass 2000 601
Antonio Stanley 2002 564
Eric Wright 1996 394
Ty Law 1998 317

BURT NEEDS TWO TO BREAK RECORD
Predators lineman EJ Burt needs two sacks in the final three games to break his own club record (shared with Rupert Grant) of 9.5 quarterback sacks in a single season. Burt, the team's all-time career leader with 24.0 sacks in less than three seasons, was 8.0 sacks this season to go with 9.5 in 2003 and 6.5 in 2004.



ORLANDO SCORES 72 POINTS, TIES TEAM RECORD
Long known as a defensive-minded team that prefers to keeps scores in the 40s, the Orlando Predators offense posted 70 points for just the seventh time in franchise history (238 games), tying a franchise-mark with 72 points against the New York Dragons two weeks ago. That total, tied the team record for most points in a single game, also occurring against the Dragons in 2003. Although rare for the Predators, 70-point games are not unusual in the Arena Football League. Through Week 12 of this season, a team has scored 70 or more points 16 times in 204 games. The Predators are 6-1 when scoring 70 or more points in a game, with the only loss coming to Albany (70-79) in 1998. Six of seven 70 point games have come during the Jay Gruden ERA in Orlando (1998-present).

Predators 70-point Games
Apr. 15, 2005 New York W 72-60
Feb. 21, 2003 at Carolina W, 70-42
Mar. 2, 2003 ay New York W, 72-56
June 2, 2001 Toronto W, 70-22
May 19, 2000 at Nashville W, 71-54
July 25, 1998 at Albany L, 70-79
July 17, 1992 Arizona W, 71-21

PLAYOFF RACE WILL GO DOWN TO WIRE
With four 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. Key games this week include:

IF THE PLAYOFFS STARTED TODAY: NATIONAL CONFERENCE*
IN
Georgia 9-4-0
Orlando 9-4-0
New Orleans 8-4-0
Dallas 7-4-1
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Tampa Bay 7-5-0
New York 7-5-0

KEY GAMES THIS WEEK
New York at Dallas
New Orleans at Tampa Bay
Orlando at Philadelphia

PREDATORS PRACTICE SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
Monday 9:30-11 a.m. TD Waterhouse
Tuesday 9:30-11 a.m. TD Waterhouse
Wednesday 9:30-11 a.m. Citrus Bowl
Thursday 9:45-10:15 a.m. Citrus Bowl


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)
12 New York Ironman: Cory Fleming (O)
Offensive: Chris Sanders (O)
Defensive: Kenny McEntyre (O)
13 Georgia Ironman: Cory Fleming (O)
Offensive: Chris Jackson (G)
Defensive: EJ Burt (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
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 Fleming
OL-DL Bret Cooper
2/23 Activated from IR FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore
OS 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
4/12 Signed WR/DB Arkee Thompson
4/22 Signed FB/LB Kevin Nagle
4/22 Released from practice squad OS Herman Bell
4/23 Activated from refused to report list DS Korey Banks
4/24 Placed on IR QB Joe Hamilton, DS Kenny McEntyre
4/24 Signed QB Connell Maynor
4/24 Signed to Practice Squad OL/DL Nate Bandy

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 25, 2005


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