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Orlando Predators game notes

May 3, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME DETAILS
Orlando Predators (9-5-0) at Austin Wranglers
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2005
Toe-To-Leather Time: 8:30 p.m.
Site: Frank Erwin Center (14,866)
Officials: Referee: Perry Havener; Umpire: Tom Laverty;
Head Linesman: Kelly Saalfeld; Line Judge: David Meslow;
Back Judge: Bud McCleskey
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: Sun Sports (Kevin Eschenfelder and Gary Reasons)
Series Streak: Orlando has won two in a row
Series Record: Orlando leads 2-1-0
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 62-35, .646);
Austin: Skip Foster (2nd Season, 13-17, .433)

WIN CRITICAL FOR DIVISION TITLE HOPES
After being upset 64-60 in Philadelphia last week, the Orlando Predators (9-5) are faced with the realization that the team must win this week at Austin (5-9) for any realistic chance of capturing a Southern Division title and home field advantage in the playoffs.

"We let one slip away last week and now we must win this week to have any chance of winning the division," Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said.

Injuries once again played a role in the Predators loss. Already playing without the services of Joe Hamilton, Kenny McEntyre and Buck Gurley, the Predators lost DS Reggie Doster (neck stinger) and WR/DB Michael Brown (leg) to 4th quarter injuries. That left back-up quarterback Connell Maynor to play defensive back and wide receiver on the final possessions of the game. Although both players should be back in the lineup this week, the injury situation continues to frustrate Gruden. "Injuries are a part of the game, but I have never had to experience anything of this magnitude. We're having to play these games without our best players at a critical time of the season. Hopefully we'll get some of those guys back this week."

Central Florida fans can watch the game on Sun Sports beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Orlando Predators (9-5-0) *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
April 30 At Philadelphia L 60-64
May 7 At Austin 8:30 p.m. Sun Sports
May 20 New Orleans 7:30 p.m.

Austin Wranglers (5-9-0)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 Philadelphia L 35-66
Feb. 6 At Tampa Bay L 45-62
Feb. 11 Los Angeles L 51-64
Feb. 19 At Grand Rapids W 73-61
Feb. 25 Georgia L 63-66
Mar. 4 At Las Vegas W 42-41
Mar. 13 Dallas L 28-52
Mar. 19 New York W 57-47
Mar. 25 At Orlando L 21-51
Apr. 1 New Orleans W 56-55
Apr. 8 At Georgia L 53-56
Apr. 17 Tampa Bay L 42-54
Apr. 22 At Arizona L 26-52
Apr. 30 At Columbus W 58-55
May 7 Orlando 8:30 p.m.
May 14 At New Orleans 8:00 p.m.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"Our goal was to score early and often and get on top of them. We were able to do what we wanted offensively, but they had a very good offense and answered us every time when they had the ball. They made one more play then we did."

--Predators WR/DB Bret Cooper on heartbreaking 64-60 loss to Philadelphia.

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 62-35 (.639) all-time coaching record into the Austin game. He is 54-32 in regular season games (.628) and a solid 8-3 as a head coach in playoff games (.727). In 14 seasons as a coach and player, Gruden has never missed the playoffs.

ORLANDO PREDATORS
HEAD COACHING RECORDS
Coaches, Years Record Pct.
Jay Gruden, 1998-2001, 2004-05 62-35 .639
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

AUSTIN HEAD COACH SKIP FOSTER
Following an outstanding career in the Arena Football League's developmental league "af2," Skip Foster is in his second season as Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator of the Austin Wranglers. In 2004, Foster led the expansion Wranglers to an impressive 8-8 mark, which included first-season wins over traditional AFL powers Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Dallas. Prior to taking the Austin job, Foster spent three years in af2, posting a 44-10 record to become the all-time winningest coach in that league. His legacy includes a 16-3 record at Tulsa that included a 13-3 regular season mark and an "ArenaCup" championship in 2003. He never lost a home game in three seasons at Tulsa. Previous coaching experience included 12 seasons at Coffeville Community College in Kansas, where he recorded an overall record of 82-39-0. His 1990 team went undefeated and won a national championship. Counting a 5-9 record this season, Foster will take an all-time AFL coaching record of 13-17 into the Orlando game.

Fun Fact: Wrangler head coach Skip Foster succeeded his father Dick as head coach at Coffeyville CC after serving as his assistant for several years. Dick won a national championship at
Coffeyville in 1983. When Skip followed suit in 1990, they became the first and only father-son combination in National Junior College Association history to win a national championship at the same school.
ALL-TIME AFL WINNINGEST COACHES
1. Tim Marcum 174
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohenssee 92*
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:
Austin joined the Arena Football League in 2004 and promptly shocked AFL power Orlando with a 49-48, overtime road win in its first game ever played...the Predators tried to win the game in overtime, but Joe Hamilton was ruled out of bounds as officials claimed his right foot hit the sideline dasherboard as he was stretching the ball over the goal line...Orlando had little trouble in the re-match, dominating both sides of the line of scrimmage in a 43-26 win...Cory Fleming had 147 yards receiving in the first game...the Predators also took the first match-up against Austin this year, winning 51-21 in Orlando back on March 25...Orlando gave up a 55-yard touchdown return to Tacoma Fontaine on the game's first play and then held the Wranglers scoreless for the next 36 minutes – building a 37-7 lead...Joe Hamilton completed 22 of 26 passes (84.6%) of his passes in the win... 2005 Austin Wranglers roster includes former Predators Charlie Davidson, Cedric Walker, and Angel Rubio...Austin joins Georgia, Nashville, Chicago, San Jose, Philadelphia, and Columbus as the six AFL teams to beat Orlando in their first try...Orlando limited Austin to just 147 yards in the second game, after giving up 307 yards in the air to John Kaleo in the first game...the Predators defense recorded four sacks, an interception and safety in the rematch...Orlando's defense also recorded 10 quarterback sacks in the three series games against Austin.

SERIES RESULTS
Date ORL AUS
Feb. 13, 2004 (H) 48 49 (OT)
May 16, 2004 (A) 43 26
March 25, 2005 (H) 51 21

GAME SUMMARIES AUSTIN AND ORLANDO


Game 2
Austin 49, Orlando 48 (OT)
Feb. 13, 2004 -TD Waterhouse (13,218)

Austin: 7 14 14 7 (7)--49
Orlando: 14 14 7 7 (6)--48

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Joe Hamilton was ruled out of bounds just short of the goal line on a two-point conversion as the expansion Austin Wranglers escaped the TD Waterhouse Centre with a 49-48 win overtime win over the Orlando Predators.

Orlando took a 42-35 lead in the game with 12:55 remaining on a 1-yard touchdown run by Rupert Grant; but Austin forged a 42-42 tie with 7:06 remaining on Daryl Hammond's 4-yard touchdown reception on third down. After a defensive stop, Austin had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Tony Dodson's 36-yard field goal attempt at the buzzer sailed wide right.


TEAM STATS AUS ORL
First Downs 21 21
Rush Yards 14-29 6-12
Passing Yards 293 290
A-C-I 39-28-1 33-23-0
Fumbles/Lost 1-1 1-1
Penalties/Yards 5-43 6-21
Sacks By 2-6 4-14

Rushing
A: Beutler 4-17, Davidson 3-8, Alexander 5-3, Kaleo 2-1
O: Moye-Moore 3-5, Grant 2-4, Hamilton 1-3

Passing
A: Kaleo 28-39-1-307
O: Hamilton 23-33-0-296

Receiving
A: Davison 13-151; Hammond 7-53, Culver 5-61, Briggs 1-19, Alexander 1-15, Arnold 1-7
O: Fleming 8-147, Bowden 7-57, Cooper 6-72, Williams 2-20


Game 14
ORLANDO 43, AUSTIN 26
May 16, 2004 - Erwin Center (13,831)

Orlando 10 14 7 10 –-43
Austin 3 10 6 7-- 26

AUSTIN, TX -- Joe Hamilton threw for two touchdowns and ran two others as the Orlando Predators recorded a 43-26 win over the Austin Wranglers.

The Predators used a 44-yard Hamilton to Anthony Bright pass with 20 seconds remaining in the first half to set up a 1-yard TD run by Hamilton as Orlando took a controlling 24-13 lead at the half.

Orlando's defense was spectacular, limiting the high scoring Wranglers to just 26 points and 147 yards of total offense. That total represented the lowest of the season by a Predators opponent and also marked the third time in the last seven weeks that a Predators opponent gained less than 200 yards of total offense in a game.

The Predators defense accounted for four sacks, an interception, and a safety as Orlando won for the fifth time in six weeks.

TEAM STATS ORL AUS
First Downs 20 14
Rush Yards 17-33 6-13
Passing Yards 220 134
A-C-I 24-16-0 35-17-1
Fumbles/Lost 6-2 1-0
Penalties/Yards 4-21 7-41
Sacks By 4-18 2-3

Rushing
O: Hamilton 5-50, Grant 6-7, Price 1-0
A: Beutler 2-6, Krager 3-5, Hammond 1-2

Passing
O: Hamilton 20-15-0-220; Whelihan 4-1-0-3
A: Kaleo 35-17-1-152

Receiving
O: Cooper 8-88, Bright 5-79, Fleming 3-56
A: Chiaverini 6-70, Hammond 3-33, Fontaine 3-27, Davidson 3-9, Humphrey 1-11, Beurtler 1-2


Game 9
Orlando 51, Austin 21
March 25, 2005 – HUMMER FIELD
13,050

ORLANDO, FL -- Joe Hamilton threw for 235 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Orlando Predators to a 51-21 win over Southern Division rival Austin.

Hamitlon was sharp in his three quarters of work, completing 84.6% of his passes. He also rushed for a team-leading 21 yards.

The Predators defense played a key role in the win. Orlando did not allow an offensive touchdown until mid-way through the third quarter in holding an opponent to under 30 points for the first time this season.

Rookie wide receivers Jimmy Fryzel and Jerrian James had three touchdowns each, Cory Fleming added one for the Predators –who moved to 6-3 with the win.

Austin 7 0 7 7 -- 21
Orlando 21 13 10 7 -- 51

TEAM STATS AUS ORL
First Downs 14 26
Rush Yards 0 56
Passing Yards 200 279
A-C-I 34-20-2 34-27-1
Fumbles/Lost 1-1 0-0
Penalties/Yards 7-46 6-42
Sacks By 1-4 2-10

Rushing
A: Bryant 1-4, Pesavento 1-3, Krager 3-(-7)
O: Hamilton 1-21, Moye-Moore 5-21, James 1-7, Brown 1-4, Sanders 1-2, Price 1-4

Passing
A: Pesavento 31-19-1-181-2 TD, Dreisbach 3-1-1-29-0 TD
O: Hamilton 26-22-0-235-6 TD; Sanders 8-5-1-48-1 TD

Receiving
A: Gooch 7-81, Chiverini 6-64, Nickerson 3-10, Fontaine 2-34, Davidson 1-14, Krager 1-7
O: Fryzel 10-115, James 7-58, Brown 3-30, Fleming 2-33, Price 2-23, Skaggs 2-19, Miller 1-5


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: 9-5-0
National Conference Record: 6-4-0
Against American Conference: 3-1-0
Southern Division Record: 4-2-0
At Hummer Field: 6-1-0
On the road: 3-4-0
When scoring first: 5-1-0
When other Team Scores First: 4-4-0
When leading after one quarter: 6-0-0
When trailing after one quarter: 2-3-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-2-0
When leading at the Half: 7-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 2-5-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 9-1-0
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: 0-3-0
Sunday: 3-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 83-33-0
All-Time Road Record: 68-46-0*
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

PHILADELPHIA GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY:
The Good: Orlando's offense played extremely well, posting 60 points and nine offensive touchdowns in the game...Jerrian James had a huge game with 270 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns...veteran Bret Cooper stepped his game up in the absence of Jimmy Fryzel, scoring a season high three touchdowns. The Bad: Orlando's defense failed to rattle quarterback Tony Graziani as the Preds defense recorded only two defensive stops on the night (an interception and field goal). The Ugly: After averaging 26 yards in penalties over the last three games, Orlando was flagged 13 times for 88 yards in the loss to the Soul...Orlando's kicking game also played a major role in the defeat as the Preds missed three extra points in the game.

IMPORTANT RADIO/TV/INTERNET INFORMATION
The Predators game with Austin will be televised locally in Florida on Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network) as part of the AFL's cable television package with FOX Sports. FSN's Kevin Ecshenfelder will call the play-by-play with former NFL star Gary Reasons providing color. 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.

INJURIES CONTINUE TO PLAGUE PREDATORS
Has any team been more snake bit then the Predators this season? Although relatively injury-free in the first half, the Predators have had injury after injury to key personnel in the second half. To date, 12 starters or key reserves have missed a total of 32 games. The MASH list is as follows:
Games
Player Injury(ies) Missed
Michael Brown Eye 3
Bret Cooper Toe 2
Reggie Doster Groin 1
Cory Fleming Hamstring 2
Jimmy Fryzel Ribs 1*
Buck Gurley Knee 4*
Joe Hamilton Shoulder 2*
Kevin Jefferson Knee 2*
Kenny McEntyre Ribs 2*
Marlon Moye-Moore Knee/Quad 7
Justin Skaggs Ankle/Neck 4*
Idris Price Ankle 1
*Remains on injured reserve as of 5/2

MAYNOR RETURNS TO FOLD
After placing starting quarterback Joe Hamilton on the injured reserve list 10 days ago, 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 backs-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 last week and followed it with an 18 for 31 performance for 5 TDs in a loss to Philadelphia.

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." 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." Maynor displayed that versatility, playing corner and wide receiver in the loss to the Soul last week.

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. Hamilton's status remains questionable for this week's Austin game.

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 two weeks ago, 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.

FLEMING STEAKING/COOPER MOVES PAST 400
With one touchdown reception (7-47-1 TD) against the Philadelphia Soul, Cory Fleming has now caught a touchdown pass in 38 consecutive games played with Orlando. Including playoff games, Fleming has at least one touchdown catch in 46 of 48 career games with the Preds. Fleming moved David Cool for second place on the all-time points scored list with the Predators at midseason and is one of only two players in Orlando history to score 500 or more points in an Orlando Predators uniform. Its also interesting to note that veteran Bret Cooper became just the 4th player in Predators history to reach 400 points scored in an Orlando uniform. With three touchdowns against Philadelphia, Cooper now has 414 points in an Orlando uniform. Cooper, who has played for six different teams in his 12 seasons, has scored more than 650 points in his AFL career.

ORLANDO PREDATORS
All-Time Points Scored List
Name Seasons Points
1. Barry Wagner 8 1,766
2. Cory Fleming 2+ 536
3. David Cool 5 457
4. Bret Cooper 5.5 414
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 hold it. The Predators are a perfect 7-0 when leading at halftime this year and overall 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 three weeks ago was just the second time in seven 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 two weeks ago, the Orlando Predators extended one of the most impressive streaks in Arena Football League history. With a 9-5 record on the season. the team has ensured an overall winning record (including playoffs) for an AFL record 14th consecutive season. Orlando's 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 continues 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 .646


TOP TOTALS IN PREDATORS HISTORY
For the second time this season, rookie Jerrian James recorded one of the top games ever in Orlando Predators history in the all-purpose yards category. Against Philadelphia last week, James caught six passes for 133 yards (22.1 avg.), ran the ball twice for three yards and returned seven kickoffs for 134 yards (19.1 avg.). Those totals gave Jerrian 270 total all-purpose yards for the game, the 13th best effort in Orlando Predators history. Earlier in the season, James tallied 248 yards against San Jose, the 15th top total for the Predators. Here is the list:

Top All-Purpose Yards
In Predators History
Siaha Burley Indiana 2001 457
Barry Wagner Iowa 1996 435
Barry Wagner Anaheim 1996 319
Travis McGriff Tampa Bay 2004 313
Barry Wagner Grand Rapids 1999 306
Barry Wagner Albany 1998 305
Siaha Burley Tampa Bay 2001 307
Barry Wagner New Jersey 1998 291
Barry Wagner Iowa 1999 285
Siaha Burley Tampa Bay 2001 276
Antonio Stanley San Jose 2002 275
Siaha Burley New York 2001 273
Jerrian James Philadelphia 2005 270
Herkie Walls Tampa Bay 1993 268
Jerrian James San Jose 2005 248
*Playoff Game

PREDATORS RUN THE ROCK; POST 71 YARDS AGAINST PHILADELPHIA
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's running game exploded against Philadelphia last week, with 71 yards on just 12 carries (5.9 average) against the Soul. Michael Brown (30) and Idris Price (29) led the way as Orlando scored four touchdowns on the ground. With that total, the Predators now have 505 yards rushing on the season and are averaging more than 36 yards per game. The Predators rank as the second most effective team in the Arena Football League in running the ball this season and are also ranked second in rushing touchdowns with 30.

Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2005 505 36.1 30 2nd *
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 last month. 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, AFL), 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, Maynor, 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 on March 25 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 14 weeks of the 2005 season, the Southern Division can claim the lead as the Arena Football League's toughest division. The Southern Division went 1-1 against non-division opponents last week and now owns a 23-11 record against non-division opponents for a league-best winning percentage of .676. The Southern Division is also the only division in the AFL to have four teams with eight or more wins through Week 14 and boasts the only two nine win teams in the Arena Football League (Georgia 9-4, Orlando 9-5).

ORLANDO SELLOUTS SECOND GAME OF SEASON
With 14,100 tickets sold for the Apr. 22 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 Austin, 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 against the Wranglers 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, rookie Jimmy Fryzel is already in the Orlando Predators top 10 for receiving yards by a first year 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. Fryzel is currently on injured reserve and will not play this week.

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 two 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, has 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 three 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
New York 8-5-0*
Orlando 9-5-0
Tampa Bay 8-5-0
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
New Orleans 8-5-0
Dallas 7-5-1
Philadelphia 6-8-0

REMAINING GAMES
Georgia: Tampa Bay, Dallas, at San Jose
New York: Columbus, at Tampa Bay, Colorado
Orlando: at Austin, New Orleans
Tampa Bay: at Georgia, New York, at Columbus
New Orleans: Colorado, Austin, at Orlando
Dallas: at Las Vegas, at Georgia, Philadelphia
Philadelphia: Columbus, at Dallas

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

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)
14 Phila-delphia Ironman: Marcus Knight (P)Offensive: Tony Graziani (P)Defense: Mario Branch (P)
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
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
4/27 Placed on IR OS Jimmy Fryzel
4/27 Activated from IR WR/DB Michael Brown, FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 3, 2005


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