Orlando Predators game notes

Published on February 20, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME DETAILS
Orlando Predators (3-1-0) vs. New York Dragons (2-2-0)
Date: Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 1:00 p.m. (EDT)
Site: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (11,985)
Officials: Referee: David Cutaia; Umpire: Doug Wilson;
Head Linesman: Greg Shields; Line Judge: Dave
Chesney; Back Judge: James Cole
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: None
Series Streak: Preds have won eight in a row
Series Record: Preds lead all-time series, 10-4
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (6th season, 67-38, .638);
New York: Weylan Harding (2nd Season): 12-9 (.571)

The Predators built a huge 40-14 lead over Tampa Bay last week, only to see the Storm rally back and tie the game on the last play of regulation. But in overtime, an exhausted Predators defense recorded a stop and quarterback Joe Hamilton drove Orlando down to the two-yard-line, where Jay Taylor kicked a game-winning field goal.

But the victory was costly. Clif Dell and Kenny McEntyre lead a list of six players who left Sunday's game with injuries, resulting in Orlando having to finish the game with FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore playing wide receiver and WR/LB Jerrian James playing the majority of the game at short-side corner. Dell (torn ACL) is out for the season, while the remaining five injured players will be monitored throughout the week for their availability on Sunday.

"The Tampa game was brutal, but we need to regroup our best 20 available players to face an extremely talented New York team," Orlando head coach Jay Gruden said.

Orlando Predators (3-1-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 28 At Georgia L 31-48
Feb. 3 KANSAS CITY W 48-41
Feb. 11 PHILADELPHIA W 47-33
Feb. 19 At Tampa Bay W 67-64 (ot)
Feb. 26 At New York 1 p.m.
Mar. 5 LOS ANGELES 12 Noon
Mar. 10 At Arizona 9 p.m.
Mar. 19 DALLAS 12 Noon
Mar. 25 At Austin 8 p.m.
Apr. 2 CHICAGO 12 Noon
Apr. 9 At Columbus 3 p.m.
Apr. 14 GEORGIA 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 22 TAMPA BAY 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 28 At Colorado 9 p.m.
May 6 At Kansas City 8 p.m.
May 12 AUSTIN 7:30 p.m.

New York Dragons (2-2-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 28 NASHVILLE L 28-57
Feb. 3 At Chicago W 51-47
Feb. 11 At Utah W 84-81
Feb. 19 At Philadelphia L 59-75
Feb. 26 ORLANDO 1 p.m.
Mar. 3 COLUMBUS 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 12 At Austin 3 p.m.
Mar. 18 At Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 24 KANSAS CITY 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 1 GRAND RAPIDS 7 p.m.
Apr. 9 DALLAS 1 p.m.
Apr. 14 At Columbus 7 p.m.
Apr. 22 At Los Angeles 10:30 p.m.
Apr. 29 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m.
May 6 GEORGIA 7 p.m.
May 13 At Dallas 8 p.m.

Front Page Quote
"Yes, I'm tired and yes, we're beat up. But it doesn't matter because we found a way to win the game. It would have felt a lot worse if we had lost."

--Predators OS Jimmy Fryzel after his team let a 40-14 lead slip away before beating Tampa in overtime.
THE COACHES
PREDS HEAD COACH JAY GRUDEN
Fifteen seasons in the Arena Football League. Fifteen seasons in the playoffs. Seven trips to the ArenaBowl. Six championship rings. An average of 10.8 wins per season. Whether as a head coach, player or offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden's name has been synonymous with success in the Arena Football League.

Gruden began his AFL career as a quarterback with the Tampa Bay Storm in 1991. A two-time All- Arena selection and the 1992 MVP, he led the Storm to six consecutive playoff appearances and an unprecedented four ArenaBowl titles under three different head coaches.

At age 30, he became the youngest head coach in the Arena Football League when the Orlando Predators hired him to replace the legendary Perry Moss - who retired after nearly 50 years in the coaching profession. Gruden's impact on the Predators was immediate. After a 9-5 regular season mark, Gruden guided the Predators to a pair of playoff wins to set up an ArenaBowl match-up with top-seeded Tampa Bay. Although the Storm came into the game with a 14-2 record and were prohibitive 14-point favorites, Gruden delivered Orlando 's first ArenaBowl championship with an incredible 62-31 win over the Storm.

During the next two seasons he would continue to set league history. Gruden became the first AFL coach to take a number eight seed to the ArenaBowl as Orlando recorded stunning road upsets in 1999 over top-seeded Tampa Bay (41-19) and second-seeded Iowa (48-41). The following season, the Predators started 7-0 and finished the 2000 campaign with an 11-3 record, capturing the second seed for the playoffs and winning a second ArenaBowl title.

In one of the most unusual moves in AFL history, Gruden announced his resignation as head coach of the Predators to return to the playing field as Orlando's quarterback after the 2001 season. In two years as Predators quarterback, Gruden compiled an impressive 20-9 record as a starter. Gruden returned to the Predators sideline as Head Coach and Director of Football Operations in July 2003. In his first season back, Gruden directed the Predators to his third 10-win season and upped his career record to 53-30-0 (.639) as an AFL head coach. In 2005, the Predators won 10 games again.

For his AFL career, Gruden has posted some truly remarkable numbers. As a head coach, he is 67-38-0 (including a 3-1 mark in 2006) and ranks in the top 10 overall in coaching wins and winning percentage. He is one of only five AFL coaches with two or more ArenaBowl championships. In the playoffs, his 11-4 mark as a head coach ranks in the top five all-time in victories and winning percentage. As a quarterback, he ranks in the top ten with more than 20,000 passing yards and close to 400 touchdowns. He won 15 of 19 post-season starts with 4,761 passing yards and 77 touchdowns. Gruden was 84-25 (.770) as a starting quarterback. That mark, combined with his 10-5 record as Nashville's offensive coordinator and his 67-38 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 161-68 (.703). As a player, assistant coach or head coach, Gruden has never failed to lead his team to the playoffs.

HEAD COACHING RECORDS
Coaches, Years Record Pct.
Jay Gruden, 1998-2001, 2004-05 67-38 .638
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

NEW YORK COACH WEYLAN HARDING
Now in his second season with the Dragons, Weylan Harding has compiled a 12-9 record in his first stint as an Arena Football League.

As a rookie AFL head coach in 2005, Harding won 10 games in the regular season as the Dragons won the Eastern Division, finishing the season in AFL Coach of the Year balloting. Prior to being named head coach, Harding spent three seasons with the Columbus / Buffalo franchise as both a defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.

Harding played four seasons in the Arena Football League, seeing action with Iowa, Nashville, Portland and Buffalo.

GRUDEN vs. HARDING
The two coaches squared off twice last season with Gruden coming out on top in both occasions. The Predators defeated the Dragons, 72-60, in a regular season game in Orlando, before seeing the team knock off New York in the first round of the playoffs, 47-42.

SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
This week's game will mark the 15th contest 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 10-4-0, including victories in the last eight games...the totals include a 7-0 record against the Dragons and a 3-4 mark against the Barnstormers...counting this week's game, 10 of the 15 games have been played on the road for the Predators, but the last three of the last five have been played in Orlando...the teams have met five times in the playoffs, with Orlando winning four of those games...the Preds are 6-3 in regular season games against the Dragons.

Series Results vs. New York Dragons
Orlando leads 10-4-0

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
April 15, 2005 (H) 72 60
May 29, 2005 (A) 47 42*
Feb. 26, 2006 (A)

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

PREDATORS vs. NEW YORK AFL RANKINGS
AFL Category ORL NY
Points Per Game 48.3 (12) 55.6 (4th)
Total Offense 260.8 (15th) 296.8 (6th)
Rushing Offense 32.5 (3rd) 9.5 (16th)
Passing Offense 228.3 (15th) 287.3 (4th)
Scoring Defense 46.5 (6th) 65.0 (18th)
Rushing Defense 14.0 (5th) 28.8 (17th)
Passing Defense 316.8 (18th) 304 (16th)
Turnover Margin +2 (6th-tie) -6 (14th)

How The 2006 Predators Were Built
Veterans Retained From 2005 Season (12): RB/LB Idris Price, K Jay Taylor, FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore, QB Joe Hamilton, WR/LB Jerrian James, DS Kenny McEntyre, OL/DL Justin Cleveland, OS Jimmy Fryzel, OL/DL Greg Krause, OL/DL Doug Miller, OL/DL Reggie Lee, FB/LB Kevin Nagle.

Veteran Free Agents Signed (5): DS Jeroid Johnson, WR/LB Scott Cloman, WR/LB Clif Dell, OL/DL Kevin Johnson, WR/LB Lamont Moore

Veteran Obtained by Trade (1): OL/DL Henry Taylor

Veteran Activated from NFL Exempt List (1): WR/DB Lin-J Shell.

Rookie Free Agents (7): QB Jake Eaton, WR/DB DeAndrew Rubin, WR/DB Jermaine Mays, OL/DL Jim Sedano, OL/DL Greg White, OL/DL Charles Hill, WR/LB Javarus Dudley.

BY THE NUMBERS...ORLANDO PREDATORS
2006 Overall Record: 3-1-0
National Conference Record: 3-1-0
Against American Conference: 0-0-0
Southern Division Record: 2-1-0
At Hummer Field: 2-0-0
On the road: 1-1-0
When scoring first: 3-0-0
When other Team Scores First: 0-1-0
When leading after one quarter: 2-0-0
When trailing after one quarter: 0-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-0-0
When leading at the Half: 3-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 0-1-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 3-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-1-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0-0
Overtime Games: 1-0-0
When Winning the Coin Toss: 0-1-0
When Losing the Coin Toss: 3-0-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 0-0-0
Friday: 1-0-0
Saturday: 1-1-0
Sunday: 1-0-0
All-Time Home Record: 85-33-0
All-Time Road Record: 70-49-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS

DELL OUT FOR SEASON
The Orlando Predators lost veteran WR/LB Clif Dell for the season when he tore his left ACL in the second quarter of the win over Tampa Bay. It was the same knee Dell had injured in the pre-season that kept him out of action for the first two weeks of the season. Despite missing the entire second half, Dell played a key role in the Predators win, snagging a 16-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter and adding a 4-yard net recovery for touchdown in the second quarter. Dell, who has been described as the Chris Carter of the AFL, for his high touchdown to reception ratio, will be missed in the Predators offense. In his brief six quarters of action for Orlando during the 2006 season, Dell has three touchdowns on four touches of the ball. Dell came into the 2006 season with 81 career touchdown receptions on just 318 career receptions (1 TD for every 3.9 receptions). With two touchdowns on three receptions in 2006, Dell now has 83 touchdowns on just 321 receptions, improving his ration to 1 TD for every 3.86 receptions.

THE REST OF TEAM IS HURTING TOO
Dell's devastating knee injury was just one of six injuries that resulted in Orlando Predators players leaving the game. Kenny McEntyre injured his groin on a fumble return early in the second quarter but returned to the game late in the 4th quarter for just one play (kickoff return), where he recovered an on-sides kick. QB Hamilton bruised his left knee and missed the final series in regulation. DeAndrew Rubin sprained his left ankle and missed most of the final quarter of action, while linemen Greg White and Greg Krause both missed shifts with shoulder injuries. While Dell will be lost for the season, the other five players will be evaluated throughout the week to determine their availability for Sunday's game.

PREDS IN OVERTIME
Orlando's game with Tampa Bay was just the eighth overtime game in Predators history. With the win, the Predators upped their record in overtime to 6-2-0 (75.0%) and are now 3-0 in road overtime games. Here is how the Predators have fared in games that have went into bonus frames.

When there is Free Football (overtime games)
1991 Detroit(H) L 40-43
1992 Tampa Bay (H) W 24-21*
1996 Anaheim (H) W 50-44
1997 Texas (H) W 40-34
1999 New Jersey (A) W 51-38
2003 Colorado (A) W 46-40
2004 Austin (H) L 48-49
2006 Tampa Bay (A) W 67-64

PREDS SNAP TAMPA'S HOME WINNING STREAK, EVEN SERIES AT 18-18
The Predators 67-64 overtime win over Tampa Bay ended the Storm's 12-game regular season home winning streak. Tampa Bay last lost at home on April 18, 2004. The win also leveled the all-time series record at 18-18.

PREDS NOT BAD AT HOME EITHER
Orlando boasts a seven-game home winning streak and has won 14 of their last 16 in the friendly confines of Hummer Field. Orlando owns the league record for the longest regular season home winning streak at 19, from 1992-1995. The team returns home on March 5 to face Los Angeles.

GRUDEN TIES MOSS
With last week's win, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden has now tied AFL Hall of Famer Perry Moss as the winningest head coach in Orlando Predators history. Now in his seventh season as head coach, Gruden has 67 total victories and can become the winningest head coach in Predators history with a win this week against New York. Moss, the first head coach and general manager of the Orlando Predators, recorded a 67-31-0 record in seven seasons as the Predators head coach from 1991-97. The Moss/Gruden comparison:

Category Moss Gruden
Seasons 7 6+
Wins 67 66
Regular Season Wins 59 57
Playoff Wins 8 9
AFL Championships 0 2
Overall Winning Pct. .684 .635

GRUDEN CREEPING UP ON GREGORY
In addition to tying Moss, Predators head coach Jay Gruden continues to creep up on former Iowa Barnstormers/New York Dragons head coach John Gregory for eighth place on the AFL's list of winningest coaches. Gregory recorded a 73-57 record in 10 AFL seasons. Gruden is now just six wins behind Gregory in his seventh AFL season.

STAFFORD SHATTERS PASSING MARKS AGAINST PREDATORS
Completing 36 of 52 passes for 458 yards and eight touchdowns, Tampa Bay quarterback Shane Stafford set several records against the Orlando Predators on Sunday. Stafford's 458 passing yards obliterated the mark for the most-passing yards vs. the Predators, a 368-yard night by Kurt Warner against the Predators in 1997. His 36 completions were also the most ever against the Predators, passing 33 by New Orleans QB Andy Kelly in 2005. Lawrence Samuels also set an all-time career high by a Predators opponent with 15 receptions, eclipsing the previous record of 14 by Chris Jackson in a 2004 game. Stafford's 458 passing yards was also the third highest in Arena Football League history.

AFL Most Yards Passing...Game
479 Clint Dolezel (Hou) Milwaukee 1999
469 Todd Marinovich (LA) Houston 2000
458 Shane Stafford (TB) Orlando 2006
455 Mike Pawlawski (ALB) Iowa 1997
451 Clint Dolezel (LV) San Jose 2004

PREDS POST HIGH AGAINST STORM
Orlando's 67-point outburst was the most ever by the Orlando Predators against the Tampa Bay Storm and was also tied for the ninth highest total in Orlando Predators history. The last time the Predators scored 67 points or more in a single game came against New York last year. When the Predators score at least 65 points in a single game, they are 14-1. The lone loss came in 1998, when the Predators put 70 points on the board against Albany, but lost that contest by a 79-70 count. It is interesting to note that four of the Predators top five top scoring games have come against this week's opponent New York.

Preds Most Points Scored, Single Game
72 vs. New York W 2000
72 vs. New York W 2005
71 vs. Arizona W 1992
71 vs. Nashville W 2000
70 vs. Albany L 1998
70 vs. Toronto W 2001
70 vs. Carolina W 2003
69 vs. New York W 2003*
68 vs. Charlotte W 1994
67 vs. Florida W 1997
67 vs. Tampa W 2006
67 vs. Houston W 1999
66 vs. Portland W 1998
66 vs. Buffalo W 2003
65 vs. New York W 2004

JOHNSON CONTINUES OUSTANDING PLAY
If the Predators had to vote on a Most Valuable Player for the first quarter of the 2006 season, there's little doubt that Defensive Specialist Jeroid Johnson would be the unanimous pick. Against Tampa Bay, Johnson turned in his third consecutive outstanding game, batting down a game-high four passes and making one of the key plays of the game by forcing a fumble that prevented a possible touchdown late in the fourth quarter. How impressive has Johnson been? Consider the fact that he leads the Arena Football League in both pass defenses (16) and forced fumbles (4). In fact, with 16 pass break-ups, Johnson has as many pass break-ups as 10 other teams in the Arena Football League. With 16 pass break-ups through four games, Johnson is on a pace to record 64 pass defenses in 2006. While not suggesting that it would be possible to suggest Johnson could keep up his torrid pace, it is realistic to think he would challenge Chris Barber's club record of 26 set during the 1998 season.

Team Leaders Pass Defenses
Orlando 31
Nashville 25
Arizona 21
Chicago 21
Austin 20
Dallas 20
Los Angeles 19
Georgia 18
Individual Leaders
Jeroid Johnson Orlando 16
Jonathan Ordway Tampa Bay 10
Dameon Porter Las Vegas 9
Joe Todd Arizona 9
Damen Wheeler Los Angeles 8
Nate Coggins Georgia 7
Johnnie Harris Grand Rapids 7

PREDATORS RUN THE ROCK
Through four games, the Predators have averaged 33 yards rushing a game and have scored seven touchdowns. This compares favorably to the opposition that has rushed the ball a total of 29 times for 41 yards and one touchdown. The Predators are looking to finish in the top three in the league in rushing for the 12th time in the last 16 seasons, as they currently rank third in the league in that category.

Year Yards Per Game TD League Rank
2006 130 32.8 8 3rd
2005 528 33.0 35 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

HAMILTON NEEDS ONE TO MORE INTO THIRD PLACE
QB Joe Hamilton needs one rushing touchdown to move into sole possession of third place on the Predators all-time rushing touchdown list. Currently, Hamilton - now in his third season - has 18 career rushing touchdowns, tying him with Connell Maynor. Maynor played all or parts of seven seasons with the Predators. Hamilton carried three times against Tampa Bay last week, gaining 11 yards but did not cross the goal line.

Predators All-Time Rushing Touchdowns
Player Seasons Rush TD
Barry Wagner 8 69
Rick Hamilton 5 25
Connell Maynor 7 18
Joe Hamilton 3 18*
Tommy Dorsey 5 17
Michael McClenton 2 16

PENALTIES WAY DOWN
Keeping with a league-wide trend of fewer penalties being called, the Orlando Predators have significantly reduced the number of penalties committed. Through four games, the Predators have been whistled for 19 infractions for 117 yards in penalties, which translates to 4.8 penalties per game for 29.3 yards. Those totals compare favorably to the 2005 season, when the Predators averaged 8.3 penalties for 50.3 yards per game. But while officials are calling fewer penalties this year overall, it is still significant to note that the Predators rank second in the league for fewest penalties and fewest penalty yards assessed. In the last eight season, the Predators have almost always ranked in the bottom third of the league in total penalties assessed.

FRYZEL SNAPS OUT OF FUNK
Jimmy Fryzel, who led the Arena Football League in receiving yards per game last year with 115.9 yards per game, snapped out of a season-long funk last week against Tampa Bay, grabbing 11 passes for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Fryzel came into the game averaging just 5.2 receptions and 49.5 yards per game. The 11 catches tied him for the 11th best single game total in Orlando Predators history, while the 158 yards was 15th best total in Predators history. Fryzel compiled the totals despite suffering from the flu all week. It was the 8th, 100-yard game of Fryzel's 14-game career.

Fryzel's 100-Yard Receiving Games
Rec. Yards TD's Opponent
12 170 1 New Orleans (2005)
10 159 3 Tampa Bay (2005)
11 158 3 Tampa Bay (2006)
9 151 3 Los Angeles (2005)
9 136 3 New York (2005)
9 133 3 Chicago (2005)
10 115 2 Austin (2005)
8 110 1 Georgia (2005)

PREDS KICK COVERAGE SOLID
Between Jay Taylor's kickoffs and outstanding coverage by the Predators defenders, Orlando ranks first among all AFL teams for kick coverages. Through four weeks, teams have had an average starting position of the 8.3 yard line against the Predators. Orlando has kicked off 34 times, with 11 touchbacks. The 11 touchbacks tie for the second most in the AFL, behind Grand Rapids with 12 touchbacks. Opponents have started inside the 10 yard line an AFL leading 24 times against the Predators. Worst in the league? Los Angeles has allowed opponents an average starting position of the 20 yard-line this season. "It's not really that surprising," Predators assistant head coach Les Moss said when told of the top ranking. "Special teams is about desire, and we have some guys like Idris Price, Kevin Nagle and some other guys that take a lot of pride in their special teams work."

Kicking Team KO TB I10 Avg. Start
Orlando 33 11 24 8.3
Philadelphia 33 11 23 9.0
Grand Rapids 33 12 22 9.0
Georgia 31 11 19 9.1
Austin 36 2 22 9.2

JAMES RANKS 6th IN ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
Through six weeks of the season, offensive specialist Jerrian James ranks 6th in the league in all-purpose yards, averaging 140 yards per game. Will Pettis (Dallas) leads the league at more 197 yards per game; while former Predator player Siaha Burley ranks third in yards per game at 189.8 yards per game.

THE TAMPA GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
The Good: Orlando went into a hostile environment and came away with a victory, ending Tampa Bay's regular season 12-game winning streak...Orlando's offense, which got off to a slow start in their first three games, came out firing - scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions...Jimmy Fryzel, who averaged more than 115 yards receiving per game last season, came out of a mini-slump with 11 receptions for 158 yards...after seeing an 26-point second quarter lead disappear, the Predators kept their composure and found a way to win the game in overtime. THE BAD: The Predators never should have let the game go to overtime...a missed extra point, two short missed field goals, and a fumble all contributed to Tampa Bay's chance to tie the game on a final possession in regulation...With just four seconds left, the Predators failed to tackle Bobby Sippio in the field of play, which allowed Tampa Bay to make a two-point conversion and tie the game with no time remaining. THE UGLY: The victory did not come without cost...WR/LB Clif Dell tore his ACL and will be lost for the remainder of the season.

FINAL WORD
"I was surprised he didn't throw for a 1000 yards with the defense I had to put out there for most of the second half."

--Head Coach Jay Gruden on Storm quarterback Shane Stafford after key injuries forced Gruden to play several players out of position for most of the second half.
PREDATORS PRACTICE SCHEDULE WEEK 4
Tuesday Player Day Off
Wednesday 9:30-11:30 Thunder Field
Thursday 9:30 -11:30 Thunder Field
Friday 9:30 -11:30 Thunder Field
Saturday TBA New York

*Times and locations are tentative. Call Public Relations at 407-489-5711 for updates before covering practice.

2005 ROSTER MOVES
1/12 Waived OL/DL Derek Kennard

1/15 Announced FB/LB Bam Morris was leaving
camp.

1/19 Waived FB/LB Shurron Pierson, WR/LB
Manwell Talbert, DS Randee Drew, DS
Marcus Floyd, WR/LB Marquise Walker,
DS Levy Brown, OL/DL Derrick Crawford,
OL/DL Claude Harriot
1/21 Waived OL/DL Ron Warner and OL/DL
Delanio Taylor.

1/23 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Sean Guthrie and OL/DL Kevin Johnson.

1/25 Placed on injured reserve WR/LB Javarus
Dudley, WR/LB Clif Dell, FB/LB Kevin
Nagle.

1/27 Declared inactive for Week 1 OL/DL Charles
Hill.

2/6 Placed OL/DL Sean Guthrie on waivers.

2/8 Signed WR/DB Lamont Moore

2/9 Activated from injured reserve WR/LB Javarus Dudley, WR/LB Clif Dell, FB/LB Kevin Nagle. Placed on injured reserve: OL/DL Doug Miller, WR/LB Scott Cloman, WR/DB Lin-J Shell, WR/LB Lamont Moore.

2006 US ARMY IRONMAN / OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME / 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." For Week 4, the Predators swept the awards.

Week Opp. Player
1 Georgia
Ironman: Derek Lee (G)
Offensive: Chris Jackson (G)
Defensive: Kevin Aldridge (G)
2 Kansas City Ironman: DeAndrew Rubin (O)
Defensive: Jeroid Johnson (O)
Offensive: Andy Kelly (KC)
3 Philadel-phia Ironman: Clif Dell (O)
Defensive: Jermaine Mays (O)
Offensive: Jerrian James (O)
4 Tampa Bay Ironman: DeAndrew Rubin (O)
Defensive: Jeroid Johnson (O)
Offensive: Jimmy Fryzel (O)

PINNACLE FINANCIAL SIGNS NEW THREE YEAR AGREEMENT WITH PREDATORS
Pinnacle Financial Corporation, one of the nation's largest independently-owned mortgage lenders, has signed a new three-year marketing and promotional agreement with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League. The agreement replaces an earlier sponsorship signed prior to the 2005 season.

The new partnership will cover the 2006-2008 seasons and will give Pinnacle Financial print, broadcast and promotional exposure both inside and outside of the TD Waterhouse Centre during the Orlando Predators season. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Pinnacle Financial is a national company with local roots," Doug Long, CEO said. "As we grow, we believe it is important to stay connected to the Central Florida community. The extension of our partnership with the Predators will allow us to meet this goal and will also give our company and its products exposure to the thousands of Arena Football League fans in Central Florida."

Among the more notable elements of the agreement is signage that will cover the entire width of the end zone. It is the first time that the Predators have sold the entire end zone to a single sponsor. The popular "Pinnacle Financial Kick To Win" promotion, where a fan will be chosen at each Predators home game and be given a chance to kick a field goal from midfield at the 25-yard-line for a $100,000 down payment towards a new home will continue under the new agreement.

"We are thrilled to have Pinnacle Financial extend and enhance their corporate partnership with the Orlando Predators," Predators President Brett Bouchy said. "They are one of the top companies based in Central Florida and remain a valuable partner to our team."

In addition to the new end zone signage, advertising aspects of the revised agreement include a sideline dasherboard and signage on the top of both sideline dasherboards running the full length of the playing field. In addition to the signage elements, the company will also sponsor monthly networking luncheons.

Pinnacle Financial offers residential mortgages through its branch network and Tampa-based call center. As a direct lender, Pinnacle Financial uses its own resources to process, underwrite and fund its own loans. With total control and decision making abilities at each of its offices, Pinnacle Financial is able to provide fast, efficient and affordable financing to its customers.

PREDS 20 GREATEST JERSEYS AVAILABLE AT AUCTION
In conjunction with the Arena Football League's 20th anniversary, the Orlando Predators Foundation is sponsoring a jersey auction featuring the 20 most significant Predators in franchise history.

Fans can bid on jerseys of the 20 most significant Predators on www.orlandopredators.com. The team announced its list of most significant players - one per week - in the 20 weeks leading up to the 2006 season.

The jerseys are the authentic Orlando Predators replica jerseys by NIKE. They will feature the last name of the player and the number he wore during his Orlando Predator career. The jerseys of former head coaches Perry Moss and Fran Papasedero will feature the #1. Only one jersey of each player and coach will be produced and sold.

When possible, the jersey will be signed by the player or coach. The successful bidders will also receive two tickets to the Orlando Predators game against the Chicago Rush on April 2, where they will have the opportunity to pick up their jersey.

Minimum bids on all jerseys start at $100, with all net proceeds benefiting the Orlando Predators Foundation. Now in its third year, the Foundation has assisted hundreds of Central Florida charities.

"These are unique, one of a kind items - most of which will be autographed by the player honored," Orlando Predators Foundation director Sylvia Bova said. "Auction participants are really bidding on a piece of our team's history."

Among the players' jersey available at auction include popular players Cory Fleming (12), Herkie Walls (22), Ben Bennett (5), Barry Wagner (82), Paul McGowan (44), Jerry Odom (34), Webbie Burnett (78), Pat O'Hara (17) and Jay Gruden (7).

For more information or to bid on a jersey, visit the auction site at www.Orlando Predators.com. Bidding ends on Wednesday, March 29.

PREDATORS PLAYERS BIOS NOT INCLUDED IN 2006 MEDIA GUIDE

#81 SCOTT CLOMAN
Wide Receiver / Linebacker
Height: 6-3
Weight: 214
Born: 11.6.75
Southern University
2nd AFL Season

AFL Acquisition
*Originally signed by the Iowa Barnstormers prior to the 2000 season, but did not play in any games...joined the New York Dragons in 2001 after the XFL regular season...played final three games of season for Dragons...signed by the Predators as a free agent on January 10, 2006.

Contract Status
*Signed through 2006 season.

AFL Notes
*Begins his second season in the Arena Football League after playing briefly for the New York Dragons during the 2001 season.

2001 Season
*Played in three games, making one start at FB/LB for the Dragons.

*Caught nine passes for 66 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

*Added 5.5 tackles, including four solo stops.

Other Professional Experience
*Began professional career with Iowa Barnstormers in 2000, being placed on NFL exempt a week later after being signed by the Kansas City Chiefs.

*Selected by the Orlando Rage in XFL (PASS) Draft in 2001...spent entire season with Rage, splitting time between active and taxi squad...participated in "Dash for the Ball" for nine of 10 Rage games, going 6-3 in those contests.

*Went to training camp with 49ers in 2002 and was allocated to Rhein Fire.

*Attended training camp with Redskins in both 2003 and 2004.

College
*Originally signed by Southern University on a baseball scholarship.

*Switched to football after sophomore season and played two years, finishing with 18 receptions for 301 yards and three touchdowns.

Personal
*Majored in education in college.

*Enjoys movies, working out and attending church in spare time.

*Nicknamed "T.O." by teammates for his physical resemblance to NFL wide receiver.

#19
LAMONT MOORE
Wide Receiver / Linebacker
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195
DOB: 4.4.75 Baylor
6th AFL Season

AFL Acquisition
Originally signed by the Predators as a free agent prior to 2001 season...selected by the New Orleans VooDoo in 2003 expansion draft...signed by Brigade as free agent on Oct. 14, 2005...released by Brigade in pre-season...inked by Predators to one-year contract on February 8, 2006.

2005 Season
*Appeared in 12 games for New Orleans VooDoo...Caught 46 passes for 366 yards and 9 touchdowns...Returned 3 kick 16 yards...Totaled 29 tackles including 26 solo and 6 assists...Recorded one interception for 19 yards...Recorded 3 pass breakups and forced 2 fumbles... Recorded 7 receptions for 85 yards with 2 touchdowns vs. Grand Rapids Rampage on Apr. 23...Moore holds the distinction of having played in four different indoor professional football leagues (IPF, PIFL, af2, and AFL).

2004: Appeared in all 16 regular season games and one postseason game for New Orleans, setting career-highs in all offensive and defensive categories. Caught 61 passes for 624 yards with five touchdowns, finishing as the team's second-leading receiver. Defensively, had 31.5 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions and four passes defensed. Finished the season tied for eighth in the AFL and tied for the team lead with Monty Montgomery in defensive fumble recoveries (3). Had three receptions for 30 yards and one solo tackle at Philadelphia, 2/8. Recorded one fumble recovery at Georgia, 2/22. Won Defensive Player of the Game and AFL Defensive Player of the Week honors in his effort vs. Tampa Bay, 3/7, when he had one assisted tackle, two interceptions for 28 yards with two touchdowns, two passes defensed, one recovered onside kick and two receptions for 13 yards. Recorded five solo tackles and one tackle for a one-yard loss at Orlando, 4/9. Had three receptions for 26 yards, three solo tackles and one pass defense vs. Columbus, 4/18, prior to leaving game in fourth quarter with right calf injury. Had seven receptions for 72 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown, three solo tackles and one tackle for a two-yard loss at Austin, 4/25. Had five receptions for 51 yards, two solo tackles and one assisted tackle at San Jose, 5/1. Had eight receptions for 103 yards with a career-long 37-yard touchdown, two solo tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery vs. Orlando, 5/9. Had five receptions for 36 yards vs. Georgia, 5/15. Had six receptions for 64 yards with one touchdown, two solo tackles, two assisted tackles and one pass defense at Tampa Bay, 5/23. Was named Offensive Player of the Game vs. Austin, 5/30, when he recorded eight receptions for 95 yards with two touchdowns, a one-yard touchdown run and one solo tackle. In quarterfinal playoff vs. Colorado, 6/6, recorded 10 receptions for 100 yards with two touchdowns and five solo tackles, as he captured Ironman of the Game honors.

2003: Appeared in 11 games for Orlando, rushing two times for 12 yards with two touchdowns, catching 16 balls for 189 yards and four touchdowns, while posting 10.5 tackles and one tackle for a loss on the defensive side. In two playoff games, Moore had one rush for two yards, four receptions for 72 yards with one touchdown and four tackles (three solo).

2002: Missed first six games of season after breaking thumb in final pre-season game. Came back to play in eight regular season games and three post-season contests. Finished regular season with 12 receptions for 157 yards and one touchdown, to go with 19.5 total tackles, four pass breakups, one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery on defense. Added five receptions for 55 yards and one score in post-season. Opened season on injured reserve after tearing thumb ligaments in pre-season game at Indiana. Played extensively at corner, making two tackles with a fumble recovery and a pass defense, in first action of season vs. Carolina, 5/31. Had two tackles with one pass breakup in second game back from injury vs. Tampa Bay, 6/9. Caught first passes of 2002 with three grabs for 25 yards on offense against New York, 6/15, adding one tackle with one pass breakup after getting start on defense. Had a solid receiving game vs. Toronto, 6/21, grabbing three passes for 50 yards (16.6 avg.), including along of 27 yards on screen, while leading Predators in total tackles with three and batting down one ball. Started on defense at Carolina, 6/28, but played extensively on both sides of ball, recording four tackles and three receptions for 38 yards with one touchdown on offense. Touchdown came on 27-yard strike from quarterback Jay Gruden that was proceeded by a Carolina turnover to give Predators a 21-13 lead. At Tampa Bay, 7/7, got starting nod at short corner and also saw action at wide receiver in Week 12 win, making key special teams play by knocking loose ball on kickoff return that led to Orlando TD in final seconds of first half, while also adding two tackles on defense. Grabbed three passes for 44 yards and one assisted tackle vs. Georgia, 7/17. Led Predators with five solo tackles in Week 14 win over Dallas, 7/20, also contributing key tackle for a loss, stopping Patrice Alexander for two-yard loss on final Dallas series to stop clock and save timeout. Had outstanding game in opening round of playoffs vs. Buffalo, 7/26. Totals included two tackles with interception and three pass breakups. Pick came in fourth quarter in end zone to save touchdown and preserve 32-27 lead. Caught three passes for 35 yards, including key 10-yard reception on Orlandos next to last possession that gave Predators key first down. In AFL Quarterfinal at New Jersey, 8/3, started game at wide receiver/defensive back, but saw majority of action on defense and had three tackles and one pass break-up. In AFL semifinals at San Jose, 8/10, started on defense, but also saw extensive action on offense and finished game with two receptions for 30 yards, including a 20 yard touchdown pass from Gruden

2001: Saw extensive action in a reserve capacity in first AFL season. Spent first three games on inactive list. Played in a total of eight games. Finished season with 12 catches for 155 yards (12.9 average) and four touchdowns and with 28.5 tackles (27 solo, 3 assists), one interception, two passes defensed and one tackle-for-loss on defense. Had three receptions for 41 yards in road win over San Jose, 5/26&scored first AFL touchdown following week against Toronto, 6/2. Had just one catch the following week, but it went for 22 yards and a touchdown against arch-rival Tampa Bay, 6/10. Scored a touchdown for a third consecutive game, with a three-catch, 32-yard outing against New York, 6/16, that included touchdown grabs of 13 and 8 yards. Last touchdown came with just :30 remaining and broke open a 67-63 game. Activated for playoffs, and caught one ball for 19 yards in season-ending first round loss to Chicago, 7/27.

2000: Went to camp with Nashville Kats.

OTHER PRO EXPERIENCE: Played 2000 season with the Augusta Stallions of af2, appearing in seven games. Played the 1999 season with Texas Terminators of the Indoor Professional Football League and the 1998 season with Texas Bullets of the Professional Indoor Football League. Had six interceptions to lead league in 1998...College: Played four seasons at Baylor from 1993-96. Played first two seasons at quarterback before moving to wide receiver for junior year. Caught eight passes for 70 yards in a backup role. Started one game at quarterback as a sophomore, completing nine of 11 passes for 182 yards and one TD. Carried ball 32 times for 82 yards.

PERSONAL: 30-years-old...born 4.4.75...grew up in Waxahachie, TX...was 35-4 as a starting quarterback in high school...Metro Player of Year by Dallas Morning News as a senior...majored in sociology in college.

PREDATORS TICKET INFORMATION
The Orlando Predators continue to sell season tickets for the 2006 campaign. Seven-game packages (remaining six regular season games and first post-season home game) start at $40 (upper bowl end zone) on the low-end and go to $301 (lower bowl sideline). Call 407-44-PREDS for more information.

Single game tickets priced from $10 to $53 and can be purchased by calling 407-44-PREDS, visiting the TD Centre Box Office, calling or visiting any TICKETMASTER outlet, or by logging on to: www.ticketmaster.com.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 20, 2006


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