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Orlando Predators game notes

February 28, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME DETAILS
Los Angeles Avengers (1-4) at Orlando Predators (3-2)
Date: Sunday, March 5, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 12 Noon
Site: Hummer Field - TD Waterhouse Centre (13,692)
Officials: Referee: Bill LeMonnier; Umpire: Mike Delaney
Head Linesman: Allen Baynes; Line Judge: Dave
Chesney; Back Judge: Billy Beckett
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: NBC (Tom Hammond and Pat Haden)
Series Streak: Preds have won two in a row.
Series Record: Preds lead all-time series, 2-1
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 67-39, .632);
Los Angeles: Ed Hodgkiss (5th Season, 39-32, .549)

PREDS LOOK TO RIGHT SHIP AFTER DISAPPOINTING LOSS TO DRAGONS
After losing a 55-35 decision to the New York Dragons on Sunday afternoon, the Orlando Predators (3-2-0) look to right the ship on Sunday against the Los Angeles Avengers (1-4-0). The Predators are 2-0 at home this season and have won seven straight in the friendly confines of Hummer Field.

Predators Head cCoach Jay Gruden says his team will need the home field advantage against a Los Angeles team that has given the Predators fits through the years. "We have played this team three times and all three times the winning points came on the last play of the game," Gruden said. "We have been fortunate to come out on the winning side two of the three times, but we could just as easily be 0-3 against them. Coach Hodgkiss is an outstanding coach who always has his teams ready to play and I expect another dogfight on Sunday afternoon."

The Predators, who are tied with Tampa Bay and Georgia for second place in the Southern Division, are currently one game behind Austin. With Austin playing at Georgia this weekend, a Predators win combined with a Wrangler loss to Georgia, would move the Predators into a first-place tie in the division. "It's a huge game for us," Gruden said. "We need to right the ship after last week's sub-par performance."
Orlando Predators (3-2-0) *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 L 35-55
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.

Los Angeles Avengers (1-4) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 29 ARIZONA W 40-31
Feb. 5 At Philadelphia L 33-47
Feb. 12 At Grand Rapids L 41-66
Feb. 18 CHICAGO L 46-65
Feb. 25 UTAH L 66-68
Mar. 5 At Orlando 12 Noon
Mar. 12 At San Jose 6 p.m.
Mar. 19 COLORADO 6 p.m.
Mar. 24 At Arizona 9 p.m.
Apr. 2 At Las Vegas 6 p.m.
Apr. 9 At Kansas City 12 noon
Apr. 15 At Utah 9 p.m.
Apr. 22 NEW YORK 10:30 p.m.
Apr. 29 SAN JOSE 10:30 p.m.
May 6 NASHVILLE 10:30 p.m.
May 13 LAS VEGAS 10:30 p.m.

Front Page Quote
"From a pure entertainment standpoint, our three previous games with the Avengers have been as exciting as any Arena game I have played or coached. All three games were extremely close, each came down to the final seconds and all three instances the game was won on the final play."

--Preds Head Coach Jay Gruden on playing the Avengers
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 67-39-0 (including a 3-2 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 9-4 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 67-39 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 161-70 (.697). 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 67-39 .632
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

LOS ANGELES HEAD COACH ED HODGKISS
One of top young coaches in the Arena Football League, Ed Hodgkiss is in his fifth season as head coach of the Los Angeles Avengers.

For his career, Hodgkiss is 39-32 (.549). In his four previous seasons, he has led the Avengers to four playoff appearances and a pair of 10-win seasons. Hodgkiss joins Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden and Tampa Bay Head Coach Tim Marcum as the only three coaches in Arena Football League history to post overall winning records in each of their first four seasons as an AFL head coach.

Most Consecutive Winning Seasons To
Begin AFL Coaching Career

Tim Marcum 13
Jay Gruden 6*
Ed Hodgkiss 4*
John Gregory 3
Lary Kuharich 3
Pat Sperduto 3
Fran Papasedero 2
John Hufnagel 2
Fran Curci 2
Perry Moss 2

*Active Streak

SERIES HISTORY:
Last week, the Arena Football League released their list of the 20 greatest games ever played. Although no contests from the Los Angeles / Orlando series were listed, Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden says that any of the three previous games could have easily made the list.

"From a pure entertainment standpoint, our three previous games with the Avengers have been as exciting as any Arena game I have played or coached. All three games were extremely close, each came down to the final seconds and all three instances the game was won on the final play."

Last year's game was a prime example of the fireworks that ensue when these two teams meet. Orlando dominated early, taking a 42-26 lead midway through the third quarter only to see the Avengers rally to take a 48-42 lead with 28 seconds remaining. Joe Hamilton fired a touchdown pass in the final seconds, but the Predators botched the extra point to send it to overtime.

Los Angeles scored first in overtime, but returned the favor as normally reliable Remy Hamilton missed the extra point. A few plays later, Joe Hamilton found Jerrian James in the left hand corner of the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown and Brian Gowins converted the extra point for a 55-54 overtime victory.

Two years ago, the Predators and Avengers were locked in a back-and-forth game, before a pair of Orlando turnovers gave Los Angeles leads of 27-24 and 41-37. After trading touchdowns, Los Angeles went ahead 50-49 on Chris Jackson's fourth touchdown of the game with just 26 seconds remaining.

Anthony Bright returned the ensuing kickoff, before grabbing a 19-yard reception to the LA 20 with six seconds remaining. Cory Fleming then caught a quick five-yard out - leaving two seconds on the clock. From there, emergency kicker Jason Wells split the uprights from 30-yards to give the Predators a 52-50 win.

If Orlando's two wins in the series were gut-wrenching for LA, it was probably just poetic justice for the Predators as several bizarre circumstances resulted in one of the most incredible and disappointing losses in club history.

Back in 2003, the Predators had a comfortable 11-point lead until LA's Siaha Burley cut the lead to five with 42 seconds remaining. The Predators upped the lead to 63-51 when Kenny McEntyre recovered an on-sides kick and ran it back for a touchdown at the 37 second mark.

But a long kickoff return and a quick Tony Graziani touchdown pass made it 63-58. With 19 seconds remaining, the Avengers recovered the on-sides kick. One play later, Graziani heaved a desperation pass off the nets that WR/LB Greg Hopkins pulled in for a touchdown.

"All three games were emotionally draining," Gruden said. "After last year's game, Coach Hodgkiss (Los Angeles head coach Ed Hodgkiss) said something along the lines of not liking to play us and I told him the feeling was mutual."

Tale of the Tape
How Los Angeles and Orlando stack-up in the AFL stats:

Category ORL LA
Scoring Offense 45.6 (14th) 45.2 (15th)
Total Offense 292.6 (6th) 261 (14th)
Scoring Defense 48.2 (9th) 54.0 (15th)
Total Defense 323.8 (18th) 243.6 (3rd)
Rushing Offense 29.4 (4th) 23.8 (7th)
Passer Rating 87.3 (15th) 93.4 (12th)
Rushing Defense 11.6 (5th) 10.4 (3rd)
Pass Defense Rating 112.7 (14th) 112 (13th)
Pass Defense 311.8 (18th) 233.2 (4th)
Field Goal Pct. 50.0 (T-8th) 84.6 (1st)
PAT Kicking 96.2 (1st) 96.2 (1st)
Kickoff Returns 15.4 (12th) 14.3 (13th)
Interceptions 2 (T-17th) 4 (T-13th)
Turnover Margin -1 (T-11th) -5 (T-16th)
3rd Down Conversions 44.1 (11th) 48.1 (8th)
4th Down Conversions 40.0 (T-12th) 63.6 (5th)
Opp. 3rd Down Con. 40.0 (3rd) 40.6 (4th)
Opp. 4th Down Con. 50.0 (7th) 80.0 (17th)
Sacks 7 (4th) 4 (T-11th)
Penalties-Fewest 23 (2nd) 40 (4th)
Penalty Yards-Fewest 135 (2nd) 172 (4th)
Sacks Allowed 4 (T-8th) 11 (17th)
Kickoff Coverage 14.3 (3rd) 17.2 (11th)

Series Results
Date Site ORL LA
3/30/03 at Orlando 62 63
5/30/04 at Los Angeles 52 50
4/3/05 at Orlando* 55 54
*Overtime

Series Notes
Sunday's game marks the 4th time the teams have met, with three of the games coming in Orlando...Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden is 2-0 as a coach against Los Angeles and Ed Hodgkiss...when the Avengers defeated the Predators in 2003, Gruden was the Predators' quarterback and Fran Papasedero was the head coach...all three previous games have seen the winning points scored on the final play of the game...only two points separate the two teams in combined score, as the Predators have 169 points in the three games, compared to 167 for LA...The Avengers are one of only three times in the Arena Football League (Chicago, New York) that do not feature at least one former Orlando Predators player on their current roster...Sunday's game will mark the first contest of the 2006 season where the Predators will face a non-National Conference team.

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: 3-2-0
National Conference Record: 3-2-0
Against American Conference: 0-0-0
Southern Division Record: 2-1-0
At Hummer Field: 2-0-0
On the road: 1-2-0
When scoring first: 3-1-0
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: 1-1-0
When leading at the Half: 3-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 0-2-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 3-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-2-0
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: 3-1-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 0-0-0
Friday: 1-0-0
Saturday: 1-1-0
Sunday: 1-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 85-33-0
All-Time Road Record: 70-50-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS

PREDS SEEK 8th STRAIGHT AT HOME
After ending Tampa Bay's home winning streak of 12 two weeks ago (then the league's longest home winning streak), the Orlando Predators will attempt to keep their own home winning streak alive on Sunday against the Avengers. Heading into the contest, the Predators have won seven straight home games. The last home loss came in Week 6 of the 2005 regular season, a March 6 loss to San Jose. Overall, the Predators have won 17 of their last 19 home games.

GRUDEN TIES MOSS
With a win two weeks ago against Tampa Bay, 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 67
Regular Season Wins 59 58
Playoff Wins 8 9
AFL Championships 0 2
Overall Winning Pct. .684 .632
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.

TAYLOR BIG SACK NIGHT
With 3.5 quarterback sacks against New York last week, Predators defensive lineman Henry Taylor broke the team record for most sacks in a single game. The old mark, set by Jerry Odom against San Antonio, was one of the oldest records on books as it came in a 1992 game. BJ Cohen also had three sacks in a single game, but it came during a playoff contest against Buffalo and is not part of the regular season record book. Taylor's 3.5 sacks gives him 4.5 on the season - which already ranks as the 12th most productive season in Orlando Predators history. Taylor currently leads the league in sacks with 4.5.

AFL Sack Leaders 2006
Henry Taylor Orlando 4.5
Frank Carter Nashville 4.0
Khreem Smith Chicago 3.5
Joe Jacobs San Jose 3.0
Anthony Herron Nashville 3.0
Dustin Barno Colorado 3.0
Winfred Garnett Grand Rapids 3.0

HAMILTON'S INTERCEPTIONS UP, RATING DOWN
Statistically, Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton continues to struggle this season after throwing three interceptions against New York in Week 5. The total gives Hamilton nine interceptions in his first five games, just two less than his career high of 11, which came in 13 games of his 2004 rookie season. At his current rate, Hamilton is on pace to throw 28 interceptions, which would shatter the Predators single-season mark of 20, set by Jay Gruden in 2002. As the chart below indicates, Hamilton's statistics are down in several categories compared to his first two seasons:

Year A-C-I Pct. TD/GM INT/GM
2006 165-95-9 58.6 3.8 1.8
2005 398-264-11 66.3 4.6 0.8
2004 372-244-8 65.6 4.1 0.6

TAYLOR/HAMILTON TIED FOR FIRST
Sunday's game will feature the two most accurate kickers in extra points. Orlando's Jay Taylor and Los Angeles Remy Hamilton have both hit 25 of 26 extra points this season and are tied for the AFL lead in that category at 96.2%. Hamilton was the 2005 AFL Kicker of the Year, while Taylor was the 2004 AFL Kicker of the Year. Both players are among the most accurate kickers in AFL history as the career comparison below demonstrates.

Career Totals
Player FG-FGA Pct. XP-XPA Pct.
Hamilton 155-319 48.6 714-796 89.7
Taylor 26-43 60.5 114-122 93.4

ONE FOR COMPARISON SAKE
Jay Taylor's 96.2% success rate on extra points this season compares quite favorably to the Predators kickers in 2005. Taylor, who was with the Tampa Bay Bucs at the beginning of the 2005 Arena season, was replaced by Steve McLaughlin and then Brian Gowins at the beginning of last season. In Orlando's first five games, McLauglin and Gowins combined to go 23 for 32 on PATs (71.8%).

UPON FURTHER REVIEW
After reviewing game films, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said Hamilton's performance on Sunday, as well as the entire season, has not been as bad as it appears. "The fact of the matter is we have a very young receiving corps and they have made a lot of mistakes," Gruden said. "The younger guys are not always running the correct routes and that can make a quarterback look bad. Inexperienced receivers have had a lot to do with Hamilton's struggles. The Predators receiving corps this year include second-year player Jimmy Fryzel, rookies DeAndrew Rubin, Jermaine Mays, and Javarus Dudley, second-year player Lin-J Shell, and second-year player Jerrian James. Combined, the six receivers have just 55 games of experience -- an average of 9.1 games each.

AFL Experience
Player Years Games
Jerrian James 2005-06 17
Jimmy Fryzel 2005-06 15
Lin-J Shell 2004, 06 15
Jermaine Mays 2006 4
DeAndrew Rubin 2006 2
Javrus Dudley 2006 2

PREDS RANK LAST IN INTERCEPTIONS, BUT FORMER PREDS FAIRING BETTER
While the Orlando Predators currently rank last in the league in interceptions with two, several former Predators players are doing quite well in the individual category. Former Preds DS Damon Mason, now with Austin, leads the league with six interceptions. Other prominent former Preds on the list include Johnnie Harries (tied for 2nd with 4), and Kevin Gaines (tied for 8th with 3).

HAMILTON MOVES INTO THIRD PLACE
With one rushing touchdown against New York, QB Joe Hamilton moved into sole possession of third place on the Predators all-time rushing touchdown list. Currently, Hamilton - now in his third season - has 19 career rushing touchdowns, one more than Connell Maynor, who played all or parts of seven seasons with the Predators. Hamilton is now six rushing touchdowns short of Rick Hamilton, who is in second place on the all-time list with 25. Hamilton is currently tied for third in the league with four rushing touchdowns this season.

Predators All-Time Rushing Touchdowns
Player Seasons Rush TD
Barry Wagner 8 69
Rick Hamilton 5 25
Joe Hamilton 3 19*
Connell Maynor 7 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 five games, the Predators have been whistled for 23 infractions for 135 yards in penalties, which translates to 4.6 penalties per game for 27.0 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.

JOHNSON ON RECORD BREAKING PACE
With 15 pass break-ups in his first five games, Orlando Predators defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson is on pace to shatter the Predators single season record for pass break-ups held by Chris Barber. In the 1997 season, Barber batted down 26 passes. At three per game, Johnson is on pace to knock down 48 passes this season. Orlando's all-time leaders in single season pass-defenses:

Player Year PBU*
Chris Barber 1997 26
Chris Barber 1998 22
Durwood Roquemore 1993 21
Kenny McEntyre 2001 21
Kenny McEntyre 2002 21
Damon Mason 2001 20
Kenny McEntyre 2003 19
Kenny McEntyre 2000 18
Damon Mason 1999 17
Kenny McEntyre 1999 15
Jeroid Johnson 2006 15$
*Excludes interceptions
$Through five games

NEW YORK GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
The Good: Not much to report here...the Predators failed to get pressure on starting QB Aaron Garcia and managed only to trade scores with New York early in the game...OL/DL Henry Taylor broke a Predators single game record by recording 3.5 quarterback sacks. The Bad: The Predators had a chance to tie the game at halftime, but WR Scott Cloman dropped a Joe Hamilton pass in the end zone on the final play of the second quarter...after knocking the starting quarterback out of the game, the Predators missed a short field goal that would have closed the gap to seven...instead, New York returned the miss 47 yards for a touchdown to up the lead to 17...Orlando looked like a tired team in the second half, scoring just 35 total points against the Dragons - who allowed an average of 67 points per game heading into the game. The Ugly: Dragon's quarterback Aaron Garcia suffered a broke leg in the third quarter of the game, ending the season of one of the more popular players in the Arena Football League.

PREDATORS PRACTICE SCHEDULE WEEK 5
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 9:30-10 Thunder Field

*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 Inactivated 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.

2/27 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB Jermaine Mays, WR/LB Clif Dell, WR/DB DeAndrew Rubin. Activated from IR: OL/DL Doug Miller, WR/DB Lin-J Shell, WR/LB Scott Cloman, OL/DL Doug Miller.

2/28 Declared OL/DL Greg White inactive for
Week 5.

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 5, the New York Dragons 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)
5 New York Ironman: DeShane Dennis (NY)Defensive: Dahnel Springfield (NY)Offensive: Mike Horacek (NY)

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 28, 2006


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