Orlando Predators game notes
March 13, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
GAME DETAILS
Dallas Desperados (6-1) vs. Orlando Predators (4-3)
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 12 Noon
Site: Hummer Field at TD Waterhouse Centre (13,692)
Officials: Referee: Bill McCabe; Umpire: Jeff Carr; Head Linesman: Kelly Saalfeld; Line Judge: Bob McKelwee; Back Judge: Jimmy Buchanan Supervisor: Ed Manning
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson)
TV: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson)
Series Streak: Dallas has won one in a row
Series Record: Orlando leads all-time series, 3-1
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 68-40, .629);
Dallas: Will McClay (4th season, 21-19-1, .524)
PREDATORS HIT HALFWAY POINT IN NEED OF A VICTORY - FACE TOUGH DALLAS TEAM
With the halfway point of the season rapidly approaching, the Orlando Predators are in need of a win against a team that is arguably playing the best ball in the Arena Football League.
Dallas, following an impressive 64-35 dismantling of Tampa Bay on the road, invades Hummer Field with a 6-1 record - the best in the Arena Football League. The Desperados are on a three-game winning streak, with a 56-49 home loss to Austin the lone blemish on their schedule.
"They are an outstanding team with a lot of weapons on both sides of the ball," Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "There is no question we are going to have to play our best game of the season to win."
Orlando is coming off a disappointing road loss to Arizona, a 57-60 setback last Friday night. Orlando had a 32-17 lead midway through the second quarter, only to see a breakdown on special teams result in a three point loss.
Sunday's game is being broadcast to a national NBC audience with the network's top Arena Football League broadcast team of Tom Hammond, Pat Haden and Lewis Johnson calling the action.
Orlando Predators (4-3-0) *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 W 59-34
Mar. 10 At Arizona L 57-60
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.
Dallas Desperados (6-1-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 29 KANSAS CITY W 58-44
Feb. 4 At Utah W 56-53
Feb. 11 At Columbus W 52-38
Feb. 17 AUSTIN L 49-56
Feb. 25 LAS VEGAS W 55-48
Mar. 5 At Chicago W 59-42
Mar. 12 At Tampa Bay W 64-35
Mar. 19 At Orlando 12 Noon
Mar. 25 PHILADELPHIA 8 p.m.
Apr. 1 COLUMBUS 8 p.m.
Apr. 9 At New York 1 p.m.
Apr. 15 GRAND RAPIDS 9 p.m.
Apr. 22 At Georgia 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 29 ARIZONA 8 p.m.
May 6 At Philadelphia 7 p.m.
May 13 NEW YORK 8 p.m.
Front Page Quote
"It doesn't matter, we didn't win the game. The object of the game is to win and when that doesn't happen, individual accomplishments mean nothing."
--DS Jeroid Johnson on his two interceptions for touchdown against Arizona.
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 68-40-0 (including a 4-3 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 68-39 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 162-71 (.695). 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 68-40 .629
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684
DALLAS HEAD COACH WILL McCLAY
No stranger to the Orlando or the Predators, Will McClay is in his third season as head coach of the Dallas Deseprados. McClay was named head coach of Dallas prior to the 2004 season after spending two years as the team's defensive coordinator. A former player, McClay played for the Detroit Drive from 1989-92. In addition to assistant coaching stints with Detroit, Anaheim, Florida and Milwaukee, McClay was a defensive backs coach with the Orlando Predators (2001) and served as Player Personnel Director of the Orlando Rage (XFL-2000). After being named Defensive Coordinator of the Grand Rapids Rampage in 1999, McClay took over as interim head coach at the end of the season - posting a 1-1 record. For his AFL career, McClay is 21-19-1 overall, posting a .524 winning percentage.
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
*Active Streak
Series History and Notes
*Sunday's game will mark the fifth game ever
between the Orlando Predators and Dallas
Desperados...the Predators lead the series 3-1-0,
going 2-0 in Orlando and 1-1 in Dallas.
*Dallas won the last game in the series, beating
the Predators 42-28 in Dallas behind Clint Stoerner's
four touchdown passes...the loss was the first of the
season for the Predators, dropping them to 3-1.
*The most exciting game of the series was the first
one when then quarterback Jay Gruden hit Clif
Dell on a 45-yard touchdown pass in the final
seconds of the game as the Predators won, 49-46.
*Gruden was also the winning quarterback a year
later, guiding the Preds to a thrilling 50-47 win in
Orlando.
*Gruden is 2-0 against the Desperados as a player
and 1-1 against Dallas as a head coach. Will McClay
is 1-1 against the Predators as a head coach and
3-1 against the Predators as a player.
*The Predators have outscored the Desperados,
191-184 in the series, averaging 47.8 points per
game and allowing 46.0 points per game.
*In addition to the Will McClay connection to
Orlando, Desperados FB/LB Duke Pettijohn broke
Into the Arena Football League with the Predators,
playing for Orlando in 2002-03. In addition, Dallas
standout WR/LB Dialleo Burks played for the
Orlando Rage in that league's lone season of play
in 2000.
*Dallas Head Coach Will McClay (2001) joins Brett
Munsey (2002-05), Kevin Porter (1999), and
Fran Papasedero (1998-2001) as former Orlando
assistants under Jay Gruden who became head
coaches in the Arena Football League.
All-Time Series Results
Dallas Desperados (3-1)
Date ORL OPP
July 20, 2002 (A) 49 46
Feb. 16, 2003 (H) 50 47
Apr. 25, 2004 (H) 64 49
Feb. 17, 2005 (A) 28 42
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 (4): DS Jeroid Johnson, 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 (8): 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, OL/DL Cleveland Pinkey
BY THE NUMBERS...ORLANDO PREDATORS
2006 Overall Record: 4-3-0
National Conference Record: 4-2-0
Against American Conference: 0-1-0
Southern Division Record: 2-1-0
At Hummer Field: 3-0-0
On the road: 1-3-0
When scoring first: 4-2-0
When other Team Scores First: 0-1-0
When leading after one quarter: 3-1-0
When trailing after one quarter: 0-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 1-1-0
When leading at the Half: 4-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 0-3-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 4-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-3-0
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: 4-2-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 0-0-0
Friday: 1-1-0
Saturday: 1-1-0
Sunday: 2-1-0
All-Time Home Record: 86-33-0
All-Time Road Record: 70-51-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14
PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS
FRYZEL GONE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES
An already thin and inexperienced Orlando Predators receiving corps underwent another major setback on Tuesday when the team placed leading receiver Jimmy Fryzel on the injured reserve list after the second-year player was diagnosed with diabetes.
The team's offensive specialist, Fryzel caught 78 passes for 1,159 yards and 17 touchdowns in just 10 games played last season -- leading the Arena Football League in receiving yards per game at 115.9. This year, he was still the team's leading receiver with 39 catches for 439 yards and nine touchdowns through six games but was averaging just 70 yards per game. He had just one, 100-yard receiving game this season, compared to eight last year.
In addition to the production drop-off, Fryzel had complained about not feeling right and losing significant weight. Since the season began, he had dropped more than 11 pounds from his ideal playing weight.
"Jimmy mentioned that he just seemed to get tired a lot more quickly than last year and we obviously were concerned about the rapid weight loss," Head Trainer Kevin Mercuri said. "Over the weekend, he mentioned that his family had a history of diabetes and that set off an alarm."
Fryzel underwent diabetic testing on Monday, which proved positive. The Predators immediately placed him on the injured reserve list, meaning he will miss at least the next two games.
"The next step is that Jimmy will meet with a specialist to determine what type of diabetes he has and what course of treatment he will have to follow to stabilize his body," Mercuri added.
The loss of Fryzel is just the latest of a series of injuries to the Predators at the wide receiver position. WR/LB Clif Dell was lost for the season with a torn ACL against Tampa Bay on Feb. 19; while DeAndrew Rubin, Jermaine Mays, Javarus Dudley, Lamont Moore, and Lin-J Shell have missed a total of 12 games with assorted injuries. Rubin is scheduled to return from injured reserve this week, while Dudley, Moore and Shell saw action last week.
"He's a big part of our offense and we'll miss him, but the main thing is for Jimmy to take care of himself and get healthy," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said.
JEROID JOHNSON TAKES TWO BACK TO HOUSE
Orlando Predators defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson set a club record on Friday night by returning two interceptions for touchdowns against the Arizona Rattlers. Johnson's first interception came at the 14:42 mark of the second quarter and put the Predators ahead, 17-3; while the second one came at the 2:56 mark of the second quarter and gave the Predators a 32-17 lead. It is interesting to note that of the Predators six interceptions this season, four have been returned for touchdowns. In all, the Predators defense and special teams have scored six touchdowns this season.
Preds Defensive/Special Teams TD's in 2006
2/3 Jermaine Mays 24 int. return vs. Kansas City
2/19 Clif Dell 4 Net Recovery vs. Tampa Bay
2/19 Kenny McEntyre 34 fum. ret. vs. Tampa Bay
2/11 Jerrian James 13 int. return vs. Philadelphia
3/10 Jeroid Johnson 39 int. return vs. Arizona
3/10 Jeroid Johnson 18 int. return vs. Arizona
PREDS ADD DAVDISON
To help fill the void left by Fryzel's illness, the Predators signed AFL veteran WR/DB Charlie Davidson last Tuesday.
Davidson, now in his 11th AFL season, began his career with the Orlando Predators in 1996. In limited action, he caught 13 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
He would go on to play for eight different teams over the next nine years. His career stats include 445 receptions for 5,282 yards and 99 touchdowns to go with 352 total tackles with 21 interceptions and 59 pass defenses. With expansion Colorado, he caught 78 passes for 961 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2003 and added 92 catches for 883 yards and 16 touchdowns with expansion Austin in 2004. His 1,792 all-purpose yards in 2004 were a career high.
Davidson went to camp in pre-season with the expansion Kansas City Brigade, where he was waived in the pre-season. He played college football at Mississippi State.
HAMILTON HITS 300 YARDS FOR 8th TIME
With 309 passing yards against Arizona, quarterback Joe Hamilton has now thrown for 300 or more yards for the eighth time in his brief career with the Predators. His top game was a 362-yard effort against Los Angeles in 2005, while his 309 yards against Arizona tied for his 4th best effort. Hamilton eight, 300+ yards games is the most in Orlando Predators' history.
Top Passing Games in Predators History
362, Joe Hamilton vs. Los Angeles, 2005
361, Jay Gruden vs. Georgia, 2002
343, Pat O'Hara vs. Albany, 1998
Most 300+ Yard Games in Predators History
No. Player Seasons Played
8 Joe Hamilton 2+ (2004-Present)
6 Jay Gruden 2 (2002-03)
3 Pat O'Hara 5 (1995-99)
3 Ben Bennett 5 (1991-95)
McENTYRE STILL LOOKING FOR FIRST
Kenny McEntyre, the league's all-time leader in career interceptions (59) is still looking for his first pick of the 2006 season. Since his first full season in 1999 (McEntyre played just one regular season game in 1998), McEntyre has averaged more than eight interceptions per season over the last seven years, including five last season. McEntyre's last interception came at home on May 20, 2005 against New Orleans. Counting playoffs, McEntyre has now gone nine games without an interception - the longest period in his AFL career. Still, McEntyre has 69 career interceptions (59 regular season, 10 post-season) in just 127 career games.
MEDIA BOWL III ON SATURDAY
Members of radio, print and television media are invited to participate in MEDIA BOWL III on Saturday at the Hummer Field. The flag football game will be held at 11:30 a.m. and will feature members of the Radio vs. a team from Television and Newspapers. Head coach Jay Gruden will coach one team, with Assistant Head Coach Les Moss heading the other team. To participate, call or e-mail Dan Pearson (407-447-3303, dpearson@orlandopredators.com) by Friday.
IS IT BETTER THE SECOND TIME AROUND?
The signing of WR/LB Lamont Moore earlier this season and the acquisition of free agent WR/DB Charlie Davidson marked the 13th and 14th time in Orlando Predators history that a player has returned to the Orlando Predators after being away for at least one year for one reason or another. Davidson, who began his career with the Predators in 1996 and played just one season in Orlando, has stayed away the longest - with a stretch of 11 seasons between his first and second stints with the Predators. But coming home is not limited to the Predators players. Head Coach Jay Gruden (1998-2001, 2004-Present) has served two different stints in that capacity - having taken two years off to return to the playing field. Assistant Head Coach Les Moss is in his third stint on the Predators coaching staff, having served from 1991-2000, 2002-2003, and 2006-Present. Special teams coach Mark Novell is also in his third coaching stint with the Predators, holding that post from 1991-94, 1997-2001 and 2006-Present. Former assistant coach Jim Niblack (1991, 1996-97) also had more than one stint with the Predators, as has Public Relations Director Dan Pearson, 1993-2000, 2002-Present. Here is a list of the players who have spent more than one stint with the Predators:
Player First Second
William Carr 1999 2005
Bernard Clark 1994 1996
Bret Cooper 1998-01 2004-05
Clif Dell 1999-02 2006
Reggie Doster 2002-03 2005
Charlie Davidson 1996 2006
Rick Hamilton 1998-01 2003
Damon Mason 1998-01 2004-05
Connell Maynor 1998-00 2002-05
Rich McKenzie 1998-01 2003
Lamont Moore 2001-03 2006
Lin-J Shell 2004 2006
Chris Wallace 2001 2003
Craig Whelihan 2001-02 2004
PREDS PUT 8-GAME WIN STREAK ON LINE
The Predators will be placing an eight-game home win streak on the line when the team faces Dallas on Sunday. The eight-game win streak is the longest current home winning streak in the AFL. Here is the list of longest regular season home winning streaks in Predators history.
Year(s) Streak* Ended
1992-95 19** vs. Arizona, 48-49
2005-06 8 Active
1999-2000 5 Grand Rapids, 34-46
1998-99 4 vs. New England, 46-57
1995-95 4 vs. Iowa, 50-59
2001 4 vs. Milwaukee, 42-45
*Regular season games only
**AFL Record
GRUDEN WINNINGEST COACH IN PREDS HISTORY
With a win two weeks ago against Los Angeles, Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden became the winningest head coach in Orlando Predators history. Now in his seventh season as head coach, Gruden's 68 total victories is one more than Predators coaching legend Perry Moss. The first head coach and general manager of the Orlando Predators, Moss 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 68
Regular Season Wins 59 59
Playoff Wins 8 9
AFL Championships 0 2
Overall Winning Pct. .684 .629
GRUDEN ALSO CREEPING UP ON GREGORY
In surpassing 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 five wins behind Gregory in his seventh AFL season.
TAYLOR TOPS IN LEAGUE IN EXTRA POINT PERCENTAGE
With a perfect three for three night on extra points against the Rattlers, Orlando Predators kicker Jay Taylor remains the AFL league lead in extra point accuracy (min. 20 attempts), with a 97.3% success rate (36/37). The 2005 AFL Kicker of the Year, Taylor is the most accurate kicker in Predators history in both field goal and extra point percentage. Taylor is 29 of 48 on field goals in his career, with 11 of his 18 career misses coming from outside of 40 yards.
Career Totals
Player FG-FGA Pct. XP-XPA Pct.
Taylor 29-48 60.4 125-133 94.0
HAMILTON FIVE SHORT OF HAMILTON
QB Joe Hamilton now has 20 career rushing touchdowns and has moved to within five touchdowns of Rick Hamilton for third place on the all-time Predators list. Joe Hamilton now has five rushing touchdowns this season in six games and is on pace to score 13 rushing touchdowns this season. His career high is eight rushing touchdowns during his rookie season.
Predators All-Time Rushing Touchdowns
Player Seasons Rush TD
Barry Wagner 8 69
Rick Hamilton 5 25
Joe Hamilton 3 20*
Connell Maynor 7 18
Tommy Dorsey 5 17
Michael McClenton 2 16
*Through six games
JEROID JOHNSON LEADS IN FORCED FUMBLES AND PASS BREAKUPS
Jeroid Johnson leads the Arena Football League in both pass defenses and forced fumbles. With 19 pass break-ups in his first seven games, 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. With two pass knockdowns last week, Johnson is now tied with Kenny McEntyre for seventh place on the Predators all-time single season list. With 19 pass defenses this season, Johnson currently ranks first in the Arena Football League by a wide margin - leading Arizona's David Todd by five. Orlando's all-time leaders in single season pass-defenses:
Player Year PD
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
Jeroid Johnson 2006 19$
Kenny McEntyre 2000 18
Damon Mason 1999 17
Kenny McEntyre 1999 15
Predators Single Season Forced Fumbles
Player Year FF
EJ Burt 2003 8
Barry Wagner 1996 6
EJ Burt 2005 5
Jeroid Johnson 2006 4*
Seven Players Tied 3
*Through six games
JAMES POSTS CAREER HIGHS IN RECEVING
Jerrian James posted career highs for both receptions (10) and receiving yards (142) in last week's loss to Arizona. His 224 all-purpose yards was the fourth 200 all-purpuse yard game in his brief 19-game AFL career and his third best effort ever.
Jerrian James Top All-Purpose Yard Games
Opponent Season Yards
Philadelphia 2005 270
San Jose 2005 248
Arizona 2006 224
Austin 2005 211
RUBIN, PINKNEY LATEST BUCS/PREDATORS CONNECTION
Serving as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Bucs in the off-season has had its advantages for Predators head coach Jay Gruden. OS DeAndrew Rubin and OL/DL Cleveland Pinkney are the latest Orlando Predators players that Gruden became aware of as an assistant coach with the Bucs. The list of current Orlando Predators players who spent time with the Tampa Bay Bucs includes:
K Jay Taylor
OL/DL Cleveland Pinkney
OS DeAndrew Rubin
QB Joe Hamilton
FB/LB Idris Price
OL/DL Greg White
PREDS SPECIAL TEAMS BREAKDOWN
After ranking at the top of the Arena Football League in several special teams categories through Week 6, the Predators had one of their worst days ever on special teams against the Arizona Rattlers last week. Orlando came into the game as the league's best team in covering kickoffs before seeing the Rattlers returns eight kickoffs for 253 yards and three touchdowns. The 253 yards, 31.6 average and three touchdowns were all records against the Predators. In addition, Orlando failed to cover a second quarter on-sides kick, missed a 18-yard field goal, miss-fired on three two-point conversions and had to attempt (and failed) on two other 2-point conversions after they failed to handle the snap on two PAT's.
ARIZONA GAME: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
The Good: Although its offense struggled with the rushing game and in the end zone, the Predators still tallied 57 points - a total that should have been enough against a Rattler team that managed just 220 yards of total offense and turned the ball over twice...Orlando's defense actually played well, recording a pair of interceptions and three other "defensive stops" that ended in field goal attempts...DeAndrew Rubin and Jerrian James both stepped it up in the absence of Jimmy Fryzel on offense. The Bad : Orlando gave up leads of 17-3 and 32-17 in the second quarter. The Predators gave up 16 points in the final 2:56 of the second quarter to see a 15-point lead turn into a one-point deficit at the half. The Ugly: The nine breakdowns on special teams play outlined above cost the Predators a chance for a victory.
PREDS PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Mar. 14 9-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Mar. 15 9-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Mar. 16 9-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Mar. 17 9-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Mar. 18 10-11 a.m. TD Waterhouse
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. Signed OL/DL Delanio Taylor to practice squad
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.
2/24 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.
3/2 Activated OL/DL Kevin Johnson from IR and released him.
3/3 Released WR/LB Scott Cloman, Signed OL/DL Cleveland Pinkney
3/4 Activated WR/LB Lamont Moore from the
injured reserve list.
3/7 Placed OS Jimmy Fryzel and WR/LB
Lamont Moore on injured reserve.
Signed WR/DB Charlie Davidson. Activated
WR/LB DeAndrew Rubin from injured
Reserve.
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."
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)
6 Los Angeles Ironman: Jerian James (O)Defensive: Henry Taylor (O)Offensive: Marlon Moye-Moore (O)
7 Arizona Ironman: Cosmo Dematteo (A)Defensive: Jeroid Johnson (O)Offensive: Darrell Jones (A)
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
#11
CHARLIE DAVIDSON
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 195
DOB: 1.19.72 Mississippi State
11th AFL Season
AFL Acquisition
Originally signed by the Orlando Predators as a free agent in 1996...reacquired by Predators as a free agent on March 7, 2006.
AFL Notes
Savvy AFL veteran, entering his 11th season of play...probably holds the record as being selected in the most expansion drafts, having played for five expansion teams in his career...enters 2006 season with 445 career receptions for 5,282 yards and 99 touchdown receptions...has added three rushing touchdowns on 19 carries (48 yards)...defensively had 342 career tackles to go with 21 interceptions, 59 pass defenses, seven forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries...has added more than 1900 return yards in his career to account for more than 7,200 career all-purpose yards.
2005
Appeared in 14 games for Austin Wranglers, catching 44 balls for 438 yards and seven touchdowns...posted 37 tackles with an interception and one pass break-up.
2004
Amassed career-highs in all-purpose yards (1,792), return yards (821), kickoff returns (45) and receptions (92), playing in 15 games for Austin Wranglers...had outstanding game vs. Predators, accounting for 210 all-purpose yards, including 13 receptions for 151 yards and a pair of touchdowns...posted 37.5 tackles with three interceptions and eight pass defenses.
2003
Played and excelled for expansion Colorado, grabbing 78 passes for 961 yards and a career-high 21 touchdowns...had four, 100-yard receiving games for Crush, and scored his first career defensive touchdown.
2002
Had a career high 60 tackles as a two-way player for Phantoms, adding 36 receptions for 458 yards and four touchdowns.
2001
Selected by Toronto in dispersal draft of New England players...caught 35 passes for 507 yards and 13 touchdowns...Had 39 tackles with three interceptions at corner.
2000
Solid all-around season for New England Sea Wolves...caught 40 passes for 527 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense to go with 32 tackles and two interceptions on defense...selected as the team's "Ironman of the Year" for a second time.
1999
Selected by the New England Sea Wolves in 1998 dispersal draft of New York CityHawk players...played in 14 games at WR/DB, registering a career high four interceptions...posted 57 receptions for 829 yards and 12 touchdowns.
1998
Played for New York CityHawks, totaling 20 receptions for 262 yards.
1997
Split time between Albany and Nashville...totaled 30 receptions for 294 yards and eight touchdowns...spent majority of season with Albany, playing in just one game with Nashville...totaled 29 tackles with three interceptions for season.
1996
Spent majority of rookie season with Orlando Predators...was released late in year and signed by Albany Firebirds...totaled 13 receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown with Preds to go with 223 yards on 13 KO Returns...played in just one game with Firebirds, recording one tackle.
#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.
#62
CLEVELAND PINKNEY
Offensive/Defensive Lineman
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 300
DOB: 9.14.77 South Carolina
Rookie
AFL Acquisition
Signed as a free agent on March 1, 2006.
Other Pro Experience:
Pinkney, 6-1, 300, spent a total of five seasons in the NFL. He began his career as an undrafted free agent of the Indianapolis Colts in 2001. He played the 2002 season with the Berlin Thunder of NFL-Europe, recording 24 tackles. Pinkney went to camp with the San Francisco in 2002.
After being waived in the pre-season, Pinkney signed and spent the entire 2003 season with the Tampa Bay Bucs. Spending 13 weeks on the active roster, he played in four games and recorded four tackles with one quarterback sack. He was waived in the 2004 pre-season and signed by the Carolina Panthers, where he would play in five games and be credited with five solo tackles. Pinkney went to camp with the Seattle Seahawks this past year.
College
Started 21 games at defensive tackle for South Carolina after transferring from Chopiah-Lincoln Junior College...concluded career with 85 total tackles, two forced fumbles, 3l5 sacks, one fumble recovery...started 12 games with 42 total tackles and 2.5 quarterback sacks as a senior...named JuCo All-America squad as a sophomore.
Personal
Named USA Today honorable mention All-America as a senior at Sumter (SC) High...excelled in track, winning state titles in both discus and shot put...named all-state in wrestling, winning state heavyweight as a senior with a 30-0 mark...avid bowler, born Cleveland Pinkney III on September 14, 1977 in Sumter, South Carolina.
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