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Orlando Predators game notes

March 29, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME BOX
Chicago Rush (4-5) at Orlando Predators (5-4)
Date: Sunday, April 2, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 12 Noon (EDT)
Site: Hummer Field at TD Waterhouse Centre (13,692)
Tickets: Approximately 2,000 remain, $18-$25, Information call: 407-44-PREDS
Officials: Referee: David Cutaia; Umpire: Doug Wilson;
Head Linesman: Greg Shields; Line Judge: Dave Chesney; Back Judge: James Cole
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson)
TV: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson)
Series Streak: Orlando has won one in a row
Series Record: Chicago leads series 4-3-0
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 69-41, .627);
Chicago: Mike Hohensee (13th season, 99-90, .524)

ORLANDO OPENS SECOND HALF OF HOME SCHEDULE WITH KEY BATTLE AGAINST RUSH
After recording one of the biggest victories of the season with a key road win over Austin, the Orlando Predators (5-4) return to friendly confines of Hummer Field for a key inter-conference game against the Chicago Rush (4-5). The game will be televised nationally on NBC, with the network's top broadcast team of Tom Hammond, Pat Haden and Lewis Johnson calling the game.

The contest has major playoff implications for both teams. If the playoffs would have started this week, the Predators would have secured a spot in the post-season, but with seven teams tied with identical 5-4 records, Orlando's playoff positioning could change dramatically with a loss to the Rush. Chicago would also make the playoffs in the American Conference with a 4-5 record, but once again, just one game separates six teams battling for three playoff spots. Chicago leads the all-time series with the Predators by a 4-3-0 margin. Orlando won the last game played between the two teams, taking a 48-35 decision in Chicago last season.

Approximately 2,300 tickets remain for the game. They are priced from $18-$25 and are available by calling 407-44-PREDS. The game is also being broadcast on WQTM 740 AM with Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson on the call. The radio pre-game show begins at 11:30 a.m.
Orlando Predators (5-4-0) *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 L 62-87
Mar. 25 At Austin W 47-37
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.

Chicago Rush (4-5-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 29 At Colorado L 56-65
Feb. 3 NEW YORK L 47-51
Feb. 12 NASHVILLE W 56-55
Feb. 18 At Los Angeles W 65-46
Feb. 26 SAN JOSE W 54-48
Mar. 5 DALLAS L 42-59
Mar. 10 COLORADO L 42-49
Mar. 17 At Nashville L 47-48
Mar. 26 GRAND RAPIDS W 51-44
Apr. 2 At Orlando 12 Noon
Apr. 9 At Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Apr. 15 At Arizona 10 p.m.
Apr. 23 LAS VEGAS 4 p.m.
Apr. 29 At Georgia 7 p.m.
May 6 UTAH 8 p.m.
May 13 At Grand Rapids 7:30 p.m.

Front Page Quote
"Chicago is the toughest team in the league to prepare for. They run a lot of different formations and motions. The best way to describe the team is unconventional."

--Head Coach Jay Gruden on getting ready for the Chicago Rush
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 69-41-0 (including a 5-4 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 69-41 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 163-71 (.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 69-41 .627
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

RUSH HEAD COACH MIKE HOHENSEE
Now in his sixth season with the Rush and 13th season as an AFL head coach, Mike Hohensee has led his teams to the playoffs a total of nine times, including all five previous seasons with the Rush. Overall, Hohenssee will bring a 99-90 record into the Orlando game. He is just one win short of becoming just the third coach in AFL history to record 100 career wins, trailing just Tim Marcum (179) and Danny White (144) on the all-time wins list. Hohensee began his AFL career as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Gladiators (1987-88), where he was credited with throwing the first touchdown pass in league history. Hohensee also holds the unique distinction of logging playing time in four different professional leagues, having played in the AFL (Pittsburgh), USFL (Washington), CFL (Ottawa, Toronto), and NFL (Chicago).

COACHING MATCH-UPS
Hohensee vs. Predators (6-8-0 overall; 4-8 regular season games; 2-0 in playoff games)
1994 Albany L, 48-63
1995 Albany L, 47-55
Albany L, 38-56
1996 Albany W, 53-41
1997 Anaheim L, 40-41
1999 New England W, 57-46
2000 New England L, 32-46
2001 Chicago W, 55-41
Chicago W, 46-21*
2002 Chicago L, 38-49
2003 Chicago L, 35-47
2004 Chicago W, 58-15
Chicago W, 59-49*
2005 Chicago L, 35-48

*denotes playoff games

Hohensee vs. Gruden (5-2-0 overall; 3-2 regular season, 2-0 playoffs)
1999 New England W, 57-46
2000 New England L, 32-46
2001 Chicago W, 55-41
Chicago W, 46-21*
2004 Chicago W, 58-15
Chicago W, 59-49*
2005 Chicago L, 35-48

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

Most Career AFL Coaching Wins
Name Seasons Wins
Tim Marcum 18 179*
Danny White 14 144*
Mike Hohensee 13 99*
Mike Dailey 10 94*
Perry Moss 9 88
Darren Arbet 8 84*
Michael Trigg 12 80
John Gregory 10 73
Jay Gruden 7 69*
Todd Shell 7 54

*Active Coach

Series History and Notes

CHICAGO LEADS ALL-TIME SERIES 4-3-0
Date ORL OPP
July 21, 2001 (A) 41 55
July 27, 2001 (H) 21 46*
April 26, 2002 (H) 49 38
Feb. 2, 2003 (A) 47 35
Mar. 21, 2004 (A) 15 58
June 6, 2004 (A) 49 59*
Feb. 25, 2005 (A) 48 35
*First Round AFL Playoffs

Although there is not a lot of history between these two teams, the Predators and Rush have played seven emotionally charged contests in the past...Chicago made a name for itself early, defeating the Orlando Predators in the final game of their inaugural season, 55-41, in 2001...as luck would have it, that victory qualified the Rush for the playoffs and sent them to Orlando for a first round match-up where they proved their first victory was not a fluke by handily defeating Orlando for a second straight week by a 46-21 margin...Orlando gained a measure of revenge the next season, knocking off the Rush by a 49-38 score in Orlando...the teams met again in the 2003 season, with rookie Travis McGriff scoring four times to help lead the Predators to a easy 47-35 win in the season opener...the game was not as close as the final score indicated, as the Predators defense did not allow a touchdown pass until the final minute of the game...Predators head coach Jay Gruden, who returned to the playing field for the 2002-2003 seasons, engineered both those wins over the Rush...the two teams met twice in 2004...Chicago knocked Preds quarterback Joe Hamilton out of the game early and then proceeded to manhandle the Predators, 58-15, sending them to the worst defeat in franchise history...the Rush also won the rematch in the playoffs, taking advantage of a couple of Orlando Predators turnovers in the fourth quarter to record a 59-49 win over the Predators...Orlando won last year's contest, recording a relatively easy 48-35 win over the Rush in Chicago...Offensive specialist Jimmy Fryzel had a huge game for the Predators, grabbing nine passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns in his Arena Football League debut...Chicago and Nashville are the only two expansion teams in AFL history to beat the Orlando Predators twice in their first season...and the Rush are the only expansion team to win a playoff game against the Predators...counting this week's game, five of the eight contests have been played in Chicago.

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 (2): DS Jeroid Johnson, WR/LB Clif Dell

Veteran Obtained by Trade (2): OL/DL Henry Taylor; WR/DB Khalil Carter

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

Rookie Free Agents (7): QB Jake Eaton, WR/DB DeAndrew Rubin, 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: 5-4-0
National Conference Record: 5-3-0
Against American Conference: 0-1-0
Southern Division Record: 3-1-0
At Hummer Field: 3-1-0
On the road: 2-3-0
When scoring first: 5-3-0
When other Team Scores First: 0-1-0
When leading after one quarter: 3-2-0
When trailing after one quarter: 0-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 2-1-0
When leading at the Half: 4-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 1-4-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 5-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 0-4-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0-0
Overtime Games: 1-0-0
When Winning the Coin Toss: 1-1-0
When Losing the Coin Toss: 4-3-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 0-0-0
Friday: 1-1-0
Saturday: 2-1-0
Sunday: 2-2-0
All-Time Home Record: 86-34-0
All-Time Road Record: 71-51-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS

CHICAGO vs. ORLANDO STATISTICAL MATCH-UP
How the Orlando Predators and Chicago Rush stack up in key AFL statistical categories:

Category ORL CHI
4th Down Defense 13th (54.2%) 14th (54.6%)
4th Down Offense T-7th (50.0%) 5th (53.8%)
Field Goal Pct. 4th (58.8%) 2nd (60.0%)
Kick Return Average 10th (16.7) 4th (19.1)
Passing Defense 18th (294.0) 8th (206.1)
Passing TD Scored T-9th (41) 14th (38)
Penalties Against 2nd (5.1) 14th (8.0)
Red Zone Defense 3rd (64.1%) 18th (84.6%)
Red Zone Offense 13th (67.5%) 10th (72.9)
Rushing Defense 7th (17.2) 17th (25.9)
Rushing TD Allowed 1st (6) 11th (16)
Rushing TD Scored T-5th (17) T-9th (15)
Scoring Defense 8th (51.0) 10th (51.7)
Scoring Differential 9th (-0.67) 8th (-0.56)
Scoring Offense 10th (50.3) 9th (51.1)
Total Defense 18th (311.2) 9th (286.0)
Total Offense 11th -(278.9) 9th (284.1)
Turnover Margin T8th (+1) T5th (+4)

PREDS ACTIVATE/RELEASE LAMONT MOORE
The Predators made one roster move this week, activating FB/LB Lamont Moore from the Injured Reserve list and then releasing him. Moore was signed as an insurance policy when the Predators lost FB/LB Clif Dell for the season. Moore played in one game for the Predators catching one ball for 24 yards and recording 2.5 tackles on defense. Moore was injured in that game and has spent the last three week's on injured reserve. The coaching staff elected to keep Charlie Davidson, who was signed after Moore was injured.

MISLEADING STAT OF WEEK
The Orlando Predators rank 13th in the league in covering kicks, with the opponent's average starting position at the 13.4 yard line. But it is interesting to note that the Predators have stopped opponents on kickoffs inside their own 10-yard line 46 times this season, which is the third highest total in the Arena Football League. In addition, Kicker Jay Taylor leads the Arena Football League in kickoffs for touchbacks with 22. If you also take out the Arizona game, where the Rattlers returned eight kicks for 253 yards and three touchdowns, Predators opponents would have an average starting position inside the 10-yard line and would rank in the top three in the league.
McENTYRE HITS 60 PICKS
After going a career-long 10 games without an interception, Orlando's Kenny McEntyre picked off his first pass of the 2006 season with a fourth quarter steal of a John Fitzgerald pass. The interception came with the Predators hanging on to a narrow 33-31 lead. Orlando would score on its next drive to take a two-possession lead. McEntyre came up big in several other areas. In the first quarter, he tipped a Fitzgerald pass that teammate Khalil Carter intercepted. In the third quarter, he dropped fullback Dane Krager for a three-yard loss on a second and one play that led a key defensive stop for the Predators. McEntyre also had an additional pass defense and totaled a season-high six tackles in the game. A three-time AFL Defensive Player of the Year, McEntyre now has 70 career interceptions (60 regular season, 10 post-season) in just 129 career games.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES
After giving up a franchise record 87 points to Dallas one week ago, the Predators defense came back with a vengeance against the Wranglers, as Orlando allowed just 37 points. Keep in mind that seven of those points came on a 36-yard fumble return by Donvetis Franklin and a final touchdown came on a desperation 31-yard heave off the net that bounced off a Predators defensive back's hands before being caught by Derrick Lewis on the game's final play and one could argue that Orlando's defense gave up just 24 points in the game.

Fewest Points Allowed by Predators This Season
33 Philadelphia (2/11) W, 47-33
34 Los Angeles (3/5) W, 59-34
37 at Austin (3/25) W, 47-37

PREDATORS TOUGH AT HOME
Although Orlando's regular season eight-game winning streak was stopped two weeks ago by Dallas, Hummer Field and the TD Waterhouse Centre remains one of the toughest places in the Arena Football League for visiting teams. Counting a 3-1 mark this season, Orlando has won 14 of their last 17 home games (.824) and 86 of 120 home games (.717) since joining the Arena Football League in 1991.

HAMILTON HOT OF LATE
After a relatively slow start, Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton statistics have improved greatly over the last four games as the chart below indicates:
Games A-C-I Pct. Yards TD
1-5 180-109-9 60.6 1337 21
5-8 104-79-3 76.0 922 17

MEDIA BOWL III RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL22
Because of conflicts with the Florida Gators participation in the NCAA Basketball Tournament, Media Bowl III has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 22. The flag football game, played on Hummer Field, will feature a team of local radio personalities against a team from print/internet/broadcast team. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. and interested media members should contact Dan Pearson at 407-447-3303 for more information.

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

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

PREDATORS HAVE FOUR ON PACE
Led by Jerrian James (609), Jimmy Fryzel (515), Javarus Dudley (440) and DeAndrew Rubin (354), the Orlando Predators are on pace to have four receivers each finish with more than 600 yards in receiving. If that happens, it will be the first time in Orlando Predators history that four players have finished with 600 or more receiving yards. The closest Orlando has come to having four, 600-yard receivers was the 2000 season when Clif Dell fell 166 yards short (434) of joining Bret Cooper (881), Ty Law (769) and Joe Douglass (601). As a team, Orlando went 11-3 in that 2000 regular season and won all three playoff games in capturing the ArenaBowl championship.

2006 Predators Receiving
Name Yards Projection
Jerrian James 609 1082
Jimmy Fryzel 515 915
Javarus Dudley 440 782
DeAndrew Rubin 354 629

FRYZEL/WHITE SUCCESSFUL RETURNS
Stability returned to the Orlando Predators starting line-up last week when OL/DL Greg White and OS Jimmy Fryzel returned to action from the disabled list. White - Orlando's most athletic defensive lineman -- had missed four games with a shoulder injury sustained during an overtime win over Tampa Bay on Feb. 19. Fryzel, Orlando's top returning receiver, spent two weeks on the disabled list after being diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes after the Los Angeles game on March 5. Both White and Fryzel had major impacts during last week's win against the first-place Austin Wranglers. Fryzel caught six passes for 72 yards and three touchdowns. His sensational 28-yard touchdown grab in the right corner of the end zone at the 1:32 mark gave the Predators a two-score lead and all but clinched the win. White's contributions were a little more subtle, but he contributed 2.5 tackles with one TFL and one quarterback hurry. In addition, the return of White may have changed Austin's game-plan as the Wranglers rarely tried to throw deep on the Predators. Orlando's 5-4 start can partly be blamed on injuries that have kept the Predators from putting a consistent line-up on the field for the first-half of the 2006 season. Although the team has suffered just one major injury (Clif Dell - torn ACL), the team has lost several players for shorter periods of time and have had a total of nine players miss 35 games because of injury. The list:

Player Injury Games Miss
Clif Dell Knee 8*
Greg White Shoulder 4
DeAndrew Rubin Ankle 2
Kevin Nagle Toe 4
Jermaine Mays Ankle 2**
Javarus Dudley Hamstring 2
Lamont Moore Groin 6**
Lin-J Shell Hamstring 4
Doug Miller Ankle 3
Total Games Missed 35

*Out For Season
**No Longer With Team

A STAR IS BORN?
During training camp, Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden said that rookie Javarus Dudley reminded him of a "young Bret Cooper," alluding to the former UCF star and AFL veteran who led the Predators to the 2000 ArenaBowl Championship. Gruden noted that Dudley, a former Fordham star, was "a faster, stronger" version of Cooper, who earned All-Arena honors in 2000 and was recently named one of the "20 Most Significant Predators." Two week's ago, Dudley had a "break-out" game, reaching career highs in catches (10), yards (179), touchdowns (3) and all-purpose yards (195) against the Dallas Desperados. The 179 receiving yards was the sixth best effort in Orlando Predators history and eighth best effort this year in the Arena Football League. Last week against Austin, Dudley was once again the team's leading receiver - grabbing nine passes for 98 yards. Although he did not find the end zone, Dudley made several key catches on third down to keep the chains moving for the Predators. Here is a look at the top receiving games in the AFL this year and the top games in Predators history.
Top Receiving Games AFL 2006
259, Siaha Burley (UTAH) vs. New York
208, Terrill Shaw (DALLAS) vs. Utah
194, Damien Groce (ARIZONA) vs. Utah
192, Derek Lee (GEORGIA) vs. San Jose
182, Demetrious Bendross (TB) vs. Austin
182, Lawrence Samuels (TB) vs. Orlando
179, Javarus Dudley (ORL) vs. Los Angeles
179, Mike Horacek (NEW YORK) vs. Utah

Top Receiving Games Predators History
229, Barry Wagner vs. Iowa 1996
200, Wagner vs. Charlotte 1992
190, Wagner vs. Albany 1996
190, Wagner vs. Connecticut 1996
187, Wagner vs. Massachusetts 1994
179, Javarus Dudley vs. Dallas 2006

PREDS OFFENSE STEPS UP
During the past four weeks, Orlando's offense has been clicking -- scoring 225 points for a 56.3 points-per-game average. That total compares favorably to the first five games of the season where the Predators scored 228 points for an average of 45.6 points per game; a difference of +10.7 points per game.

PLAYOFF PICTURE MUDDIED AS WEEK 10 APPROACHES
If the 2006 AFL playoffs were to start this weekend, the Orlando Predators (5-4) would host a wildcard game against the New York Dragons and the Chicago Rush (4-5) would host a first round game against the Las Vegas Gladiators. But with just one game separating second place in the National Conference (Austin, 6-3) from seventh place (Tampa Bay, 5-4) and one game separating fourth place (Chicago, 5-4) from ninth place (San Jose, 3-6) in the American Conference, playoff positioning will change weekly in the foreseeable future.

AFL PLAYOFF RACE
(NO TEAM HAS CLINCHED A PLAYOFF SPOT)

American Conference
Dallas* 7-2
Austin* 6-3
Philadelphia 5-4
Orlando 5-4
New York 5-4
Columbus 5-4
Georgia 5-4 (Currently out- via tiebreaker)
Tampa 5-4 (Currently out- via tiebreakers)
Kansas City 1-8

*Division leaders/Division winner receives bye
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Nashville* 6-3
Arizona* 5-4
Colorado 6-3
Chicago 4-5
Las Vegas 4-5
Grand Rapids 3-6
Utah 3-6 Currently out-via tiebreakers
Los Angeles 3-6 Currently out-via tiebreakers
San Jose 3-6 Currently out-via tiebreakers

PREDATORS TO FACE 2nd LEADING RUSHER
For the second consecutive week, the Predators will be facing one of the top runners in the Arena Football League. Last week, the Predators faced Austin's Dane Krager, who leads the league with 131 yards rushing this season. This week, the Predators face quarterback Matt D'Orazio, who is currently ranked second in the league in rushing with 126 yards and a league-leading nine touchdowns. Orlando did a decent job at stopping Krager, limiting him to 13 net yards on six carries (2.1 average).

2006 AFL Leading Rushers

Player Yards TD
1. Dane Krager, Austin 131 6
2. Matt D'Orazio, Chicago 126 9
3. Marlon Jackson, Las Vegas 111 3

16. Marlon-Moye Moore, ORL 56 6
19. Joe Hamilton, ORL 54 5

D'ORAZIO/HAMILTON AMONG BEST ON 3rd DOWN
This week's game will feature a showdown of the two of the better quarterbacks in the Arena Football League at converting 3rd downs. Chicago's Matt D'Orazio ranks first in the Arena Football League with an incredible passer rating of 144.5 on third down; while Joe Hamilton ranks sixth in the league with a 90.8 rating on third down. Here are the stats:

Player A-C-I Yards TD Rating
D'Orazio (CHI) 48-36-0 465 9 144.5
Grieb (SJ) 48-29-1 293 10 108.1
Fitzgerald (AUS) 48-28-1 345 7 108.4
Stafford (TB) 46-22-1 325 6 94.9
Kaleo (COL) 59-39-2 395 8 93.5
Hamilton (ORL) 46-26-3 322 9 90.8

PREDS SCHEDULE FOOTBALL CLINIC
The Orlando Predators will host a Youth Football Clinic on Saturday, April 22 on Hummer Field at the TD Waterhouse Centre. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. with the clinic starting at 3 p.m. The clinic is open to all children from ages 6-16. Former Orlando Predators great Herkie Walls, Predators coaches and players will conduct the clinic, which will include catching, running and throwing drills. Participants should come dressed in shorts and sneakers (no cleats allowed).

Cost of the camp is $35 and includes the clinic, a souvenir T-Shirt, and a ticket to that night's game between the Orlando Predators and arch-rival Tampa Bay Storm. Additional parent game tickets are available for just $13, a savings of $5 off regular game prices. In addition, two or more children registering from the same family may do so for just $30 each.

Because of the popularity of this event, fans are encouraged to register for the event by calling 407-44-PREDS (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX accepted). You may also download a registration form at www.orlandopredators.com and FAX it 407-839-4877.

"The event should be a great afternoon and evening of entertainment for our young fans," Predators President Brett Bouchy said. "For just $35, kids get the clinic, a souvenir T-shirt, the opportunity to enjoy PREDFEST outside the arena and then get a seat to the biggest game of the year against Tampa Bay."

PREDATORS PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Wednesday Thunder Field 9:30-11:30
Thursday Thunder Field 9:30-11:30
Friday Thunder Field 9:30-11:30
Saturday TBA 10-10:30

2006 AFL STANDINGS
AMERICAN CENTRAL
Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp Pct
---- - - - --- --- ---
COLORADO............ 6 3 0 468 487 .667
NASHVILLE........... 6 3 0 452 387 .667
CHICAGO............. 4 5 0 460 465 .444
GRAND RAPIDS........ 3 6 0 434 476 .333

AMERICAN WESTERN
Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp Pct
---- - - - --- --- ---
ARIZONA............. 5 4 0 402 415 .556
LAS VEGAS........... 4 5 0 449 470 .444
UTAH................ 3 6 0 497 493 .333
SAN JOSE............ 3 6 0 471 500 .333
LOS ANGELES......... 3 6 0 440 512 .333

NATIONAL EASTERN
Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp Pct
---- - - - --- --- ---
DALLAS.............. 7 2 0 531 433 .778
NEW YORK............ 5 4 0 488 524 .556
PHILADELPHIA........ 5 4 0 423 416 .556
COLUMBUS............ 5 4 0 417 369 .556

NATIONAL SOUTHERN
Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp Pct
---- - - - --- --- ---
AUSTIN.............. 6 3 0 468 415 .667
TAMPA BAY........... 5 4 0 483 498 .556
GEORGIA............. 5 4 0 508 416 .556
ORLANDO............. 5 4 0 453 459 .556
KANSAS CITY......... 1 8 0 350 459 .111

THIS WEEK'S GAMES
Austin at Philadelphia (Fri)
Grand Rapids at New York (Sat)
Utah at Tampa Bay (Sat)
Columbus at Dallas (Sat)
Georgia at Kansas City (Sat)
Nashville at Colorado (Sat)
Chicago at Orlando (Sun)
Arizona at San Jose (Sun)
Los Angeles at Las Vegas (Sun)

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.

3/16 Traded WR/DB Jermaine Mays to Nashville for WR/DB Khalil Carter. Placed WR/DB Lin-J Shell on injured reserve.

3/18 Placed FB/LB Kevin Nagle on Injured Reserve.

3/22 Placed OL/DL Doug Miller on injured
Reserve; Activated OL/DL Greg White
And OS Jimmy Fryzel from injured
Reserve.

3/27 Activated from injured reserve FB/LB
Lamont Moore. Released FB/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."

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)
8 Dallas Ironman: Will Pettis (D)Defensive: Andrew Layton (D)Offensive: Clint Dolezel (D)
9 Austin Ironman: Jerrian James (O)Offensive: Jimmy Fryzel (O)Defensive: Donvetis Franklin (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.

PREDATORS PLAYERS BIOS NOT INCLUDED IN 2006 MEDIA GUIDE

#5 KHALIL CARTER
Wide Receiver / Defensive Back
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 191
4th AFL Season

AFL NOTES: A second-team All-Arena selection that demonstrated his nose for the ball in an outstanding 2005 season with the Kats. Carter had his best year as a pro last season after being out of the AFL for two years.

2005: Finished second among Kats defenders in tackles with 70, and led the team in interceptions (7) and pass breakups (15)... Named to the second-team All-Arena squad and Played briefly on offense, catching one pass for five yards... Returned a pair of kickoffs for a total of 23 yards... Inactive for first three games of the season... Made Kats debut at New York (2/19), contributing a tackle and returning two kickoffs for 23 yards... Intercepted a pass and had seven stops versus Las Vegas (2/26)... Picked off a pass for second consecutive game, returning it six yards, in loss at Chicago (3/6). He also had two tackles and his only reception of the season on a five-yard grab... Chipped in five tackles against Colorado (3/12)... Had six solo hits versus Arizona (3/26)... Intercepted a pass and had four tackles in win at Grand Rapids (4/3)... Had an outstanding game at Dallas (4/8), intercepting a pass, forcing a fumble and recovering a fumble, in addition to registering 4.5 tackles... Notched eight solo stops in win over Los Angeles (4/17)... Had a season-high 10 tackles and five pass breakups and was named Defensive MVP in victory over Tampa Bay (4/24)... Picked off a pair of passes and had eight stops in win at San Jose (4/30), earning him AFL Defensive Player of the Week honors... Intercepted another pass and had 4.5 tackles in home win over Grand Rapids (5/7)... Totaled six solo tackles at Colorado (5/13)... Had five stops in season finale versus Chicago (5/22).

2002: Played in nine games and had 17 tackles, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups with the Toronto Phantoms... Caught 10 passes for 119 yards and a score on offense... Had a season-high sis stops at Orlando (7/21)... Caught four passes for 39 yards against Buffalo (5/18)... Grabbed five passes for 74 yards and a score versus Georgia (6/9).

2001: Had an outstanding rookie season for the Milwaukee Mustangs, playing in all 14 games and registering 24 tackles and six pass breakups, as well as two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble... Grabbed 35 receptions for 365 yards and six touchdowns... Also threw four passes, completing all four, including two for TD's... Caught a season-high six passes for 33 yards in season opener against Indiana (4/19)... Intercepted a pass and returned it 17 yards versus Houston (5/12)... Grabbed five passes for 40 yards and a touchdown against Detroit (6/8)... Caught two passes, both of which went for scores, for 52 yards in upset over eventual world champion Grand Rapids (6/16)... Had season-high five tackles and two fumble recoveries at Orlando (6/22)...Intercepted a pass at Arizona (7/20).

OTHER PRO EXPERIENCE: Named Defensive Player of the Year in arenafootball2 after setting a league record with 14 interceptions with the Arkansas Twisters in 2003... Played the 2004 season with the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe, making 28 tackles... In camp with the Buffalo Bills in 2004.

PERSONAL: Born in Washington, D.C... Grew up in Little Rock, Ark... Earned degree in psychology at Arkansas... Enjoys weightlifting and martial arts... Has worked as a peer mentor for troubled kids... Married to Elizabeth, with children, Briana and Brooklyn... Used to serve Bill Clinton coffee when working at McDonald's in Little Rock during high school.

#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.

#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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