Sports stats

Orlando Predators game notes

April 4, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME BOX
Orlando Predators (6-4) at Columbus Destroyers (5-5)
Date: Sunday, April 9, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 3 p.m. (EDT)
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,171)
Tickets: Columbus Ticket Office 614-246-3884
Officials: Referee: Bill Athan; Umpire: Matt Jordan;
Head Linesman: Tim Podraza; Line Judge: Tom Symonette; Back Judge: Greg Wilson
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson)
TV: OLN (Ari Wolfe, Charles Davis, Matt Stewart); Tape Delay 10 p.m.
Series Streak: Columbus has won one in a row
Series Record: Orlando leads all-time series 4-1.
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 70-41, .631);
Columbus: Doug Kay (4th season, 20-25, .444)

PREDS LOOK FOR THIRD STRAIGHT
The Orlando Predators (6-4) will look to extend their winning streak to three games this Sunday when they travel to Ohio to take on the Columbus Destroyers (5-5). The Predators are coming off perhaps their best game of the season, where they recorded seven defensive stops and scored touchdowns on their first eight possessions to easily handle the Chicago Rush, 55-27.

Columbus dropped to 5-5 on the season, after losing a 51-30 decision to Eastern Division-leading Dallas on Saturday.

The game is important to the Predators for several reasons. Although it is not a division game, it is a conference game and Columbus is one of the teams battling the Predators for both a playoff spot and playoff positioning. With only one regular season meeting between the two teams, the game is also important as head-to-head competition is the first tie-breaker in determining playoff positioning.

Orlando leads the all-time series with the Destroyers, 4-1, but all four victories came when the team played in Buffalo (1999-2003). This is just the second meeting between the two teams since the Destroyers moved to Columbus. The Destroyers won that first meeting in Columbus, 55-46, during the 2004 season.

Orlando Predators (6-4-0) *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 W 55-27
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.

Columbus Destroyers (5-5-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 29 GRAND RAPIDS W 53-30
Feb. 3 At Nashville L 27-53
Feb. 11 DALLAS L 38-52
Feb. 19 At Kansas City L 24-45
Feb. 24 ARIZONA W 42-26
Mar. 3 At New York W 65-54
Mar. 10 GEORGIA L 50-68
Mar. 18 PHILADELPHIA W 53-20
Mar. 25 At Colorado W 65-21
Apr. 1 At Dallas L 30-51
Apr. 9 ORLANDO 3 p.m.
Apr. 14 NEW YORK 7 p.m.
Apr. 21 At Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Apr. 29 At Austin 8 p.m.
May 6 TAMPA BAY 7 p.m.
May 13 At San Jose 10:30 p.m.

Front Page Quote
"We need to guard against over-confidence. A few years ago we were feeling pretty good about ourselves and went up to play a 1-6 Columbus team and proceeded to get our butts kicked. This Columbus team is certainly more talented than the one we lost to."

--Head Coach Jay Gruden
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 70-41-0 (including a 6-4 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 70-41 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 164-71 (.698). 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 70-41 .631
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

DESTROYERS HEAD COACH DOUG KAY
A veteran of more than 40 football seasons, Doug Kay is in his first season as head coach of the Columbus Destroyers and third season as an Arena Football League head coach. Counting a 5-5 mark this season, Kay is 20-25 as an AFL head coach - having spent one season at Charlotte (5-7, 1995) and two seasons with the Carolina Cobras (10-18, 2000-2001). Kay's AFL experience is not limited to head coaching roles. He bagan his AFL career as Defensive Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Storm in 1993, a team that would go on to win an ArenaBowl. Four years later, Kay picked up a second ring as Defensive Coordinator of the Arizona Rattlers. In addition to his vast AFL experience, Kay coached four seasons in the USFL. He also coached at UCLA, Hawaii, San Jose State, Olivet College and Indiana State.

FAST FACT
Although he has not been a head coach in an AFL playoff game, Doug Kay actually coached the Carolina Cobras to a 7-7 record in the 2000 regular season and qualified for the playoffs. Kay resigned prior to the start of the playoffs because of a contract dispute with Cobra owners. It is interesting to note that nine times in 12 seasons as a head or assistant coach, Kay coached teams have made the playoffs.
Series History and Notes

ORLANDO LEADS ALL-TIME SERIES 4-1-0
Date ORL OPP
July 30, 1999 (H) 48 49 (ot)
July 13, 2001 (H) 48 40
July 26, 2002 (H) 32 27
Apr. 11, 2003 (H) 66 23
Apr. 4, 2004 (A) 46 55

*Orlando leads the all-time series, 4-1, but all four wins have came when the team played in Buffalo, New York. Since moving to Columbus after the 2003 season, the teams have met just once, a 55-46, win by Columbus during the 2004 season.

*Most of the games have been close, with four of the five games being decided by 10 points or less and one of the games going to overtime (49-48 in 1999).

*Orlando is 3-1 in regular season games with the Destroyers and 1-0 in post-season, winning a 32-27 decision in the first round of the 2002 post-season.

*Familiar faces: Two players on the Columbus roster have ties with the Predators. WR/DB Carl Bond played briefly with the Predators in 2003; while OS Thabiti Davis spent his AFL Rookie Year with the Predators - also in 2003. With Orlando that season, Davis was the third leading receiver on the Predators team with 63 receptions for 759 yards and 13 touchdowns as Orlando went 12-4 in the regular season.

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: 6-4-0
National Conference Record: 6-3-0
Against American Conference: 0-1-0
Southern Division Record: 3-1-0
At Hummer Field: 4-1-0
On the road: 2-3-0
When scoring first: 5-3-0
When other Team Scores First: 1-1-0
When leading after one quarter: 3-2-0
When trailing after one quarter: 1-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 2-1-0
When leading at the Half: 5-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 1-4-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 6-0-0
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: 2-1-0
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: 3-2-0
All-Time Home Record: 87-34-0
All-Time Road Record: 71-51-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS

FEAST OF FAMINE?
One may wonder how Columbus, this week's opponent for the Predators, will react in a close game because they really haven't had one yet. In 10 games this season, the Destroyers have yet to play a game decided by 10 points or less. In five wins, the Destroyers have defeated their opponents by an average margin 23.4 points. In five losses, the Destroyers have been beaten by an average margin of 20 points. Columbus is the only team in the Arena Football League who has not played in a game decided by 10 or fewer points. The closest game of the season for the Destroyers came on March 3, when they defeated the New York Dragons by 11, 65-54.

Decided by 10 Points or Less
Most Games Fewest Games
Austin 7 Columbus 0
Chicago 6 Philadelphia 2
Colorado 6 Los Angeles 3
Utah 6

PREDATORS GETTING DEFENSIVE
After giving up a franchise record 87 points to Dallas two weeks ago, the Predators defense has posted back-to-back games of holding an opponent to under 40 points. The 27 points allowed against Chicago was the lowest of the season; while the 37 points given up to Austin was the fourth lowest total of the 2006 campaign.

Fewest Points Allowed by Predators This Season
27 Chicago (4/2) W, 55-27
33 Philadelphia (2/11) W, 47-33
34 Los Angeles (3/5) W, 59-34
37 at Austin (3/25) W, 47-37

Predators Defense Points Allow PPG
First 8 Games 422 52.8
Last 2 games 64 32.0
Difference -20.8

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 4-1 mark this season, Orlando has won 15 of their last 18 home games (.833) and 87 of 121 home games (.719) 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 in both completion percentage and interceptions thrown over the last five games as the chart below indicates:

Games A-C-I Pct. Yards TD
1-5 180-109-9 60.6 1337 21
6-10 123-93-3 75.6 1099 22

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.

HAMILTON THREE SHORT OF HAMILTON
QB Joe Hamilton now has 22 career rushing touchdowns and has moved to within three rushing touchdowns of Rick Hamilton for second place on the all-time Predators list. Joe Hamilton now has seven rushing touchdowns this season, just one short of his career high of eight. Sunday against Columbus, Hamilton rushed for a season-high 40 yards on five carries.
Predators All-Time Rushing Touchdowns
Player Seasons Rush TD
Barry Wagner 8 69
Rick Hamilton 5 25
Joe Hamilton 2+ 22*
Connell Maynor 7 18
Tommy Dorsey 5 17
Michael McClenton 2 16
*Through 11 games

PREDS OFFENSE STEPS UP
During the past five weeks, Orlando's offense has been clicking -- scoring 280 points for a 56.0 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 +10.4 points per game.

PREDS SET RECORD
The Orlando Predators set a team record last Sunday as seven different Predators players scored touchdowns in Orlando's 55-37 win over Chicago. All five wide receivers (Jimmy Fryzel, DeAndrew Rubin, Javarus Dudley, Jerrian James and Khalil Carter) caught touchdowns for the Predators, while quarterback Joe Hamilton (2) and fullback Marlon Moye-Moore (1) added rushing touchdowns. The number could have easily been eight different players, but fullback Kevin Nagle was stopped inches short of the goal on a third-down play late in the fourth quarter and Jake Eaton was stuffed on a quarterback sneak on fourth down.

GRUDEN DESCRIBES WIN AS "NEAR PERFECT" EFFORT
Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden described last Sunday's effort against the Chicago as a "near perfect" effort by his offense and defense. Offensively, the Predators scored touchdowns on their first eight possessions before starting quarterback Joe Hamilton was lifted at the 11:03 mark of the fourth quarter. Hamilton was a solid 14 of 19 for 177 yards, 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Predators ground game was also working well, as the team rushed for 89 yards on 22 carries (4.0 average) and scored two touchdowns. Defensively, the Predators forced Chicago to give up the ball on downs a season-high four times, recovered one fumble and forced Chicago to attempt two field goals for a total of seven defensive stops. Gruden praised the play of Hamilton and his team. "He was not only accurate but made some great decisions," Gruden said. "Usually when you beat a good team by four touchdowns, you have to have a lot breaks go your way as far as turnovers. That didn't happen today. Our offense simply executed our game plan and our defense shut down almost everything Chicago tried."

PREDS RUSH FOR 89; MOVE INTO SECOND IN LEAGUE RUSHING
With 89 yards against Chicago last week, the Orlando Predators upped their season rushing total to 340 yards in 10 games. The total vaulted them to second place in league rushing, trailing just the Las Vegas Gladiators. But the ability to "run the rock" has not been an unusual occurrence for the Predators. Since joining the league in 1991, the Predators have finished in the top three in rushing 11 times, including the last three years running (2003-2005).

2006 AFL Rushing Leaders
Team RushY/G Yds
Las Vegas 37.4 374
Orlando 34.0 340
Austin 31.9 319
Philadelphia 29.0 290
Nashville 26.2 262

Predators League Rankings in Rushing
Year Yards Per Game TD Rank
2006* 374 34.7 25 2nd
2005 528 33.0 35 2nd
2004 606 37.9 29 1st
2003 367 22.9 25 3rd
2002 215 15.4 16 11th
2001 194 14.1 14 15th
2000 551 36.8 24 2nd
1999 430 30.7 12 2nd
1998 433 35.7 18 3rd
1997 655 46.8 27 1st
1996 606 42.9 37 2nd
1995 406 35.8 26 3rd
1994 503 45.6 24 2nd
1993 447 37.2 15 3rd
1992 413 41.3 12 4th
1991 303 30.3 14 6th
*Through 10 games

JEROID JOHNSON CLOSES IN ON BARBER
With two pass break-ups against Chicago last week, Jeroid Johnson now has 21 (excludes interceptions) for the season. The total ties Durwood Roquemore (1993) and Kenny McEntyre (2001 and 2002) the third highest single season total in Orlando Predators history. Chris Barber holds the all-time record of 26 pass defenses, set in the 1997 season. Here is where Johnson stacks up on the Predators all-time list in this category:

Player Year PD
Chris Barber 1997 26
Chris Barber 1998 22
Jeroid Johnson 2006 21*
Kenny McEntyre 2002 21
Kenny McEntyre 2001 21
Durwood Roquemore 1993 21
Damon Mason 2001 20
Kenny McEntyre 2003 19
*Through 10 games

GRUDEN SIXTH FASTEST TO 70 WINS, CLOSING IN ON GREGORY
Now in his seventh season as head coach and director of football operations, Jay Gruden picked up his 70th win as an Arena Football head coach last Sunday against Chicago. Gruden is now just three wins behind John Gregory (73-57 in 10 seasons) for eighth place on the all-time AFL win list. It took Gruden 111 games to hit 70 wins, the sixth fastest coach to 70 wins in AFL history.

Fastest to 70 Coaching Wins
Coach Season Game
Tim Marcum 8th 84
Perry Moss 8th 96
Danny White 8th 103
Darren Arbet 7th 104
John Gregory 7th 110
Jay Gruden 7th 111
Mike Dailey 8th 119
Mike Trigg 10th 136
Mike Hohensee 10th 138

Most Coaching Wins
Coach Seasons Wins
Tim Marcum 18 179*
Danny White 14 144*
Mike Hohensee 13 99*
Mike Dailey 10 95*
Perry Moss 9 86
Darren Arbet 8 85*
Michael Trigg 12 80
John Gregory 10 73
Jay Gruden 7 70*
Todd Shell 7 54
Pat Sperduto 5 45*
Vito Parilli 9 43
Ed Hodgkiss 5 41*
*Active Coach

FRYZEL TD IN 12 STRAIGHT
With five catches for 70 yards and one touchdown, Jimmy Fryzel has now caught at least one touchdown pass in 12 consecutive games (including playoffs) for the Predators. Fryzel last failed to catch a touchdown pass in a game he played in was 4/22/05 against the Georgia Force, when he caught 7 passes for 101 yards but left the game in the second half with fractured ribs. For his career, Fryzel has caught at least one touchdown pass in 15 of 16 career games played.

HAMILTON MOVES PAST BENNETT
With 177 passing yards against Chicago, quarterback Joe Hamilton has now thrown for 8,598 yards in less than three seasons with the Predators. The total moves him past Ben Bennett (8,469 yards) for second place on the all-time Orlando Predators passing list. Hamilton needs average 180 yards per game over the remainder of the regular season to pass Pat O'Hara (9,676) for first place on the all-time Orlando Predators list.

All-Time Orlando Passing Yards
Name Seasons Yards
Pat O'Hara 5 9,676
Joe Hamilton 2+ 8,598
Ben Bennett 5 8,469
Jay Gruden 2 5,955
Connell Maynor 7 4,737

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
The Orlando Predators are scheduled to practice on McCracken Field (adjacent to Tinker Field) this week. The schedule:

Tuesday McCracken Field 9:30-11:30
Wednesday McCracken Field 9:30-11:30
Thursday McCracken Field 9:30-11:30
Friday McCracken Field 9:30-11:30
Saturday TBA-Ohio TBA

2006 AFL STANDINGS
AMERICAN CENTRAL
Team W L T Pct
---- - - - ---
COLORADO............ 7 3 0 .700
NASHVILLE........... 6 4 0 .600
CHICAGO............. 4 6 0 .400
GRAND RAPIDS........ 3 7 0 .300

AMERICAN WESTERN
Team W L T Pct
---- - - - ---
ARIZONA............. 5 5 0 .500
LAS VEGAS........... 5 5 0 .500
SAN JOSE............ 4 6 0 .400
UTAH................ 3 7 0 .300
LOS ANGELES......... 3 7 0 .300

NATIONAL EASTERN
Team W L T Pct
---- - - - ---
DALLAS.............. 8 2 0 .800
NEW YORK............ 6 4 0 .600
COLUMBUS............ 5 5 0 .500
PHILADELPHIA........ 5 5 0 .500

NATIONAL SOUTHERN
Team W L T Pct
---- - - - ---
AUSTIN.............. 7 3 0 .700
TAMPA BAY........... 6 4 0 .600
GEORGIA............. 6 4 0 .600
ORLANDO............. 6 4 0 .600
KANSAS CITY......... 1 9 0 .100

WEEK 11 SCHEDULE
================
SAN JOSE at TAMPA BAY
ARIZONA at UTAH
COLORADO at GRAND RAPID
DALLAS at NEW YORK
CHICAGO at PHILADELPHIA
LOS ANGELES at KANSAS CITY
ORLANDO at COLUMBUS
NASHVILLE at LAS VEGAS
GEORGIA at AUSTIN

2006 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.

3/29 Placed FB/LB Idris Price on injured reserve. Activated FB/LB Kevin Nagle 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)
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)
10 Chicago Ironman: Jerrian James (O)Offensive: Joe Hamilton (O)Defensive: Henry Taylor (O)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 4, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Orlando Predators Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central