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Orlando Predators game notes

April 12, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME BOX
Georgia Force (7-4) at Orlando Predators (7-4)
Date: Friday, April 14, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 7:30 p.m. (EDT)
Site: Hummer Field*TD Waterhouse Centre (13,692)
Tickets: About 2,500 tickets remain, $10-$53, Call
407-44-PREDS for tickets and information
Officials: Referee: David Lambros
Umpire: Al Granado; Head Linesman: Bill Ward;
Line Judge: Brain Matthews; Back Judge: Joe Duncan
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson)
TV: Sun Sports (10 p.m.-Tape Delay), Whit Watson, James
Bates, Steve Babik
Series Streak: Georgia has won two in a row
Series Record: Georgia leads all-time series, 3-7
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 71-41, .634);
Georgia: Doug Plank (2nd Season, 20-10, .667)

PREDS REAL SEASON BEGINS THIS WEEK
Although the Orlando Predators have played some big games to date, the fact remains that the last five games of the regular season will determine the team's fate in 2006, as the Predators take on four division rivals and defending Arena Football League champion Colorado to conclude the regular season schedule.

The stretch drive begins this Friday, when the Predators (7-4) face nemesis Georgia (7-4) in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Hummer Field. It will be a rematch of the Jan. 28 season opening game, which the Predators lost 48-31 -- a game that head coach Jay Gruden says will have little bearing on Friday's outcome. "I think we're a much different team then we were at the beginning of the season and they probably feel same."

For fans unable to make it to Hummer Field on Friday, the game can be heard live on WQTM 740 AM with Tom Morgan and Dan Pearson on the call; the game is also being shown to 6.3 million cable homes on a tape delay basis (10 a.m.) on Sun Sports Network with Whit Whitson calling play-by-play, James Bate on color commentary and Steve Babik providing sideline features. Tickets remain available by calling 407-44-PREDS, with prices ranging from $10-$53.

Orlando Predators (7-4-0) *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 W 39-36
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.

Georgia Force (7-4-0) *All-times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 28 ORLANDO W 48-31
Feb. 5 COLORADO L 59-61
Feb. 10 At Tampa Bay L 60-61
Feb. 17 At Las Vegas W 54-34
Feb. 24 KANSAS CITY W 51-19
Mar. 4 AUSTIN L 52-53
Mar. 10 At Columbus W 68-50
Mar. 17 At San Jose L 55-56
Mar. 26 TAMPA BAY W 61-51
Apr. 1 At Kansas City W 55-47
Apr. 8 At Austin W 61-29
Apr. 14 At Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 22 DALLAS 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 29 CHICAGO 7 p.m.
May 6 At New York 7 p.m.
May 13 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m.
Front Page Quote
"We have to play a lot better on offense this week to beat an outstanding Georgia team. What happened last week (just six second half points) is unacceptable. Georgia has the best wide receiver in the game in Chris Jackson and we are going to have to put points on the board to stay with them."

--Predators 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 71-41 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 165-71 (.699). 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 71-41 .634
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

Force Head Coach Doug Plank
After guiding the Arizona Rattlers to three consecutive appearances in the ArenaBowl as that team's defensive coordinator, former NFL star Doug Plank is in his second season as Head Coach of the Georgia Force.

In his first year, Plank led the Force all the way to ArenaBowl XIX, where they lost a heartbreaking decision to the Colorado Crush. Along the way, Georgia finished 13-6 and Plank was named "AFL Coach of the Year."

Under Plank, the Force are 7-4 this season, including an impressive 48-31 win over the Predators in the 2006 season opener. Overall, he owns a stellar 20-10 record as an AFL head coach, one of the top winning percentages all-time. Prior to becoming an assistant coach for the Rattlers, Plank served as a color commentator on both radio and television for the Rattlers.

Gruden vs. Plank
(Plank Leads 3-1)
Mar. 19, 2005 (A) 47 49
Apr. 22, 2005 (H) 52 49
June 4, 2005 (A) 58 60^
Jan. 28, 2006 (A) 31 48

Series History and Notes
Georgia Force (3-6)
Date ORL OPP
Apr. 20, 2002 (A) 49 67
July 13, 2002 (H) 40 41
Mar. 23, 2003 (H) 36 38
Apr. 16, 2003 (A) 38 27
Mar. 12, 2004 (H) 44 52
Apr. 18., 2004 (A) 30 7
Mar. 19, 2005 (A) 47 49
Apr. 22, 2005 (H) 52 49
June 4, 2005 (A) 58 60^
Jan. 28, 2006 (A) 31 48
^AFL Semifinals

SERIES HISTORY AND NOTES:
*This week's game marks the 11th game ever between the
Predators and Georgia, with the Force holding a 7-3 all-time series lead.

*Five the games have been decided by three points or less, including a 60-58 win by the Force last year in the AFL semifinals that sent Georgia to ArenaBowl XIX.

*Earlier this season, Georgia defeated the Predators 48-31, but that game was much closer than the final score indicated. In fact, the Predators took a 31-27 lead at the 7:45 mark of the fourth quarter on a Joe Hamilton touchdown pass to DeAndrew Rubin. On Georgia's next possession, the Predators had the Force in a 4th and 10 situation, but Matt Nagy found Chris Jackson on a 19-yard touchdown pass to re-take the lead at 34-31. On Orlando's next possession, Nate Coggins appeared to pull down Jimmy Fryzel on a pass play - but no penalty was called as Coggins intercepted the pass and ran 18-yards for a touchdown to seal the win at the 35 second mark. Nick Ward tacked on a meaningless touchdown on an interception 20 seconds later.

*After being sold to Virgil Williams and moved from
Nashville after the 2001 season, the team became known as
the Georgia Force and elected not to assume the records of
the Nashville Kats...the team played in the Phillips Arena in
downtown Atlanta in 2002, moved to Gwinnett Center in
Duluth, GA for the 2003-2004 seasons, and then moved
back to the Philips Arena prior to the 2005 season when
Arthur Blank - CEO and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and
co-founder of Home Depot - purchased the team.

*Five of the previous nine games were decided by eight
points or less.

*The Predators allowed just seven points to the Force in a
2004 game - one of the top 10 defensive games in AFL
history for points allowed.

*Preds Head Coach Jay Gruden had nearly 1,000 passing
yards (996) in three games against the Force (2002-03).
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: 7-4-0
National Conference Record: 5-3-0
Against American Conference: 2-1-0
Southern Division Record: 3-1-0
At Hummer Field: 4-1-0
On the road: 3-3-0
When scoring first: 6-3-0
When other Team Scores First: 1-1-0
When leading after one quarter: 4-2-0
When trailing after one quarter: 1-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 2-1-0
When leading at the Half: 6-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 1-4-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 7-0-0
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: 3-1-0
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: 4-2-0
All-Time Home Record: 87-34-0
All-Time Road Record: 72-51-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 14
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS

ORLANDO SELLS RECORD NUMBER OF SEASON TICKETS/RENEWAL PERIOD BEGINS THIS WEEK
With four-game package season tickets still being sold, Orlando Predators President Brett Bouchy announced that season ticket sales have reached record numbers. As of last Friday, the team has sold 11,151 individual and corporate season tickets. The team will begin renewing those tickets for the 2007 season beginning this week at the Georgia game. Fans who renew their seats before May 31, will receive several benefits including a limited edition Orlando Predators cap (one cap for every two tickets in the account), no price increase for 2007 and preferential treatment in seating upgrades.

PREDATORS GETTING DEFENSIVE
After giving up a franchise record 87 points to Dallas two weeks ago, the Predators defense has posted back-to-back-to-back games of holding an opponent to under 40 points. The 36 points allowed against Columbus was the fourth lowest of the season.

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
36 at Columbus (4/9) W, 39-36
37 at Austin (3/25) W, 47-37

Predators Defense Points Allow PPG
First 8 Games 422 52.8
Last 3 games 100 33.3
Difference -19.5

PREDATORS TOUGH AT HOME
Although Orlando's regular season eight-game winning streak was stopped three 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's statistics have improved greatly in both completion percentage and interceptions thrown over the last six games as the chart below indicates:

Games A-C-I Pct. Yards TD
1-5 180-109-9 60.6 1337 21
6-11 161-119-3 73.9 1327 25

MEDIA BOWL III SLATED FOR APRIL22
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 TWO SHORT OF HAMILTON
QB Joe Hamilton now has 23 career rushing touchdowns and has moved to within two rushing touchdowns of Rick Hamilton for second place on the all-time Predators list. Joe Hamilton now has eight rushing touchdowns this season, tying his career high. Sunday against Columbus, Hamilton rushed for a game-high 16 yards on six carries - scoring on a 13-yard run.
Predators All-Time Rushing Touchdowns
Player Seasons Rush TD
Barry Wagner 8 69
Rick Hamilton 5 25
Joe Hamilton 2+ 23
Connell Maynor 7 18
Tommy Dorsey 5 17
Michael McClenton 2 16
*Through 11 games

IT WASN'T A PRETTY SECOND HALF
Although Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden was pleased with last Sunday's road win, he was not happy with the performance of his offense in the second half. Leading 33-14 at the half and getting first possession on the third quarter, Gruden had every reason to believe that his team was in position to take total control of the game - especially with the ejection of Destroyers starting defensive specialists Cecil Doggette and Jerald Brown just prior to the half. Instead, the Predators offense struggled mightily, tacking on just two Jay Taylor field goals on the board as the Predators held on for a narrow 39-36 win. How bad were the Predators on offense? Consider it was the first time in 14 regular season games that the Predators have scored seven points or less in a half and still managed to win the game. It is interesting to note that twice in the post-season - a 1994 playoff game with Ft. Worth and a 1999 playoff game at Tampa Bay - the Predators scored less than eight points in a half and still managed to win both of those games. Against Ft. Worth, the Predators built up a huge lead at the half and then posted just seven second half points in a 34-13 win. In 1999, the Predators trailed top-seeded Tampa Bay 10-0 in the opening round of the playoffs, before trouncing the Storm 41-19. Overall, the Predators are 1-13 in regular season games when they scored seven or fewer points in a half; while posting a 2-0 record in the post season. Here is a listing:
Regular Season Games (1-13-0)
Year Opponent Points (Half) Result
1991 Tampa Bay 7 (2nd) L, 26-16
1991 Denver 6 (1st) L, 39-19
1993 Albany 7 (1st) L, 49-35
1995 San Jose 7 (1st) L, 52-47
1995 Tampa Bay 6 (2nd) L, 44-20
1999 Tampa Bay 6 (2nd) L, 47-28
2001 Florida 7 (2nd) L, 53-46
2001 Florida 6 (1st) L, 38-25
2001 Nashville 7 (1st) L, 50-25
2004 Chicago 7 (1st) L, 58-15
2003 Georgia 7 (1st) L, 49-67
2003 San Jose 7 (1st) L, 77-45
2005 Dallas 7 (2nd) L, 42-28
2006 Columbus 6 (2nd) W, 39-36

Post-Season Games (2-0)
Year Opponent Points (Half) Result
1994 Ft. Worth 7 (2nd) 34-13
1999 Tampa Bay 0 (1st Half) 41-19

PREDS CONTINUE TO RUN THE ROCK
With 38 net yards rushing against the Columbus Destroyers last week, the Orlando Predators continue to rank second in the league in rushing yardage, averaging 33.7 yards per game. But "running the rock" is nothing new to the Predators. In their previous 15 seasons in the Arena Football League, the Predators have finished in the top three in team rushing an astonishing 11 times.

2006 AFL Rushing Leaders
Team Rush Yards TD YPG
Las Vegas 116 406 24 36.9
Orlando 134 371 22 33.7
Austin 120 339 28 30.9

Predators League Rankings in Rushing
Year Yards Per Game TD Rank
2006* 371 33.7 22 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
JEROID JOHNSON INJURED, BUT CLOSING IN ON BARBER
Orlando Predators defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson missed the entire second half of last week's game with Columbus and is questionable for this week's game against Georgia after pulling a hamstring. Still, Johnson managed to bat down one pass and intercept another in the win. The pass defense now gives him 22 on the season - tying Chris Barber's 1998 total for second place on the all-time Orlando Predators single season list. Johnson needs four more pass breakups to tie Barber's 1997 club record of 26.

Player Year PD**
Chris Barber 1997 26
Chris Barber 1998 22
Jeroid Johnson 2006 22*
Kenny McEntyre 2002 21
Kenny McEntyre 2001 21
Durwood Roquemore 1993 21
Damon Mason 2001 20
Kenny McEntyre 2003 19
** Excludes Interceptions *Through 11 games

1st PLACE ON LINE FOR PREDATORS
If the Arena Football League playoffs were to start this weekend, the Orlando Predators (7-4-0) would find themselves hosting Tampa Bay (6-5-0) in a first round wildcard playoff game. But the Predators can substantially improve that playoff standing with a win over Georgia (7-4) this Friday night. A Predators victory would give Orlando possession of first place in the Southern Division, regardless of what Austin (7-4) does this week against Tampa Bay. The reason? Orlando holds the tie-breaker over Austin based on a head-to-head meeting earlier this year. The Reward? Division champions receive an automatic first round bye and home field advantage for the quarterfinals. Current playoff seedings:

National Conference Standings
X DALLAS 9-2
X GEORGIA 7-4
Orlando 7-4
Austin 7-4
Philadelphia 6-5
Tampa 6-5
New York 6-5 (loss head-to-head TB)
Columbus 5-6
Kansas City 2-9

X-Current Division Leaders

GRUDEN SIXTH FASTEST TO 70 WINS, CLOSING IN ON GREGORY FOR 8th PLACE
Now in his seventh season as head coach and director of football operations, Jay Gruden picked up his 71st win as an Arena Football head coach last Sunday against Columbus. Gruden is now just two wins behind John Gregory (73-57 in 10 seasons) for eighth place on the all-time AFL win list. Winning 70 of his first 111 games, Gruden was the sixth fastest 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 STREAK ENDS
When a third quarter touchdown strike from Joe Hamilton to Jimmy Fryzel in last week's game with the Columbus Destroyers was called back on a holding penalty, it marked the first time in 13 consecutive games played that Fryzel failed to catch at least one touchdown pass in a game. Fryzel has caught one TD pass in 15 of 17 regular season games played.

HAMILTON CLOSING IN ON O'HARA
After passing Ben Bennett on the Predators all-time passing list two weeks ago against Chicago, QB Joe Hamilton threw for 228 yards against Columbus last week and continues to close in on Pat O'Hara in his effort to become the most prolific passer in Orlando Predators history. In his seven-year career with the Predators, O'Hara threw for 9,676 yards. With is effort on Sunday, Hamilton now has 8,826 --- 850 yards shy of O'Hara's mark. Hamilton can become just the second quarterback in Predators history to reach 9,000 career passing yards with 174 yards this week against Georgia.

All-Time Orlando Passing Yards
Name Seasons Yards
Pat O'Hara 5 9,676
Joe Hamilton 2+ 8,826
Ben Bennett 5 8,469
Jay Gruden 2 5,955
Connell Maynor 7 4,737

HOW THEY STACK UP
Here is how Georgia and Orlando stack up to each other in the weekly Arena Football League stats of key offensive and defensive categories:

Category ORL GEOR
Scoring Offense 49.7 (10th) 56.7 (2nd)
Total Offense 277.3 (14th) 278.9 (12th)
Scoring Defense 47.5 (7th) 44.7 (3rd)
Total Defense 295.9 (14th) 293.8 (13th)
Rushing Offense 33.7 (2nd) 15.1 (13th)
Pass Rating Offense 127.0 (1st) 107.8 (9th)
Pass Rating Defense 110.1 (12th) 100.8 (5th)
Rushing Defense 17.8 (6th) 19.8 (8th)
Pass Offense 243.5 (13th) 263.8 (10th)
Pass Defense 278.1 (15th) 274.0 (10th)
FG Pct. 63.6 (4th) 50.0 (t-7th)
PAT Kick Pct. 90.8 (6th) 82.4 (16th)
KO Return Avg. 16.2 (t-12th) 17.1 (9th)
KO Coverage 18.8 (16th) 14.3 (1st)
Interceptions 10 (t-9th) 10 (t-9th)
Turnover Margin +3 (4th) +7 (3rd)
First Downs 217 (9th) 206 (13th)
3rd Down Con. % 47.1 (7th) 66.7 (1st)
4th Down Con. % 46.2 (12th) 41.7 (14th)
Def 3rd Down Con % 38.0 (2nd) 41.6 (5th)
Def 4th Down Con % 46.9 (10th) 40.9 (6th)
Sacks 14 (5th) 16 (t-2nd)
Sacks Allowed 6 (t-6th) 6 (t-6th)
Fewest Penalties 56-337 (1st) 86-493 (11th)

JAMES PICKS UP 3rd STRAIGHT IRONMAN
WR/LB Jerrian James picked up his third consecutive "Ironman of the Game" award for his play against Columbus last week. It was also James' fourth "Ironman of the Game" award for the season.
RUSHING DEFENSE NOT THAT BAD EITHER
While an earlier note talked about the Predators success rushing to ball, it is also interesting to note that Orlando ranks as the toughest team in the league to run against inside the red zone. To date, the Orlando Predators rank 6th in the league in rushing defense, allowing just 17.8 yards per game. But once a team gets inside the red zone, Orlando is even tougher. Through 11 games the Predators have allowed a league-low six rushing touchdowns and are the only team in the league that has not given up at least 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Here are the lists:

Few Rush TD Allow Most Rush TDs Allow
Orlando 6 Kansas City 28
Philadelphia 10 Arizona 24
Utah 11 Chicago 23
Colorado 13 Grand Rapids 22

PREDS HAVE FOUR ON PACE FOR 600; STATS MATCH WORLD CHAMPIONS OF 2000
For the first time in Orlando Predators history, the Predators have four different receivers on pace to catch 600+ yards of passes in a single regular season. Jimmy Fryzel (56-621) and Jerrian James (52-682) have already hit the mark; while Javarus Dudley (45-593) needs just seven yards to reach the mark. DeAndrew Rubin (32-413) is on pace to finish with 642 yards. The closest the Predators have ever come to having four receivers finish with 600+ yards each came in 2000, when Clif Dell (36-434) came up 166 yards short of joining Bret Cooper (55-881), Ty Law (55-769) and Joe Douglass (53-601) as members of the 600 club. It is interesting to note that no Predators receiver topped 1,000 yards during the 2000 campaign but the team still managed to capture a second world title that year by sharing the wealth among its wide receivers. At the current pace, the Predators also have three receivers on pace to finish with 900+ years each for the first time in franchise history. Here is the Predators "FAB Four" in 2006.

Player C/Yards Projected Finish
Fryzel 56-621 87-966
James 52-682 76-922
Dudley 45-593 73-963
Rubin 32-413 50-642

PREDS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT COIN TOSS
After starting the season 1-7 on the pre-game coin tosses, the Predators have now won three consecutive coin tosses to up their season record to 4-7 in the useless stat of the day category.

JAMES CLOSES IN ON 1,000
With 933 total kick return yards this season, Jerrian James needs just 67 total return yards to become just the 6th Predators player to reach the 1,000-yard mark in returns in a single season. James is on pace to finish with 1,358 return yards this season, which would rank 3rd on the all-time Orlando Predators single season list.

Player Year Ret/Yards
Siaha Burley 2001 70-1,570
Barry Wagner 1999 79-1,543
Barry Wagner 1998 69-1,356
Joe Douglass 2000 60-1,036
Travis McGriff 2003 65-1,031
Herkie Walls 1993 52-977
Jerrian James 2006 55-933*
Siaha Burley 2002 53-922

*Through 11 games

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 short practice week schedule:

Wednesday McCracken Field 9:30-11:30
Thursday McCracken Field 9:30-11:30


2006 AFL STANDINGS

Central Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp
---- - - - --- ---
COLORADO............ 8 3 0 618 582
NASHVILLE........... 7 4 0 557 558
CHICAGO............. 4 7 0 542 576
GRAND RAPIDS........ 3 8 0 506 597

Western Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp
---- - - - --- ---
ARIZONA............. 6 5 0 515 528
SAN JOSE............ 5 6 0 584 592
LAS VEGAS........... 5 6 0 556 577
UTAH................ 3 8 0 590 613

Eastern Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp
---- - - - --- ---
DALLAS.............. 9 2 0 628 491
NEW YORK............ 6 5 0 564 594
PHILADELPHIA........ 6 5 0 517 514
COLUMBUS............ 5 6 0 483 459

Southern Overall Points
Team W L T For Opp
---- - - - --- ---
GEORGIA............. 7 4 0 624 492
ORLANDO............. 7 4 0 547 522
AUSTIN.............. 7 4 0 540 514
TAMPA BAY........... 6 5 0 582 591
KANSAS CITY......... 2 9 0 459 559

This Week's Games
New York at Columbus (Fri.)
Georgia at Orlando (Fri.)
Philadelphia at Nashville (Fri.)
Las Vegas at San Jose (Fri.)
Tampa Bay at Austin (Sat.)
Grand Rapids at Dallas (Sat.)
Los Angeles at Utah (Sat.)
Chicago at Arizona (Sat.)
Colorado at Kansas City (Sun.)

Last Week's Round-up
...Joe Hamilton threw for three touchdowns and ran for another and his Orlando Predators defense held an opponent to under 40 points for a third consecutive week as Orlando edged Columbus, 39-36

...in Texas, Matt Nagy threw for three touchdowns and his Force teammates scored three touchdowns on defense and special teams as Georgia routed Austin, 61-29

...John Dutton fired five touchdown pass - three to Damien Harrell - as Colorado pounded Grand Rapids, 73-48

...Dallas beat New York, 46-28, as Clint Dolezel fired touchdown passes to four different players and the Dallas defense held New York scoreless in the first half

...Kansas City won for just the second time this season, as the Brigade topped Los Angeles, 62-45...former Preds QB Chris Sanders was 26 of 32 for seven TDs in the win

...Nashville upset Las Vegas on the road, 58-44, the Kats had four rushing touchdowns, two by Frank Carter in the win

...Tampa Bay dropped a 52-43 decision to San Jose at home...six rushing touchdowns, an interception return and safety accounting for all SaberCat points as Mark Grieb does not throw a TD pass

...Veteran Sherdrick Bonner throws for 345 yards and eight touchdowns in Arizona's 64-52 win over Utah

...Philadelphia came away with a 56-55 overtime win over Chicago, as Eddie Moten intercepts a potential game-winning 2-point conversion on game's final play.

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)
11 Colum-bus Offensive: Javarus Dudley (O)Ironman: Jerrian James (O)Defensive: BJ Barrie (C)

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.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 12, 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.

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