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Orlando Predators game notes

April 25, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release


GAME BOX
Colorado Crush (9-4) at Orlando Predators (9-4)
Date: Sunday, April 30, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 6 p.m. (EDT)
Site: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO (18,093)
Tickets: Ticket Information 720-258-3477
Officials: Referee: Perry Havener; Umpire: Tom
Laverty; Head Linesman: Rusty Baynes; Line Judge: David Meslow; Back Judge: Barry Anderson
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson)
TV: Florida Sports Network (FSN): Tim Neverett, Howard Grififn, Dave Benz.
Series Streak: Orlando has won two in a row
Series Record: Orlando leads 2-0
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 73-41, .640);
Colorado: Mike Dailey (10th season, 97-62, .610)

ELITE TEAMS SQUARE OFF IN COLORADO
Two of Arena Football's elite teams will meet this Sunday when the Orlando Predators (9-4) travel to Denver to meet the defending league-champion Colorado Crush (9-4). It will be just the third meeting ever between the Predators and Crush, who joined the AFL as a 2003 expansion team.

The game has serious implications for the Predators, who have just a one-game lead over Austin in the Southern Division. The Predators have games left, playing at Colorado, at Kansas City and at home against Austin and are seeking their first division championship (and accompanying first round playoff bye) since 2002. Colorado has a little more breathing room, enjoying a two-game lead over Nashville (7-6) with three games remaining.

Still, the Predators are expecting a tough game against the Crush, who where upset last week by the Utah Blaze. "Colorado is the defending league champions and I am sure they are going to be treating this game like a playoff game," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "They have an outstanding defense and one of the most explosive wide receivers in the league in Damien Harrell. This is going to be a tremendous challenge for our team."

The Predators, who control their own destiny in the Southern Division, are currently on a five-game winning streak after dismantling Tampa Bay, 52-13, on Saturday night.
Orlando Predators (9-4-0) *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 W 57-41
Apr. 22 TAMPA BAY W 52-13
Apr. 28 At Colorado 6 p.m.
May 6 At Kansas City 8 p.m.
May 12 AUSTIN 7:30 p.m.

Colorado Crush (9-4-0) *All Times Eastern
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 29 CHICAGO W 65-56
Feb. 5 At Georgia W 61-59
Feb. 12 LAS VEGAS W 65-55
Feb. 18 At Nashville L 36-58
Feb. 26 At Philadelphia W 48-38
Mar. 5 GRAND RAPIDS W 66-54
Mar. 10 At Chicago W 49-42
Mar. 19 At Los Angeles L 57-60
Mar. 25 COLUMBUS L 21-65
Apr. 1 NASHVILLE W 77-47
Apr. 8 At Grand Rapids W 73-48
Apr. 16 At Kansas City W 55-49
Apr. 21 UTAH L 40-52
Apr. 30 ORLANDO 6 p.m.
May 6 At San Jose 10:30 p.m.
May 12 ARIZONA 9 p.m.

Front Page Quote
"Right now, it's all on our defense. Those guys have been playing great and they keep getting stops. They inspire us to score every time we have the ball because we feel we have to keep our end of the equation up."

--Predators QB Joe Hamilton on the Predators Defense
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 73-41-0 (including an 9-4 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 73-41 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 167-71 (.702). 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 73-41 .640
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684

COLORADO CRUSH HEAD COACH MIKE DAILEY
One of the most respected head coaches in the Arena
Football League, Mike Dailey is in his 10th season
as an AFL head coach and third season with the
Colorado Crush.

Daily holds the distinction of being one of the few
head coaches in AFL history to win championships
with two different teams, guiding the Albany Fire-
Birds to the title in 1999 and taking Crush to the
promised last season.

Only Tim Marcum (Denver, Detroit, Tampa Bay)
and Dailey have led more than one franchise to an
Arena Football League title. For his career, Dailey has
posted a 97-62 mark and has led his team to the
post-season seven of his previous nine years. He
is 88-58 in regular season games and holds a 9-5
mark in the post-season. Overall, Dailey's 97 wins
is the fourth best in Arena Football League history.

Gruden vs. Dailey (Series Tied 3-3-0)
1998 Albany 79, Orlando 70
1999 Orlando 45, Albany 38
Albany 59, Orlando 50 (ArenaBowl)
2000 Orlando 61, Albany 59
2001 Indiana 66, Orlando 50
2004 Orlando 39, Colorado 36

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 (3): DS Jeroid Johnson, WR/LB Clif Dell, WR/DB Charlie Davidson

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 Delanio
Taylor.

BY THE NUMBERS...ORLANDO PREDATORS
2006 Overall Record: 9-4-0
National Conference Record: 7-3-0
Against American Conference: 2-1-0
Southern Division Record: 5-1-0
At Hummer Field: 6-1-0
On the road: 3-3-0
When scoring first: 8-3-0
When other Team Scores First: 1-1-0
When leading after one quarter: 5-2-0
When trailing after one quarter: 1-1-0
When tied after one quarter: 3-1-0
When leading at the Half: 7-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 2-4-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 8-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 1-4-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0-0
Overtime Games: 1-0-0
When Winning the Coin Toss: 4-1-0
When Losing the Coin Toss: 5-3-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 0-0-0
Friday: 2-1-0
Saturday: 3-1-0
Sunday: 4-2-0
All-Time Home Record: 89-34-0
All-Time Road Record: 72-51-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 15
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 14

PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TRENDS

FIVE GAME WINNING STREAK LED BY HAMILTON
One only needs to look at the play of quarterback Joe Hamilton to explain the Predators current five game winning streak. During the 5-0 run, Hamilton has completed 102 of 141 passes (72.3%) for 1,215 yards, 21 touchdowns and no interceptions. Hamilton has helped his own cause with his feet, rushing for 78 yards and three additional scores as Orlando has outscored their opponents, 250-154 during the run.

PREDS RECORD 32nd HARD SELLOUT; ADD RECORD SETTING NIGHT VS. TAMPA BAY
With 15,920 tickets sold, the Orlando Predators recorded their 32nd hard sellout in franchise history and their first since ArenaBowl XIV in 2000. It was also the fifth largest crowd in Predators history. The team sold the last remaining tickets approximately 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Orlando currently covers several view-restricted upper bowl sections and considers 13,692 to be a "soft-sellout." When demand dictates it, the team will uncover and sell those sections, making 15,920 the new capacity. For seven home games, the Predators are averaging 13,822 fans, 100.9% of the "soft-sellout" capacity of 13,692.

On the field, the Predators also made some history by dismantling arch-rival Tampa Bay, 52-13. The 13 points allowed was not only the fewest points scored in the series, but was also the fewest points ever scored by Tampa Bay's franchise. The 39-point loss was also the largest margin of defeat ever suffered by the Storm. "I felt good about our chances to win the game, but I never expected it to be that easy," Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. They had an off-night and the four defensive stops in the first half really took them out of their game plan."

Predators Home Attendance 2006 (6-1-0)
Game Attendance Capacity % capacity
Kansas City 13,502 13,692 98.6
Philadelphia 14,381 13,692 105.1
Los Angeles 12,839 13,692 93.7
Dallas 12,630 13,692 92.2
Chicago 13,111 13,692 95.8
Georgia 14,371 13,692 104.9
Tampa Bay 15,920 13,692 116.2
Totals 13,822 13,692 100.9%

Largest Preds Home Crowds
June 27, 1997 16,529 vs. Tampa Bay
July 19. 1996 16,236 vs. Tampa Bay
May 11, 1996 16,116 vs. Florida
May 31, 1998 16,010 vs. Florida
Aug. 20, 2000 15,989 vs. Nashville
Apr. 22, 2006 15,920 vs. Tampa Bay

PREDATORS GETTING DEFENSIVE; WINNING STREAK NOW STANDS AT FIVE
After giving up a franchise record 87 points to Dallas on March 19, the Predators defense has given up just 154 points in the last five games, an average of just 30.8 points per game. The Predators have moved up to third in scoring defense after languishing near the bottom fourth of the league during the first eight games of the seasons. During the last five games, the Predators 154 points allowed has been fewest in the Arena Football League. During the last five weeks, the Predators have recorded a 5-0 mark, the longest current winning streak in the Arena Football League and the longest since the team won six in a row to end the 2003 season. The five wins in a row ties as the 9th longest regular season winning streak in Predators history. The longest regular season winning streak in Predators history was 12, as the team won the nine regular season games of 1992 and the first three of 1993.

Fewest Points Allowed Last Four Games
154, Orlando Predators (5-0)
197, Dallas Desperados (4-1)
216, Columbus Destroyers (2-3)
236, New York Dragons (4-1)
228, Philadelphia Soul (3-2)
246, Georgia Force (3-2)

Fewest Points Allowed by Predators This Season
13 Tampa Bay (4/22) W, 52-13*
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
41 Georgia (4/14) W, 57-41*
*Occurred During Current Winning Streak

Predators Defense Points Allow PPG
First 8 Games 422 52.8
Last 4 games 154 30.8
Difference -22.0

Longest Regular Season Winning Streaks
In Preds History
12 Last 9 of 1992, First 3 of 1993
11 1994 Season
8 Last game 1999, First 7 of 2000
7 1993 Season
7 Last game 2002, First Six of 2003
7 Last four of 2003, first three of 2004
6 2003 Season
6 2001 Season
5 2006-Current
5 1997 Season
5 Last four of 1996, First Game of 1997
4 1995 Season
4 Last Game 1997, First three games of 1998
2006 Scoring Defense
Columbus 43.7
Dallas 44.2
Orlando 44.3
Philadelphia 45.6
Georgia 47.0

PREDATORS TOUGH AT HOME
With three straight home wins, Hummer Field and the TD Waterhouse Centre remains one of the toughest places in the Arena Football League for visiting teams to win. Counting a 6-1 (.857) mark this season, Orlando has won 18 of their last 20 home games (.900) and 89 of 123 home games (.724) since joining the Arena Football League in 1991. The Predators have the best record at home this season; while the Dallas Desperados (7-0) have the best record away from home.

2006 Best Records
Home Away
Orlando 6-1 Dallas 7-0
Nashville 5-2 Austin 5-2
Austin 5-2 Colorado 5-2
Colorado 4-2 New York 5-2
Dallas 4-2

HAMILTON KEEPS HOT HAND
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 eight games as the chart below indicates:

Games A-C-I Pct. Yards TD
1-5 180-109-9 60.6 1337 21
6-13 212-158-3 74.5 1881 34

PREDS MOVE WINNING SEASON STRING TO 15, LOOK TO ADD TO PLAYOFF MARK
With Saturday's win over Tampa Bay, the Orlando Predators extended one of the most impressive streaks in Arena Football League history. Now 9-4 on the season, the Predators have ensured that they will finish their season with an overall winning record for an AFL record 15th consecutive season. The team has posted winning regular season records in 13 of their last 15 seasons, finishing at 7-7 in 1999 and 2002. In both of those .500 seasons, the Predators won a pair of playoff games to finish the campaigns with overall winning seasons. The Predators can guarantee themselves a playoff spot with one win in their final three regular season games. But with a current five-game winning streak, the team has their sites set on winning the Southern Division and gaining that coveted first-round bye. Here are the lists for consecutive playoff appearances, consecutive winning seasons, and consecutive seasons with a .500 or better record:

Consecutive Playoff Appearances
Team Streak Years
Tampa Bay 15 1991-2005*
Orlando 14 1992-2005*
Arizona 12 1992-2004
San Jose 6 2000-2005*
Albany 6 1991-1996
Detroit 6 1988-1993

Consecutive Overall Winning Seasons
Team Streak Seasons
Orlando 15 1992-2006*
Arizona 12 1992-2004
Tampa Bay 10 1992-2001

Consecutive Seasons with .500+ Records
Team Streak Seasons
Orlando 15 1992-2006*
Arizona 12 1992-2004
Tampa Bay 10 1991-2001
*Streak currently active

HAMILTON REMAINS 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. He just missed picking up his ninth rushing touchdown of the season against Tampa Bay, being tripped up on a 1-yard line after 15-yard run in the second quarter.
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

KEEPING UP WITH THE TAYLORS
Jay Taylor Has Six in a Row
Although he has struggled on extra points the last few weeks, Jay Gruden continues to excel in field goals. With a 22-yard conversion last week against Tampa Bay, Taylor has now connected on six consecutive attempts and nine of his last 10 tries. For the season, Taylor is 14 of 21 (66.7%), with three of his seven misses coming from outside of 47 yards. For his career, Taylor has now booted 35 of 54 career attempts. His 64.8% career accuracy on field goal attempts is an Orlando Predators record and would also be an Arena Football League record if he had the required number of minimum attempts (75) to qualify in that category.

Henry Taylor Climbs Up Sack List
With 7.5 quarterback sacks this season, Henry Taylor has now moved up to 5th place on the Predators all-time list for single season quarterback sacks. Taylor moved past Jermaine Smith (7-2004) for sole possession of fifth place last week with a sack against the Georgia Force. He would need to record three quarterback sacks in the final three regular season game to pass EJ Burt (2003) and Rupert Grant (2004) for first place on the Predators all-time list at 9.5.
Predators Single Season Sack Leaders
Rupert Grant 2004 9.5
EJ Burt 2003 9.5
EJ Burt 2005 8.5
Jerry Odom 1992 8.0
Henry Taylor 2005 7.5*
Jermaine Smith 2004 7.0
BJ Cohen 2000 6.5
EJ Burt 2004 6.5
Victor Hall 1994 6.0
Paul McGowan 1994 6.0

PREDS CONTINUE TO RUN THE ROCK
With 40 net rushing yards against the Tampa Bay Storm, the Orlando Predators continue to be one of the top rushing teams in terms of both yards per game and rushing touchdowns. At 33.6 yards per game. This should come as no surprise as Orlando has finished in the top three in rushing in 11 of 14 AFL seasons.
2006 AFL Rushing Leaders
Team Rush Yards Avg./Game
Las Vegas 473 36.4
Orlando 437 33.6
Nashville 405 31.2
Philadelphia 376 28.9

Predators League Rankings in Rushing
Year Yards Per Game TD Rank
2006* 437 33.6 26 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 13 Games

1st PLACE ON LINE FOR PREDATORS
If the Arena Football League playoffs were to start this weekend, the Orlando Predators (9-4-0) would find themselves with a first round bye as Southern Division champions. Still the Predators have little breathing room, as Austin (8-5-0) is in second place, just one game behind the Predators (the teams meet in Orlando in the season finale). In addition, the Predators still need at least one win in their final three regular season games to clinch a playoff spot. Here is the current National Conference Standings, along with key games this week.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
y-DAL 11-2
ORL 9-4
NYD 8-5 (win head-to-head vs. AUS)
AUS 8-5
GEO 7-6 (win common opponents vs. PHI)
PHI 7-6
--------------------
TAM 6-7 (win common opponents vs. CLB)
CLB 6-7
KC 3-10

Key Games This Week With Major
Conference Implications
Orlando at Colorado
Columbus at Austin
Philadelphia at New York

GRUDEN SIXTH FASTEST TO 70 WINS, TIES GREGORY FOR 8th PLACE
Now in his seventh season as head coach and director of football operations, Jay Gruden picked up his 73rd win as an Arena Football head coach last Saturday against Georgia - tying former Iowa/New York coach John Gregory for eighth place on the all-time Arena Football League (Gregory was 73-57 in 10 seasons). In winning 70 of his first 111 games, Gruden was the sixth fastest to 70 wins in AFL history. Both Gruden and his coaching opponent in this week's game (Colorado's Mike Dailey) are ranked in the top 10 in quickest to 70 coaching wins, and top 10 overall coaching wins in Arena Football League history. In addition, Gruden (with Orlando in 1998, 2000) and Dailey (Albany in 1999 and Colorado in 2005) are in the elite category of coaches with two or more ArenaBowl coaching wins, joining Darren Arbet, Danny White, and Tim Marcum in that select list. Marcum leads all coaches with seven titles, the others have won two each.

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 14 146*
Mike Hohensee 13 100*
Mike Dailey 10 96*
Perry Moss 9 86
Darren Arbet 8 87*
Michael Trigg 12 80
John Gregory 10 73
Jay Gruden 7 73*
Todd Shell 7 54
Pat Sperduto 5 46*
Vito Parilli 9 43
Ed Hodgkiss 5 41*
*Active Coach

HAMILTON CLOSING IN ON O'HARA
After passing Ben Bennett on the Predators all-time passing list three weeks ago against Chicago, QB Joe Hamilton threw for 216 yards against Tampa Bay 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 Saturday, Hamilton now has 9,381 --- 295 yards shy of O'Hara's mark. Hamilton is just the second quarterback in Predators history to reach 9,000 career passing yards.

All-Time Orlando Passing Yards
Name Seasons Yards
Pat O'Hara 5 9,676
Joe Hamilton 2+ 9,381
Ben Bennett 5 8,469
Jay Gruden 2 5,955
Connell Maynor 7 4,737

HAMILTON ON NEAR-ECORD TOUCHDOWN PACE
In addition to pursuing the Predators career passing mark, QB Joe Hamilton is on pace to shatter the single season record for passing yards and is close to a record breaking pace for single season touchdowns. To date, Hamilton has thrown for 3,230 yards and is on pace to throw for 3,975 yards. If he manages to maintain that pace, he will break Jay Gruden's single season mark of 3,621 yards set in 2002. Hamilton currently has 55 touchdown passes on the season. At his current pace, he would finish with 68 touchdown passes, and would tie Jay Gruden's 2002 record of 68. Here are the numbers:

Single Season Passing Yards
Name Years Yards Projected
Jay Gruden 2004 3,621
Pat O'Hara 1998 3,335
Joe Hamilton 2006 3,230 3,975*
Joe Hamilton 2004 3,187
Connell Maynor 2000 3,167
Craig Whelihan 2001 3,004
Joe Hamilton 2004 2,966
Pat O'Hara 1996 2934

Single Season TD Passes
Name Year TD Projected
Jay Gruden 2002 68
Pat O'Hara 1998 67
Joe Hamilton 2004 67
Craig Whelihan 2001 60
Joe Hamilton 2005 60
Connell Maynor 2000 54
Joe Hamilton 2006 55 68*
Ben Bennett 1993 50

PREDS TOPS IN LEAGUE IN RED ZONE DEFENSE
When defined as the fewest percentage of touchdowns allowed, the Orlando Predators rank first in the league in Red Zone defense, allowing opponents touchdowns on just 56.9% of their possessions once they cross the Predators 10-yard line. On 58 possessions inside the Predators 10-yard line, opponents have walked away with touchdowns just 33 times for a 56.9% success rate. Orlando also ranks first in the league on 3rd down defensive efficiency, allowing first downs just 35.2% of the time. Tampa Bay was a combined 0 for 9 on third and fourth downs last week.

DUDLEY ON PACE FOR 1,000 RECEIVING YARDS
With 800 receiving yards in just 10 games, Orlando Predators rookie Javarus Dudley is on pace to finish the season with 1,040 receiving yards. That total would rank as the fourth highest among Orlando Predators rookies. Dudley, out of Fordham University, has made an immediate impact in his first season with the Predators. Dudley has 24 receptions for 295 yards and has scored six touchdowns (5 receiving, 1 rushing) in his last three games.

Predators Most Rookie Receiving Yards
Travis McGriff 2003 1216
Jimmy Fryzel 2005 1159
Siaha Burley 2001 1135
Barry Wagner 1992 859
Robert Gordon 1998 855
Javarus Dudley 2006 800 (10 games)
Herkie Walls 1991 783
Thabiti Davis 2003 759

HOW THEY STACK UP
Here is how Colorado and Orlando stack up in weekly Arena Football League stats

Category ORL Colorado
Scoring Offense 50.5 (t-9th) 54.8 (4th)
Total Offense 283.8 (9th) 310.7 (3rd)
Scoring Defense 44.3 (3rd) 52.5 (10th)
Point Differential 6.15 (3rd) 2.31 (4th)
Total Defense 288.6 (12th) 265.4 (3rd)
Rushing Offense 33.6 (2nd) 15.9 (10th)
Pass Rating Offense 111.3 (8th) 113.0 (7th)
Rushing Defense 16.0 (3rd) 20.6 (10th)
Pass Rating Defense 109.8 (11th) 113.7 (15th)
Pass Offense 251. (13th) 266.8 (8th)
Pass Defense 272.6 (13th) 244.8 (3rd)
Pass Completion Pct. 66.1 (4th) 63.8 (9th)
FG Pct. 66.7 (2nd) 58.3 (3rd)
PAT Kick Pct. 89.0 (7th) 90.6 (6th)
MFG Returns Avg. 12.5 (13th) 11.7 (14th)
KO Return Avg. 15.6 (17th) 18.1 (7th)
Interceptions 11 (t-9th) 14 (7th)
Turnover Margin +5 (t-3rd) -7 (16th)
First Downs 259 (9th) 271 (4th)
Opp. First Downs 228 (1st) 253(10th)
3rd Down Con. % 48.8 (7th) 54.5 (2nd)
4th Down Con. % 56,3 *4th) 58.8 (3rd)
Def 3rd Down Con % 35.2 (1st) 48.7 (11th)
Def 4th Down Con % 43.6 (6th) 52.6 (14th)
Sacks Recorded 17 (t-5th) 17 (t-5th)
Sacks Allowed 9 (6th) 8 (5th)
Fewest Penalties 71 (t-1st) 94 (t-9th)
Opponent Penalties 90 (12th) 93 (8th)
Kickoff Coverage 19.0 (15th) 17.8 (10th)
Red Zone Offense* 69.6 (12th) 77.9 (3rd)
Red Zone Defense* 56.9 (1st) 77.4 (16th)

*Based on touchdown pct.
PREDS LOOK FOR 10th WIN OF SEASON
At 9-6, the Orlando Predators are looking for their 10th win of the season this week against Colorado. Should they hit the 10-win plateau, it would mark the fourth consecutive time the Predators have won 10 or more games in a regular season and 8th time overall. Counting playoffs, the Predators have won 10 or more games nine times.

Most 10-Win Regular Seasons
Tampa Bay Storm 8
Orlando Predators 7
Arizona Rattlers 7
San Jose Sabercats 5
Albany 4
Iowa/New York 4

Most 10+ Win Seasons Overall (Inc. Playoffs)
Tampa Bay Storm 10
Orlando Predators 9
Arizona Rattlers 9
San Jose SaberCats 5

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 3rd in the league in rushing defense, allowing just 16.0 yards per game. But once a team gets inside the red zone, Orlando is even tougher. Through 13 games the Predators have allowed a league-low seven 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 7 Kansas City 30
Philadelphia 12 Georgia 26
Utah 14 Colorado 25
Columbus 14 Chicago 24
Dallas 17 Arizona 24

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 (67-803), Jerrian James (57-657) and Javarus Dudley (61-800) have already reached the mark; while DeAndrew Rubin (34-494) is on pace to finish with 629 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 67-803 1022
James 57-767 944
Dudley 61-800 1040
Rubin 39-494 629

FOUR WITH 40?
An addendum to the note above: if DeAndrew Rubin catches one pass in the final three games, it will mark the first time in Orlando Predators history that the team has had four different players catch 40 or more passes in a single season. The closest the Predators ever came to having four players with 40 catches came in the 2000 season, when Clif Dell (36) fell four receptions short of joining Bret Cooper (55), Ty Law (55) and Joe Douglass (53) with 40 or more catches.

K-MAC TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE!
In the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay last week, defensive specialist Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre stepped in front of a Shane Stafford screen pass and returned an interception three yards for a touchdown. The play marked the 17th time in McEntyre's illustrious career that the defensive specialist has scored a touchdown. The totals include 14 touchdowns in the regular season and 3 post-season touchdowns. McEntyre has scored the touchdowns in a variety of ways, including 12 interception returns for touchdowns, two fumble returns for touchdowns, a missed field goal return for touchdown and two on-sides kick returns for touchdowns. His 10 regular season interception returns for touchdowns are the most ever by a defensive specialist in league history. McEntyre is the league's all-time leader in interceptions for regular season (62) and all games (73).
PREDATORS PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday 9:30-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Wednesday 9:30-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Thursday 9:30-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Friday 9:30-11 a.m. Thunder Field
Saturday TBA TBA

NOTE: Times and locations are subject to CHANGE! Please call 407-489-5711 for daily updates.

2006 AFL STANDINGS

Eastern Record Pct. PF PA
Dallas 11-2-0 .846 745 575
New York 8-5-0 .615 698 712
Philadelphia 7-6-0 .538 611 593
Columbus 6-7-0 .462 586 568

Southern Record Pct. PF PA
Orlando 9-4-0 .692 656 576
Austin 8-5-0 .615 642 615
Georgia 7-6-0 .538 724 611
Tampa Bay 6-7-0 .462 654 703
Kansas City 3-10-0 .231 566 666

Central Record Pct. PF PA
Colorado 9-4-0 .692 713 683
Nashville 7-6-0 .538 716 710
Chicago 5-8-0 .385 651 684
Grand Rapids 4-9-0 .308 576 694

Western Record Pct. PF PA
Arizona 7-6-0 .538 618 615
San Jose 7-6-0 .538 716 710
Las Vegas 5-8-0 .385 662 713
Utah 5-8-0 .385 705 714
Los Angeles 3-10-0 .231 656 770

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

Last Week's Results
Grand Rapids 45, Arizona 42
San Jose 63, Austin 59
Chicago 67, Las Vegas 47
Dallas 62, Georgia 59
Colorado 46, Philadelphia 45
Kansas City 58, Nashville 52
Orlando 52, Arizona 13
New York 70, Los Angeles 61

Last Week's AFL Round-up

Peter Martinez booted a 36-yard field goal as time expired to give the Grand Rapids Rampage a 45-42 upset of the Arizona Rattlers...Sherdrick Bonner was 2 of 35 for 261 yards and 6 TDs in the loss; while Chad Salisbury was 22 of 45 for 266 yards and 5 TDs in the win.

Joe Hamilton tossed five touchdown passes, three to Jimmy Fryzel, to lead the Orlando Predators to a 52-13 rout of arch-rival Tampa Bay. It was the fewest points scored in the Storm's 16-year history and was also the widest margin of defeat (39 points) for Tampa Bay, which fell to 20-19 all-time against the Predators.

Mark Grieb hit James Roe on a 5-yard scoring pass with 17 seconds remaining to give San Jose a 63-59 win over Austin. San Jose overcame a 45-27 halftime deficit to move in a first place tie with Arizona (7-6) in the Western Division. Grieb finished with 313 yards, including 133 to Roe, who scored four touchdowns.

Dallas beat Georgia 62-59, using a 28-7 run in the third quarter for the win. Terrill Shaw has 11 receptions for 183 yards and three touchdowns, out-dueling Chris Jackson (11-122-4) in a battle of two outstanding wide receivers. Dallas won a league-leading 11th game.

Chicago won for just the second time in eight games, defeating Las Vegas, 67-47. Bobby Sippio had a huge night, grabbing grabbing six passes for 186 yards and six touchdowns.

John Kaleo scored on a 1-yard run and then hit David Saunders on the ensuing two-point conversion with 40 seconds left as Columbus downed Philadelphia, 46-45. Soul kicker Todd France missed a 42-yard field goal at the buzzer that would have pulled out the win for Philadelphia.

Sam Saunders 1-yard touchdown pass with 39 seconds left gave the Kansas City Brigade (3-10) a 58-52 road upset of Nashville. Former Preds quarterback Chris Sanders was 24 of 30 for 291 yards and six touchdowns in the win.

Nick Browder hit 29 of 41 passes for 343 yards and seven touchdowns as the surprising New York Dragons moved to 7-5 on the season with a 70-61 road win over New York. DeShane Dennis spurred a 14-0 run in the second quarter, returning an interception 41 yards for a touchdown. Browder is the third starting quarterback of the season for the Dragons.



2006 ORLANDO PREDATORS
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.

4/12 Placed OL/DL Cleveland Pinkney on recallable waivers, activated OL/DL Doug Miller, FB/LB Idris Price, WR/DB Lin-J Shell from injured reserve. Placed OL/DL Charles Hill on injured reserve. Signed OL/DL Delanio Taylor from practice squad.

4/20 Placed OL/DL Delanio Taylor on injured reserve. Activated WR/DB Charlie Davidson from the IR.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 25, 2006


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