Orlando Predators game notes
June 5, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
GAME BOX - ARENABOWL XX
Chicago Rush (10-9) vs. Orlando Predators (12-6)
Date: Sunday, June 11, 2006
Toe-To-Leather Time: 3:00 p.m. (EDT)
Site: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas (16,606)
Officials: Referee: Steve Pamon; Umpire: Al Granado; Head Linesman: Mike McCabe; Line Judge: Darrel Leftwich; Back Judge: Scott Helverson; Alternate: Tom McCabe
Radio: WQTM 740 AM (Marc Daniels and Dan Pearson)
TV: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson)
Series Streak: Orlando has won two in a row.
Series Record: Series tied 4-4
Coaches: Orlando: Jay Gruden (7th season, 76-43, .639);
Chicago: Mike Hohensee (13th season, 105-94, .528)
PREDATORS STILL STANDING...EYE ARENABOWL XX
"I'm still standing...feeling like a true survivor...feeling like a little kid." The line from the 1980s Elton John song certainly applies to the Orlando Predators after Sunday's shocking 45-28 upset of top-seeded Dallas. The win earned the Predators a June 11 match-up with the red-hot Chicago Rush, whose improbable run to ArenaBowl XX has included three consecutive road wins in the playoffs.
Orlando's dismantling of Dallas puts the Predators in the league championship game for an unprecedented seventh time, but it marks just their first appearance since 2000. "The return was a long time in coming, now we need to finish the task," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Chicago is an outstanding team that will present a lot of challenges to us both offensively and defensively. They are the hardest team in the league to prepare for because they do so many different things."
Gruden was quick to point out that no one should read too much into Orlando's 56-27 win over the Rush earlier in the season. "Make no mistake that they are not the same team that came to Orlando. Bobby Sippio is the Arena Football League's version of Terrell Owens and I mean that in the positive football way. They also had to play with John Moyer - one of the best lineman in league history. They are one of the hottest teams in the league and we are going to have to play our best game of the season."
Orlando Predators (10-6, 2-0, Overall 12-6-0)
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 L 54-75
May 6 At Kansas City W 63-42
May 12 AUSTIN L 67-43
PLAYOFFS
May 28 PHILADELPHIA W 31-27
Jun. 4 At Dallas W 45-28
Jun. 11 AB XX-Chicago 3 p.m.
Chicago Rush (7-9, 3-0, 10-9)
Date Opponent W/L Score
Jan. 29 At Colorado L 56-65
Feb. 3 NEW YORK L 47-51
Feb. 12 NASHVILLE W 56-55
Feb. 18 At Los Angeles W 65-46
Feb. 26 SAN JOSE W 54-48
Mar. 5 DALLAS L 42-59
Mar. 10 COLORADO L 42-49
Mar. 17 At Nashville L 47-48
Mar. 26 GRAND RAPIDS W 51-44
Apr. 2 At Orlando L 27-55
Apr. 9 At Philadelphia L 55-56
Apr. 15 At Arizona L 42-61
Apr. 23 LAS VEGAS W 67-47
Apr. 29 At Georgia L 20-55
May 6 UTAH W 84-48
May 13 At Grand Rapids W 70-47
PLAYOFFS
May 21 At Nashville W 55-47
May 28 At Colorado W 63-46
June 3 At San Jose W 59-56
June 11 AB XX - Orlando 3 p.m.
IMPORTANT ARENABOWL INFORMATION AND PREDATORS SCHEDULE
The Orlando Predators will meet on Tuesday, June 4 at the Citrus Bowl from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Players will be available at the Citrus Bowl immediately following the meeting for about 10-15 minutes.
The team is scheduled to depart for Las Vegas aboard an 8:45 p.m. Delta Flight. The team will travel to the airport from the players apartments near UCF, leaving about 5 p.m.
ARENABOWL FACT SHEET
When: Sunday, June 11, 2006 at Noon PT/3 p.m. ET
Where: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
National TV Broadcast: NBC
National Radio Broadcast: SIRIUS Satellite Radio National Anthem: Darryl Worley
Coin Toss: U.S. Army General Van Antwerp Halftime Entertainment: Third Eye Blind concert Postgame Celebration: On-field presentation of the Foster ArenaBowl Trophy by AFL Commissioner David Baker
75-minute post-game concert by Third Eye Blind
AFL Headquarters & Media Hotel:
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: 702/632-7777
Fax: 702/632-7234
Media Rooms
The league has reserved a VERY LIMITED number of rooms for media attending the ArenaBowl. The rooms are at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and are priced at $115 per night (Sunday-Thursday) and $189 per night (Friday-Saturday). Prices do not include tax. To reserve a room, e-mail Luke Sacks at lsacks@arenafootball.com. You will need to provide him your name, media outlet and credit card number at this time in order to reserve a room at this rate.
Practice Site:
Thomas and Mack Center
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
702/895-3900
Practice Schedules:
Wednesday, June 7th
Chicago 1:30p - 3:30p
Orlando 4:00p - 6:00p
Thursday, June 8th
Chicago 8:30a - 11:00a
Orlando 3:00p - 5:30p
Friday, June 9th
Chicago 10:00a - 12:00p
Orlando 3:00p - 5:00p
Saturday, June 10th
Orlando 10:30a - 12:30p
Chicago 1:00p - 3:00p
Chicago Team Headquarters:
Luxor Hotel and Casino
3900 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702/262-4102
Orlando Team Headquarters:
Mirage Hotel and Casino
3400 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-791-7111
Home/Visiting Team
Orlando has been designated as the home team; while Chicago will be the visitors.
Credentials
ArenaBowl Credentials must be requested on-line at:
www.arenafootball.com/credentials
Media Credential Pickup:
Mon., June 5 - Wed., June 7 - THE hotel at Mandalay Bay, Marble G Thurs., June 8 - Sat., June 10 - Mandalay Bay, Jasmine A *Also available at Wednesday Press Conf. and Friday Media Day*
EVENTS:
Commissioner David Baker Conference Call:
Tuesday, June 6, Noon PT/3 p.m. ET
Call-In Number: 866/206-6509
ArenaBowl XX Kickoff Press Conference/Luncheon Wednesday, June 7, 11:30 a.m.
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Palm C
3950 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Media Day & Media Luncheon:
Thursday, June 8
Chicago: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Luncheon: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Orlando: 1:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Thomas & Mack Center
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
AFL Mascot Combine
Friday, June 9, 11 a.m.
ESPN Zone
3790 Las Vegas Blvd South., Ste #10
Las Vegas, NV 89109
ADT ArenaBall Awards Show
Friday, June 9, 6 p.m.
Mandalay Bay Theater
3950 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
AFL National Combine
Saturday, June 10, 8 a.m.
Sam Boyd Stadium
7000 E. Russell Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89122
EA Sports ArenaBowl Tournament
Saturday, June 10, Noon
Cox Pavilion
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Fan Fest
Saturday, June 10, Noon
Thomas & Mack Center
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
THE COACHES
PREDS HEAD COACH JAY GRUDEN
Sixteen seasons in the Arena Football League. Sixteen seasons in the playoffs. Eight trips to the ArenaBowl. Six championship rings. An average of 10.6 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.
After losing AFL superstars EJ Burt and Cory Fleming, along with front line players Mike Brown, Reggie Doster, Johnnie Harris and Bret Cooper - Gruden turned in one of his finest coaching jobs ever. After getting off to a pedestrian 4-4 start, Gruden won six of his final eight games to capture the Southern Division title. He then proceeded to guide Orlando to playoff wins over Philadelphia and an impressive win over top-seeded Dallas to lead Orlando to its fourth ArenaBowl in seven seasons as an AFL head coach. Orlando will take a 12-6 record into Sunday's championship game.
For his AFL career, Gruden has posted some truly remarkable numbers. As a head coach, he is 76-43-0 (including a 12-6 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 11-4 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 76-43 record as head coach, takes Gruden's all-time Arena Football League record to 170-73 (.700). As a player, assistant coach or head coach, Gruden has never failed to lead his team to the playoffs.
PREDATORS HEAD COACHING RECORDS
Coaches, Years Record Pct.
Jay Gruden, 1998-2001, 2004-05 76-43 .638
Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629
Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684
Most Consecutive Winning Seasons To
Begin AFL Coaching Career
Tim Marcum 13
Jay Gruden 7*
Ed Hodgkiss 4
John Gregory 3
Lary Kuharich 3
Pat Sperduto 3
Fran Papasedero 2
*Active Streak
RUSH HEAD COACH MIKE HOHENSEE
Now in his sixth season with the Rush and 13th season as an AFL head coach, Mike Hohensee has led his teams to the playoffs a total of nine times, including all five previous seasons with the Rush. Overall, Hohenssee will bring a 105-94 record into ArenaBowl XX.
Hohensee began his AFL career as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Gladiators (1987-88), where he was credited with throwing the first touchdown pass in league history. Hohensee also holds the unique distinction of logging playing time in four different professional leagues, having played in the AFL (Pittsburgh), USFL (Washington), CFL (Ottawa, Toronto), and NFL (Chicago).
AFL Coaches Who Won 10 or More Games In
Their First Season
Doug Plank 2005 Georgia 13-6
Jay Gruden 1998 Orlando 12-5*
Perry Moss 1988 Chicago 11-2-1
Fran Curci 1991 Tampa Bay 10-2*
Lary Kuharich 1992 Tampa Bay 10-2*
Bret Munsey 2006 Philadelphia 10-7
*Won ArenaBowl
ARENABOWL XX FEATURES TWO IN TOP TEN
ArenaBowl XX will feature two of the top 10 coaches in both all-time victories and all-time post-season wins. Mike Hohensee is currently third on the all-time list with 105 wins; while Orlando's Jay Gruden is 7th with 76 victories. At 10.9 wins per season, only San Jose's Darren Arbet (11.5) has averaged more wins per season then Gruden. In post-season games, Jay Gruden can move into sole possession of third place on the all-time playoff win list with a victory over Chicago in ArenaBowl XX. A Chicago win over Orlando would give Hohensee four wins in this post-season, and would tie him with Gruden and Perry Moss for third place on the all-time coaching list. Here are the current lists for both...
All-Time AFL Coaching Wins
Name Wins Years WPS
Tim Marcum 181 18 10.1
Danny White 148 14 10.6
Mike Hohenssee 105 13 8.1
Mike Dailey 99 10 9.9
Darren Arbet 92 8 11.5
Perry Moss 86 9 9.6
Michael Trigg 80 12 6.7
Jay Gruden 76 7 10.9
John Gregory 73 10 7.3
Todd Shell 54 7 7.7
WPS-Wins Per Season
All-Time Playoff Wins
Name Wins Titles
Tim Marcum 25 7
Danny White 20 2
Perry Moss 11 1
Jay Gruden 11 2
Darren Arbet 10 2
Mike Hohensee 10 0
Mike Dailey 9 2
John Gregory 6 0
Pat Sperduto 5 0
AND GRUDEN TAKES OVER FIRST
With the win over Dallas, Jay Gruden now has the best post-season winning percentage of any AFL coach with five or more games of post-season experience.
Best Post-Season Won-Lost Percentage*
Jay Gruden 11-4 .733
Tim Marcum 25-10 .714
Darren Arbet 10-5 .667
Danny White 20-11 .645
Perry Moss 11-6 .611
Mike Dailey 9-6 .600
Pat Sperduto 5-4 .555
Mike Hohensee 10-9 .526
John Gregory 6-6 .500
*Minimum five games coached
COACHING MATCH-UPS
Hohensee vs. Predators (7-8-0 overall; 5-8 regular season games; 2-0 in playoff games)
1994 Albany L, 48-63
1995 Albany L, 47-55
Albany L, 38-56
1996 Albany W, 53-41
1997 Anaheim L, 40-41
1999 New England W, 57-46
2000 New England L, 32-46
2001 Chicago W, 55-41
Chicago W, 46-21*
2002 Chicago L, 38-49
2003 Chicago L, 35-47
2004 Chicago W, 58-15
Chicago W, 59-49*
2005 Chicago L, 35-48
2006 Chicago L, 27-55
*denotes playoff games
Hohensee vs. Gruden (5-3-0 overall; 3-3 regular season, 2-0 playoffs)
1999 New England W, 57-46
2000 New England L, 32-46
2001 Chicago W, 55-41
Chicago W, 46-21*
2004 Chicago W, 58-15
Chicago W, 59-49*
2005 Chicago L, 35-48
2006 Chicago L, 27-55
ALL-TIME SERIES TIED 4-4-0
Date ORL OPP
July 21, 2001 (A) 41 55
July 27, 2001 (H) 21 46*
April 26, 2002 (H) 49 38
Feb. 2, 2003 (A) 47 35
Mar. 21, 2004 (A) 15 58
June 6, 2004 (A) 49 59*
Feb. 25, 2005 (A) 48 35
Apr. 2, 2006 (H) 55 27
*First Round AFL Playoffs
SERIES NOTES
*Although there is not a lot of history between these two teams, the Predators and Rush have played eight emotionally charged contests in the past with each team winning four times
*Chicago made a name for itself early, defeating the Orlando Predators in the final game of their inaugural season, 55-41, in 2001...as luck would have it, that victory qualified the Rush for the playoffs and sent them to Orlando for a first round match-up where they proved their first victory was not a fluke by handily defeating Orlando for a second straight week by a 46-21 margin.
*Orlando gained a measure of revenge the next season, knocking off the Rush by a 49-38 score in Orlando.
*The teams met again in the 2003 season, with rookie Travis McGriff scoring four times to help lead the Predators to a easy 47-35 win in the season opener...the game was not as close as the final score indicated, as the Predators defense did not allow a touchdown pass until the final minute of the game...Predators head coach Jay Gruden, who returned to the playing field for the 2002-2003 seasons, engineered both those wins over the Rush.
*The two teams met twice in 2004...Chicago knocked Preds quarterback Joe Hamilton out of the game early and then proceeded to manhandle the Predators, 58-15, sending them to the worst defeat in franchise history...the Rush also won the rematch in the playoffs, taking advantage of a couple of Orlando Predators turnovers in the fourth quarter to record a 59-49 win over the Predators.
*Orlando won last year's contest, recording a relatively easy 48-35 win over the Rush in Chicago...Offensive specialist Jimmy Fryzel had a huge game for the Predators, grabbing nine passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns in his Arena Football League debut.
*A team record seven different Predators players scored touchdowns and the Orlando defense limited Chicago to just one touchdown in the second half as the Predators took a convincing 55-27 win over the Rush earlier this season.
*Chicago and Nashville are the only two expansion teams in AFL history to beat the Orlando Predators twice in their first season...and the Rush are the only expansion team to win a playoff game against the Predators... five of the eight contests have been played in Chicago...this if the first neutral site game in the series.
How The 2006 Predators Were Built
Veterans Retained From 2005 Season (12): RB/LB Idris Price, K Jay Taylor, FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore, QB Joe Hamilton, WR/LB Jerrian James, DS Kenny McEntyre, OL/DL Justin Cleveland, OS Jimmy Fryzel, OL/DL Greg Krause, OL/DL Doug Miller, OL/DL Reggie Lee, FB/LB Kevin Nagle.
Veteran Free Agents Signed (4): DS Jeroid Johnson, WR/LB Clif Dell, WR/DB Charlie Davidson, WR/DB Cory Fleming
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: 12-6-0
Regular Season Record: 10-6-0
Post-Season Record: 2-0-0
National Conference Record: 10-4-0
Against American Conference: 2-2-0
Southern Division Record: 6-2-0
At Hummer Field: 7-2-0
On the road: 5-4-0
When scoring first: 9-3-0
When other Team Scores First: 3-3-0
When leading after one quarter: 6-2-0
When trailing after one quarter: 2-2-0
When tied after one quarter: 4-2-0
When leading at the Half: 9-0-0
When trailing at the Half: 3-6-0
When tied at the Half: 0-0-0
When leading after three quarters: 10-0-0
When trailing after three quarters: 2-6-0
When tied after three quarters: 0-0-0
Overtime Games: 1-0-0
When Winning the Coin Toss: 5-2-0
When Losing the Coin Toss: 7-4-0
By Days of the Week:
Thursday: 0-0-0
Friday: 2-2-0
Saturday: 4-1-0
Sunday: 6-3-0
All-Time Home Record: 90-35-0
All-Time Road Record: 74-52-0
Consecutive Seasons Winning Record: 15*
Consecutive Seasons In Playoffs: 15*
*Streak active and includes 2006 season
PREDS NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES,
AND TREND
PREDATORS BECOME ALL-TIME WINNINGEST PLAYOFF TEAM
With a win against Dallas, the Orlando Predators became the all-time winningest team in AFL playoff history. The Predators now have 22 post-season wins, more than any team in Arena Football League history. The win last week against Dallas moved the Predators past Arizona, who they were tied with 21 post-season wins, one win ahead of Tampa Bay (20-10). The defunct Detroit Drive have the all-time best winning percentage in the post season at .857 (12-2); while Tampa Bay (20-10, .667) has the best winning percentage in the post-season of teams that are currently still active in the Arena Football League.
All-Time Playoff Victories
Team Record Pct. Titles
Orlando Predators 22-12 .647 2
Arizona Rattlers 21-11 .656 2
Tampa Bay Storm 20-10 .667 5
Detroit Drive 12-2 .857 4
San Jose SaberCats 11-7 .611 2
*Includes 2006 Games To Date
GRUDEN GOES FOR 8TH
Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden will be seeking his 8th professional football championship ring this week when his team meets Chicago in ArenaBowl XX. Gruden captured four championships as quarterback with the Tampa Bay Storm from 1991-96. He added two titles as head coach of the Predators, guiding Orlando to an ArenaBowl XII win over Tampa Bay and an ArenaBowl XIV victory over Nashville. He also earned a Super Bowl ring, serving as an offensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Bucs in 2002.
LATE SUBSTITUTION PAYS DIVIDENDS
When Jerrian James was suspended last week by the Arena Football League for his actions during a quarterfinal game with Philadelphia, the Predators turned to rookie WR/DB DeAndrew Rubin to fill his spot. The move paid huge dividends as Rubin earned "Ironman of the Game" honors in Sunday's 45-28 win over Dallas. His totals included a 55-yard kickoff return for touchdown, 1.5 tackles, a fourth quarter interception of Desperado's QB Clint Dolezel and a pass defense.
IT'S BEEN A WHILE
While Orlando will be making an AFL record seventh appearance in the ArenaBowl, it's not like the 2006 team has a lot of championship game experience. The Predators have just two players on their current 24-man roster who were with the team the last time Orlando made the championship game. DS Kenny McEntyre and OL/DL Reggie Lee both joined the Predators in 1998 and played in three ArenaBowls in their first three seasons. They are also Orlando's lone remaining players from the last ArenaBowl appearance in 2000.
DAVIDSON ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION
Preds WR/DB Charlie Davidson is one-half of the answer to an interesting Orlando trivia question. He joins San Jose SaberCats WR/DB Barry Wagner as the only two active AFL players to play under both coaching legend Perry Moss and current Preds coach Jay Gruden. Davidson broke in with the Predators as a rookie in 1995 and has played for more than a half dozen teams in his career.
GRUDEN/MOSS DYNAMIC DUO
Head Coach Jay Gruden may want to think about locking up assistant head coach Les Moss to a long term contract. Moss served on Gruden's staff in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2006. All four years the Predators have made it to the ArenaBowl. Moss, son of Perry Moss, worked in the XFL in 2001, served two year's on Fran Papasedero's staff in 2002-2003 when Gruden returned to the playing field and served the last two seasons as head coach of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers of the "arenafootball2" league.
ONE IS THE LONELIEST NUMBER
Orlando went into last Sunday's game more than a little short-handed in the defensive backfield with both starting defensive specialists Jaroid Johnson (hamstring) and Kenny McEntyre (heel) unable to play. To make matters worse, Orlando was facing the league's top quarterback Clint Dolezel, who threw 105 touchdowns passes in the regular season - including 11 scoring strikes against the Predators in an 87-62 win in Orlando this season. Mismatch, right? Not exactly. The Predators held Dolezel to just one touchdown pass in a 45-28 with. It also marked the lowest scoring output by the Desperados in more than two years.
AND A CHILD WILL LEAD THEM...
While the 2006 Orlando Predators have been a team with a nice mixture of rookies and veteran players, make no mistake about the impact of first year lineman Greg White. Although he recorded just 1.5 quarterback sacks this season, White has shown an uncanny ability to rattle opposing quarterbacks with a variety of rush moves. "Nobody has been able to block him all year," Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "He's been a reason for our success." One stat that jumps out is the fact that the Predators are 11-2 when White has been in the starting lineup. In the five games White missed with a shoulder injury, the team has been a less than pedestrian 1-4.
PERFECT 10
In a pair of playoff wins, the Predators have allowed just 10 second half points. The totals included three against Philadelphia and seven against Dallas last week. In all, Orlando has out-scored playoff opponents 35-10 in the second half.
SEASON SURPRISING TO MANY
Count Orlando lineman Greg Krause among the people that have been surprised by the Predators run to ArenaBowl XX. Orlando was picked to finish in the middle of the pack, rated eighth in the league's pre-season power poll. After the loss to Dallas earlier this year, the Predators were 4-4. "I looked at our roster in the pre-season and didn't see Cory Fleming's name or EJ Burt's name and instead saw a lot of rookies. I sort shook my head and felt that if we finished .500, it would be a pretty good season. I think it's sort of remarkable at how far we have come," Krause said.
LONG TOUCHDOWNS ORDER OF THE DAY
It's interesting to note that the Predators only had two red zone chances (converting both) in Orlando's National Conference Championship win over Dallas. The reason was because the Predators scored several long range touchdowns against Dallas. Javarus Dudley scored on a 47-yard pass play, DeAndrew Rubin ran a kickoff back 56 yards for a touchdown, and Khalil Carter took a pick back 33 yards for a touchdown.
STOPPED UP
In Orlando's 87-62 loss to Dallas during the regular season, the Predators failed to record a defensive stop, allowing 12 touchdowns and a field goal on Dallas' 13 offensive possessions. Sunday was a completely different story as Orlando's defense recorded seven defensive stops on Dallas 11 offensive possessions, including five stops in the second half, including consecutive ones to finish the game.
THE RING IS THE THING
Although the Predators have just two players remaining from their last title team, the players and coaches do have a nice collection of championship rings. As mentioned earlier, head coach Jay Gruden had seven professional championship rings (6 AFL, 1 NFL), assistant coach Willie Fears has two rings (1 AFL, 1 CFL), assistant coach Les Moss has three (3 AFL), and assistant coach Mark Novell has one (1 AFL). In addition to the two AFL championship rings that Kenny McEntyre and Reggie Lee have; QB Joe Hamilton earned a Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay and Cory Fleming has a Super Bowl ring with the Dallas Cowboys.
LOCKER ROOM SOMEWHAT SUBDUED
While obviously happy with the outcome of Sunday's National Conference Championship game, the Orlando Predators locker room could best be described as somewhat subdued after the 45-28 upset of Dallas. "Our only goal is to win the ArenaBowl and this was just the next step towards that mission," QB Joe Hamilton said. "We'll enjoy this one tonight and start focusing on Chicago tomorrow morning." Head Coach Jay Gruden echoed the sentiment. "I told our players last week that 11-6 was a great season but 11-7 sucks. The same applies this week. It's never any fun to lose your last game."
PREDS/RUSH SET LEAGUE HISTORY
With Sunday's win over Dallas, the Orlando Predators joined the Chicago Rush as the first time in league history that the road teams were victorious in both semifinal games. Chicago certainly did it the hard way - winning three consecutive road games to punch their ticket to Las Vegas. It is also interesting to note that the Orlando Predators set a record in 1999 by becoming the first and only eighth seeded team and the lowest seeded team to ever advance to the ArenaBowl. Chicago was a sixth seed this year, but could easily claim bettering the Orlando Predators mark. The reasoning is as follows: Under the restructured playoff format that went into effect in 2005, six teams from each conference qualified for this year's playoffs. Chicago, 7-9, got in as the sixth seed in the American Conference. With 12 teams qualifying for the post-season in 2006, Chicago would have been a number 11 seed under the old format policy - thus becoming the lowest seed ever to qualify for the ArenaBowl.
KNOCKING OUT NUMBER ONE SEEDS
Sunday's win over Dallas marked the fourth time in Jay Gruden's career that he has faced a number one seed in the playoffs. Gruden ran his record to 3-1 against number one playoff seeds. The Predators faced their first #1 seed in 1998, beating Tampa Bay in ArenaBowl XII. One year later, Gruden pulled one of the great upsets in playoff history, leading his eighth-seeded Predators to a shocking 41-17 win over top-seeded Tampa Bay (12-2). The Storm led that game 10-0 at halftime, but were totally steamrolled in the second half. The only loss to a #1 seed came last year when the Predators dropped a 62-60 decision to Georgia.
Year #1 Seed Round Result
1998 Tampa Bay ArenaBowl W, 62-31
1999 Tampa Bay First Round W, 41-17
2006 Dallas Semifinals W, 45-38
PREDATORS PLAYOFF HISTORY
Appearances: 15 (1992-93-94-95-96-97-98-99-2000-01-02-03-04-05-06)
Post Season Record: 22-12 (.636)
ArenaBowl Appearances: 7 (1992-94-95-98-99-2000-06)
ArenaBowl Championships: 2 (1998-2000)
Road Record: 8-7 (.533)
Home Record: 15-3 (.833)
Wild Card Round: 1-1 (.500)
Quarterfinals: 12-2 (.857)
Semifinals: 7-5 (.583)
ArenaBowl: 2-4 (.333)
PREDATORS PLAYOFF HISTORY
A brief overview of the Orlando Predators in Arena Football League post-season play:
1992 (2-1)
Led by quarterback Ben Bennett and rookie sensation Barry Wagner, the Orlando Predators easily dispatched of Cleveland in the first round. In the semifinals, Jorge Cimadevilla booted a field goal in overtime against
arch-rival Tampa Bay to send the Predators to the ArenaBowl, where they lost a 56-38 decision to Detroit.
1993 (1-1)
After a stellar 10-2 season, the Orlando Predators met Tampa Bay (9-3) in the semifinals for a second year in a row. In a game that featured five lead changes and three ties, the Orlando Predators appeared to get a huge break when they held Tampa to a field goal with 7:29 to go in the game. Trailing by just three, the Predators would fall behind by 10 one play later when Jeff Mayes recovered Arden Czyzewski's kickoff on the six and ran it in for a touchdown.
1994 (2-1)
After coming within 19 seconds of recording a perfect regular season before losing to Tampa Bay, the Predators still appeared to be the team to beat in the playoffs, recording relatively easy wins over Ft. Worth and Massachusetts in the playoffs. Going into ArenaBowl VIII, the Predators would face Arizona - a team they had beaten twice in the regular season. But the Predators were forced to play the game without two starters (Billy Owens - left team; Paul McGowan - injured) and fell to the Rattlers, 36-31, in a stunning defeat.
1995 (2-1)
After losing four of their last six, the Predators would limp into the playoffs with a 7-5 record. But Orlando would shock both San Jose (55-37) and Iowa (56-49) in road playoff wins to earn a second consecutive trip to the ArenaBowl, where Jay Gruden-led Tampa Bay Storm team would record a two-touchdown win in ArenaBowl VIII.
1996 (0-1)
A 9-5 regular season record earned the Predators a #6 seed, where they had to travel to Arizona to face #3 Arizona (11-3). In a game that stayed close to the end, the Rattlers scored touchdowns on back-to-back turnovers late in the 4th quarter to pull out a 65-48 win over the Predators.
1997 (1-1)
Another 9-5 record earned the Predators a home playoff game, where they dispatched New Jersey by a 45-37 count. But a powerful Iowa team, led by Kurt Warner, routed the Predators 52-34 in the last game coached by AFL Hall of Fame member Perry Moss.
1998 (3-0)
First-year head coach Jay Gruden led the Predators to a 9-5 mark and a first round home win over Nashville. In the semis, the Predators traveled to Arizona - where the Predators shocked the number two-seeded Rattlers, 38-33. In the first ArenaBowl televised on national network television (ABC), the Predators recorded the biggest upset in ArenaBowl history, knocking off top-seeded (14-2) Tampa Bay, 62-31. In that game, the Predators outscored the Storm, 38-14, in the second half without the benefit of completing a forward pass (Pat O'Hara 0-8). The Storm came into the game as 15-point favorites after thrashing the Predators twice in the regular season.
1999 (2-1)
Jay Gruden became the first and only coach in Arena Football League history to lead a #8-seeded team to the ArenaBowl. Orlando, 7-7 in the regular season, faced Tampa Bay in the first round. After falling behind 10-0 at halftime, the Predators would stun the top-seeded Storm, 41-19. In the semifinals, the Predators built a huge lead early against second-seeded Iowa and took a relatively easy 48-40 decision (Iowa scored on the final play of the game to make it a eight-point game). In the ArenaBowl, Albany claimed their first and only championship with a 59-48 win over the Predators.
2000 (3-0)
Orlando jumped out to a 7-0 regular season start and cruised to an 11-3 record. From there, the second-seeded Predators easily dispatched of Tampa Bay and Arizona in the playoffs to face 4th seeded Nashville in ArenaBowl XIV. Orlando controlled the pace of the game early, but needed a field goal by David Cool on the game's final play to record a 41-38 win and claim their second AFL title. It was the first ArenaBowl to end on a game-winning field goal.
2001 (0-1)
Orlando struggled all season, ending with a 41-26 blow-out loss to Chicago in the wild card round of the playoffs.
2002 (2-1)
With Jay Gruden returning to the playing field, first-year head coach Fran Papasedero overcame a slow start to guide his team to a 7-7 mark. The Predators, seeded 8th, beat Buffalo in a wildcard game and then knocked off third seeded New Jersey on the road. The season would end against top-seeded and eventual champion San Jose in the semifinals, 52-40.
2003 (1-1)
Orlando posted a solid 12-4 record but lost the division title in a tie-breaker with the Tampa Bay Storm (also 12-4). After earning a wild card round bye, the Predators beat New York in the quarterfinals (69-62), but lost a hard-fought 60-50 decision to Tampa Bay in the semifinals.
2004 (0-1)
After a 3-5 start, the Predators roared back to win seven of their final eight to finish at 10-6. Despite playing the best football in the league in the second half, the Predators came out flat in the playoffs and lost a 59-49 decision in the first round to Chicago.
2005 (1-1)
Joe Hamilton threw for four touchdowns and ran for one more to lead the Orlando Predators to a 47-42 win over the New York Dragons in the opening round of the AFL playoffs. Orlando jumped out to a 32-21 halftime lead, taking advantage of two turnovers and then held off a furious New York rally in the 4th quarter. In the semifinals, the Georgia Force used two safeties and two turnovers to rally past the Predators, 60-58. Orlando led 27-20 at the half and 40-27 at the end of three quarters before the wheels came off in the fourth quarter. After the safeties and turnovers, Orlando trailed 57-44 late in the game but rallied to pull within two points on a touchdown on the last play of the game. Going for the two-point conversion for a tie, Preds WR Bret Cooper appeared to be pulled down in the end zone, but no penalty was called and Georgia held on for the win.
2006 (2-0)
The Prerdators clinched an AFL playoff spot for a league record-tying 15th time. By winning the Southern Division with a 10-6 record, Orlando received a first round playoff bye and the right to host Philadelphia in a Divisional Playoff Game. Orlando defeated the Soul in the Divsional Round game, taking a 31-27 decision. Orlando then pulled a major upset by knocking off top-seeded Dallas on the road, 45-28. It was the lowest point total for Dallas in more than two seasons, for a team that led the AFL in scoring this year.
PREDATORS HEAD COACHES IN PLAYOFFS
Perry Moss 1992-97 8-6 .571
Jay Gruden 1998-2001,
2004 11-4 .733
Fran Papsedero 2002-03 3-2 .600
Totals 15 Seasons 22-12 .647
TAYLOR ON ROLL
Although his post-season kicks will not count on his official streak, kicker Jay Taylor has been rock solid on extra points. Counting a 6 for 6 day yesterday, Taylor has now connected on 39 consecutive extra points, dating back to the Georgia game in Week 12. He remains the Predators most accurate kicker on both extra points and field goals and is the AFL career leader in field goal percentage at 63.6 (35-55).
MOST AFL PLAYOFF GAMES
At 34 games, the Orlando Predators have played in more playoff games than any team in Arena Football League history. The list through last week:
Most AFL Playoff Games
Orlando 34
Arizona 32
Tampa Bay 30
San Jose 19
Albany/Indiana 17
Iowa/New York 16
Detroit 14
PREDATORS ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RESULTS (22-12)
Year Opponent Result
1992 Cleveland W, 50-12
1992 Tampa Bay W, 24-21 (ot)
1992 Detroit* L, 38-56
1993 Miami W, 41-13
1993 Tampa Bay L, 52-55
1994 Ft. Worth W, 34-13
1994 Massachusetts W, 51-42
1994 Arizona* L, 35-48
1995 at San Jose W, 55-37
1995 at Iowa W, 56-49
1995 at Tampa Bay* L, 35-48
1996 at Arizona L, 48-65
1997 New Jersey W, 45-37
1997 at Iowa L, 34-52
1998 Nashville W, 58-43
1998 at Arizona W, 38-33
1998 at Tampa Bay* W, 62-31
1999 at Tampa Bay W, 41-19
1999 at Iowa W, 48-40
1999 at Albany* L, 48-59
2000 Tampa Bay W, 34-24
2000 Arizona W, 56-44
2000 Nashville* W, 41-38
2001 Chicago L, 26-41
2002 Buffalo W, 32-27
2002 at New Jersey W, 49-46
2002 at San Jose L, 40-52
2003 New York W, 69-62
2003 at Tampa Bay L, 50-60
2004 at Chicago L, 49-59
2005 at New York W, 47-42
2005 at Georgia L, 58-60
2006 Philadelphia W, 31-27
2006 at Dallas W, 45-28
*ArenaBowl
PREDS PLAYING BEFORE CAPACITY CROWDS
With 13,205 tickets sold for the playoff game against Philadelphia, the Orlando Predators concluded one of the most successful seasons in club history - setting records for both total ticket revenue and season tickets sold (11,244). The Predators currently cover several view-restricted sections in the upper bowl and consider 13,692 to be a "soft sellout." When demand dictates it, the team will uncover and sell those view-restricted seats and bring seating capacity to 15,920 -- a "hard" sellout. For the 2006 regular season, the Predators exceeded the "soft-sellout" figure four times and recorded one hard sellout - 15,920 for the Tampa Bay game. All told, the Predators drew 124,460 fans to nine home games this season - the third highest total in franchise history. The season average of 13,828 was the highest in seven seasons for the Predators and was also 100.9% of the "soft-sellout" capacity of 13,692.
Predators Home Attendance 2006 (7-2-0)
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
Austin 14,501 13,692 106.1
Philadelphia 13,205 13,692 96.4
Total-Avg 13,828 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
WHEN THINGS GO GOOD, THEY ARE VERY GOOD
It seems like there is no middle ground when it comes to the Orlando Predators defense in 2006. They have either played extremely well or have been extremely porous in recording a 12-6 record this season. Eleven times this season, the Predators defense has held an opponent to 42 points or less in a game. During those ten games, the Predators have recorded a perfect 11-0 record and have allowed just 32.6 points per game - more than 15 points per game under the league average of 48 points per game. But when the Predators defense has been porous, things change dramatically. In the other seven games, the team has allowed 456 points, an average of 65.1 points per game and has recorded a 1-6 record in those games.
When the Defense Plays Tough (11-0)
PA Opponent Result
13 Tampa Bay (4/22) W, 52-13
27 Chicago (4/2) W, 55-27
27 Philadelphia (5/28) W, 31-27*
28 Dallas (6/4) W, 45-28*
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
41 Kansas City (2/4) W, 48-41
42 Kansas City (5/6) W, 63-42
*Playoff Game
The Others (1-6)
PA Opponent Result
87 Dallas (3/19) L, 62-87
75 Colorado (4/28) L, 54-75
67 Austin (5/12) L, 47-63
64 Tampa Bay (2/19) W, 67-64 (ot)
60 Arizona (3/10) L, 57-60
55 New York (2/26) L, 35-55
48 Georgia (1/28) L, 31-48
CONSISTENCY RULES - PREDS KEEP STREAKS ALIVE
The Predators kept alive three of the most impressive steaks in Arena Football League history during the 2006 season. Orlando has now qualified for the AFL playoffs for 15 consecutive years, tying Tampa Bay for the longest streak in league history. Should the Predators qualify for the post-season in 2007, they would have the record all to themselves, as Tampa Bay failed to qualify in 2006.
With an 11-6 record, Orlando has already guaranteed that they will finish the 2006 season with an overall record (regular season and playoff games combined) of above .500 for a league-record 15 consecutive seasons. The Predators have also guaranteed that they will finish the regular season with a .500 or better record for a 15th consecutive season-also an AFL record.
Consecutive Playoff Appearances
Team Streak Years
Tampa Bay 15 1991-2005
Orlando 15 1992-2006*
Arizona 12 1992-2004
San Jose 7 2000-2006*
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 Regular Seasons with .500+ Records
Team Streak Seasons
Orlando 15 1992-2006*
Arizona 12 1992-2004
Tampa Bay 10 1991-2001
HOLDING THEM DOWN
Orlando's 28 points allowed to Dallas marked the ninth time in Predators post-season history that Orlando has held an opponent to less than 30 points. Overall, the Predators are a perfect 9-0 when holding a playoff opponent to under 30 points in a game.
Tough Defense ... Under 30 in the Post-Season
1992 12 vs. Cleveland W, 50-12
1993 13, vs. Miami W, 41-13
1994 13, vs. Ft. Worth W, 34-13
1999 19, vs. at Tampa Bay W, 41-19
1992 21, vs. Tampa Bay W, 24-21 (ot)
2000 24, vs. Tampa Bay W, 34-24
2002 27, vs. Buffalo W, 32-27
2006 27, vs. Philadelphia W, 31-27
2006 28, vs. Dallas W, 45-27
FRYZEL/DUDLEY HIT 1000
For just the fourth time in Orlando Predators history, the team had two players hit the 1,000-yard mark in receiving as Jimmy Fryzel (1108) and Javarus Dudley (1035) each went over the 1,000-yard mark in single-season receiving. Dudley, a rookie out of Fordham University, finished as the fourth most productive rookie receiver in club history.
Predators 1000-Yard Receiving Duos
Year Duo
2006 Fryzel (1108)/Dudley (1035)
2005 Fleming (1089)/Fryzel (1159)
2003 Fleming (1226)/McGriff (1216)
1999 Wagner (1231)/Cooper (1027)
Predators Most Rookie Receiving Yards
Travis McGriff 2003 1216
Jimmy Fryzel 2005 1159
Siaha Burley 2001 1135
Javarus Dudley 2006 1035 (13 games)
Barry Wagner 1992 859
Robert Gordon 1998 855
Herkie Walls 1991 783
Thabiti Davis 2003 759
PREDS RUN THE ROCK
With 24 net rushing yards against Austin in Week 16, the Predators finished the regular season ranked second in the league in rushing yards (528) and rushing yards per game (33). The Predators also finished fifth in the league in rushing touchdowns with 32. Finishing high in the Arena Football League rushing totals is nothing new to the Predators. Orlando's final ranking of second in rushing yards per game marked the fourth consecutive year Orlando has finished in the top three in the league in rushing and also marked the 12th time in 16 years Orlando has finished in the top three in the league in team rushing. In a quirky stat, it is interesting to note that the Predators finished with exactly 528 rushing yards for the second consecutive season. Orlando kept moving the ball on the ground in its first post-season game, gaining 41 yards against Dallas. So far in the post-season, the Predators have out-rushed their opponents 77-9. In the 2006 post-season, Orlando leads the league in both rushing (38.5 ypg) and rushing defense (4.5).
Predators League Rankings in Rushing
Year Yards Per Game TD Rank
2006 528 33.0 32 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
HAMILTON BREAKS SINGLE SEASON AND CAREER MARKS FOR PASSING YARDS
With an outstanding season in 2006, Orlando Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton set records for single game, single season and career passing yardage for the Predators. With 9,830 career passing yards, Hamilton passed Pat O'Hara on the Predators career passing yards list. He also totaled 3,677 passing yards in 2006 to pass Jay Gruden's 3,621 yards in 2004 as the highest single season total in Predators history. Hamilton also tossed for a career-high 367 yards this year in a loss against Dallas to break his own single game passing record. Hamilton accomplished this while playing in essentially just 15 games. Hamilton was not scheduled to start in Week 16 as the Predators wanted to rest several key veterans for the playoffs. But Hamilton needed to start the game in order to collect an incentive in his contract (starting all 16 games), so he started the Austin game and was pulled after throwing just one pass in the contest. Here is where Hamilton now stands on the Predators career, single season and single game passing charts:
Predators Career Passing Yards
Name Seasons Yards
Joe Hamilton 3 9,830
Pat O'Hara 6 9,676
Ben Bennett 5 8,469
Jay Gruden 2 5,955
Connell Maynor 7 4,737
Predators Single Season Passing Yards
Name Years Yards
Joe Hamilton 2006 3,677
Jay Gruden 2004 3,621
Pat O'Hara 1998 3,335
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
Predators Singe Game Passing Yards
Name Year Opp. Yards
Joe Hamilton 2006 Dallas 367
Joe Hamilton 2005 Los Angeles 362
Jay Gruden 2002 Georgia 361
Pat O'Hara 1998 Albany 343
Joe Hamilton 2006 Georgia 339
Jay Gruden 2002 Georgia 331
JERRIAN JAMES ACTIVE AT "JACK"
With 60.5 tackles in the regular season, Jerrian James became the most active "Jack" linebacker in Orlando Predators history. One would have to go all the way back to the 1994 season and Bernard Clark (60.0 tackles) to find a "jack" linebacker whose tackle totals came close to approaching James totals. It is interesting to note that Clark's totals came in a season where the Predators made the unusual move of designating Clark as a defensive specialist - allowing the linebacker to take many more snaps at that position. Still, Clark's totals came in 12 regular season games, compared to 16 for James.
Most Preds Tackles by a "Jack" Linebacker
Jerrian James 2006 60.5
Bernard Clark 1994 60.0
Barry Wagner 1999 43.5
Jerrian James 2005 38.0
Alex Shell 1995 35.0
Billy Owen 1993 33.0
Clif Dell 2001 28.0
ORLANDO WINS WITHOUT FOUR STARTERS
Perhaps the most impressive part of Orlando's 45-38 upset of top-seeded Dallas was the fact that the Predators managed the win with four starters not playing. Defensive Specialists Jaroid Johnson (hamstring) and Kenny McEntyre (heel) both missed the game, as did WR/LB Jerrian James (suspension) and FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore (not football injury).
TAYLOR/HAMILTON NAMED ALL-ARENA
Orlando Predators lineman HENRY TAYLOR was named to the first unit of the Arena Football League's All-Arena. Taylor becomes just the second lineman in Orlando Predators history to earn the honor, joining WEBBIE BURNETT - who was named to the 1994 team.
Obtained in an off-season trade with Nashville, Taylor started all 16 games for the Predators and led the Arena Football League in sacks with 8.5. He finished the season with 16.5 total tackles, with one fumble recovery, one pass defense and a pair of quarterback hurries.
Predators quarterback JOE HAMILTON was named to the second unit. Hamilton completed a career-high 67% of his passes, hitting 298 off 445 passes for 3677 yards and 64 touchdowns. During the season, Hamilton set franchise records for single season and career passing yardage. Including eight rushing touchdowns, Hamilton accounted for 72 touchdowns this season.
Taylor's selection to the first unit marked the seventh consecutive year the Orlando Predators have had at least one player named to the first-unit of the All-Arena team and also marked Orlando's 25th selection to the prestigious first unit of the All-Arena team.
One player noticeably absent was Orlando Predators defensive specialist KENNY McENTYRE. The three-time "AFL Defensive Player of the Year" was left off the first unit of the All-Arena team for the first time since 2000.
PREDATORS 1st TEAM ALL-ARENA SELECTIONS
2006 Henry Taylor OL/DL
2005 Cory Fleming WR/LB
Kenny McEntyre DS
2004 Kenny McEntyre DS
Cory Fleming WR/LB
Jay Taylor K
2003 Kenny McEntyre DS
2002 Kenny McEntyre DS
2001 Kenny McEntyre DS
2000 Kenny McEntyre DS
Bret Cooper WR/DB
1997 Barry Wagner WR/DB
Durwood Roquemore DS
1996 Barry Wagner WR/DB
1995 Barry Wagner WR/DB
1994 Barry Wagner WR/DB
Webbie Burnett OL/DL
Ben Bennett QB
Durwood Roquemore DS
Jorge Cimadevilla K
1993 Barry Wagner WR/DB
Durwood Roquemore DS
1992 Barry Wagner WR/DB
Durwood Roquemore DS
Jorge Cimadevilla K
PREDS CAPTURE 10th WIN FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE TIME/8th TIME OVERALL
With the 63-42 win over Kansas City in Week 15, the Orlando Predators captured their 10th win of the season, marking the fourth consecutive time the Predators have won 10 or more games in a regular season and 9th time overall.
Most 10-Win Regular Seasons
Tampa Bay Storm 8
Orlando Predators 8
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 10
Arizona Rattlers 9
San Jose SaberCats 5
Preds Last Four Regular Seasons
Year Head Coach Season Overall
2006 Jay Gruden 10-6-0 ???
2005 Jay Gruden 10-6-0 11-7-0
2004 Jay Gruden 10-6-0 10-7-0
2003 Fran Papasedero 12-4-0 13-5-0
HAMILTON/D'ORAZIO 1-2 IN POST-SEASON RUSHNG YARDS
Although Orlando QB Joe Hamilton was not known as a running quarterback this season with the Predators, he has managed to gain 50 yards in six attempts in the post-season and is currently ranked second in the league in rushing at 25 yards-per-game. His counterpart in ArenaBowl XX - Chicago's Matt D'Orazio scrambled quite a bit in the regular season (finished 5th in the league with 164 yards rushing) and also leads the league in post-season rushing with 63 yards. The numbers are a little deceptive, as D'Orazio has played in three post-season games to date; compared to two by Hamilton. By the numbers:
Post Season Rushing Yards
Matt D'Orazio Chicago 18-63 3 TD
Joe Hamilton Orlando 6-50 0 TD
Joey Dozier Arizona 5-24 1 TD
Chad Dukes Philadelphia 13-23 1 TD
Josh White Dallas 9-20 1 TD
Wes Ours Philadelphia 5-18 1 TD
Idris Price Orlando 2-18 0 TD
Robert Thomas Georgia 2-6 0 TD
Mark Grieb San Jose 2-15 2 TD
PRELIMINARY INJURY REPORT FOR PREDATORS ARENABOWL XX
Cory Fleming Foot Questionable
Jeroid Johnson Hamstring Doubtful
Kenny McEntyre Heel Questionable
Marlon Moye-Moore Eye Questionable
Clif Dell Knee Out
Delanio Taylor Knee Questionable
Doug Miller Shoulder Questionable
HOW THEY STACK UP
This week's opponent Chicago compares to Orlando in imports post-season statistical categories
Category ORL Chicago
Scoring Offense 38.0 (10th) 59.0 (T-2nd)
Total Offense 223.5 (11th) 266.7 (8th)
Scoring Defense 27.5 (1st) 49.7 (5th)
Total Defense 261.0 (3rd) 310.7 (9th)
Rushing Offense 38.5 (1st) 25.7 (3rd)
Pass Rating 112/0 (8th) 119.9 (3rd)
Rushing Defense 4.5 (1st) 20.0 (T-6th)
Rushing TDs 0 (T-9th) 4 (t-1st)
Pass Defense Rating 74.6 (1st) 108.7 (5th)
Passing Offense 185.0 (12th) 241.0 (8th)
Pass Defense 256.5 (5th) 270.5 (9th)
Completion Pct. 65.3 (7th) 64.9 (9th)
Field Goal Pct. 50.0 (5th) 77.8 (3rd)
PAT Kicking 100.0 (T-1st) 78.3 (9th)
MFG Returns 11.0 (4th) 17.0 (3rd)
Kickoff Returns 21.5 (3rd) 15.7 (7th)
Fumble Recoveries 2 (T-3rd) 4 (1st)
Interceptions 3 (3rd) 4 (T-1st)
Turnover Margin +3 (2nd) +5 (1st)
First Downs 24 (7th) 55 (1st)
Opp First Downs 38 (T-8th) 60 (12th)
3rd Down Conversions 42.9% (8th) 45.0% (5th)
4th Down Conversions 0.0% (8th) 100.0% (1st)
Opp. 3rd Down Con. 52.6% (9th) 52.4% (8th)
Opp. 4th Down Con. 0.0% (T-1st) 25.0% (5th)
Sacks 3 (T-3rd) 5 (1st)
Penalties 14-82 (8th) 19-105 (9th)
Sacks Allowed 4 (t-11th) 3 (T-9th)
Opponent Penalties 21-133 (2nd) 10-69 (6th)
Kickoff Coverage 16.8 (8th) 22.3 (12th)
Red Zone Offense* 83.3% (t-5th) 88.4% (4th)
Red Zone Defense* 50.0% (1st) 80.0 (T-7th)
*Based on touchdown pct.
PREDATORS FEATURED IN FOUR OF 20 GREATEST ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE GAMES
As part of the Arena Football League's 20th anniversary celebration, the league has released its list of the 20 greatest games every played and the Orlando Predators are featured four times on the list.
Topping the list of great games involving the Predators was Orlando's 50-49 win over the Detroit Drive on June 19, 1992, which was rated the third greatest game in AFL history. The game was later dubbed the "Miracle Minute," when the two teams combined for eight possessions, three touchdowns, two turnovers, a safety, a successful on-sides kick and two, two-point conversions - all in the final 46 seconds of play. BARRY WAGNER was the star for the Predators, scoring two touchdowns, recovering the on-sides kick attempt, converting a two-point PAT and recording a pass defense and a game-saving tackle all in the final minute of play.
Other Orlando games included the Predators 41-38 win over Nashville in ArenaBowl XIV, when DAVID COOL kicked a field goal as time expired. It was the first ArenaBowl where the winning points were scored on the game's final play and capped a 14-3 season for the Predators.
The Predators were on the losing end of the other two games listed. In ArenaBowl VIII, the Arizona Rattlers pulled a major upset - knocking off the 1994 Predators, 36-31, in Orlando.
Considered one of the greatest teams in AFL history, Orlando (11-1) came within seven seconds of becoming just the seventh team in major professional football league history (NFL, American Football League, World Football League, World League of American Football, Arena Football League, NFL-Europe) to record an unbeaten, untied regular season. During that year, the Predators had beaten Arizona twice, by a combined margin of 35 points.
After breezing through the first two rounds of the playoffs, the 13-1 Predators had no answer for Arizona. The Rattlers five-point win over the Predators is still considered one of the greatest upsets in AFL history. The ArenaBowl XIV win over Nashville and the ArenaBowl VIII loss to Arizona tied for the 10th greatest game in AFL history.
Orlando's other mention came in a 59-50 regular season loss to Iowa on June 21, 1996, which was rated as the league's 16th greatest game. Wagner, who was returning to the Preds lineup after missing four games with a broken leg, had one of the greatest individual efforts in AFL history with 434 all-purpose yards. Wagner caught 15 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns, returned six kickoffs for 127 yards, and returned three missed field goals for 78 yards - including one 54 yards for a fourth touchdown.
But Wagner's heroics were not enough, as WILLIS JACOX scored four touchdowns - including two on kickoff returns. KURT WARNER also fired four touchdown passes, including the game-winner with one minute to go.
TRAGEDY KEEPS PREDS FROM HAVING FOUR WITH 600 RECEIVING YARDS
Heading into the season finale against Kansas City, Predators rookie WR/LB DeAndrew Rubin needed just 12 yards receiving to make the Predators just the third team in Arena Football League history to have four different receivers gain 600 or more yards in a single season. Rubin never got the chance, however, as a tragic shooting death in his family the night before the game resulted in the Predators placing Rubin on the inactive list for the Austin game to allow him to attend to family matters. It is interesting to note the last time the Predators flirted with having four receivers gain 600 or more yards receiving in a single season. The year was 2000 when Clif Dell (434) fell 166 yards short of joining Bret Cooper (881), Ty Law (769) and Joe Douglass (601) on the list of 600+ yard receivers. The Predators won the ArenaBowl that season, a trend Predators head coach Jay Gruden hopes continues this season. The 2006 season was the first time that the Predators had four receivers catch 10 or more touchdown passes each in a single season.
2006 Predators Receiving
Player C/Yards TD
Fryzel 87-1108 23
Dudley 78-1035 14
James 69-882 16
Rubin 46-588 10
HAMILTON MOST ACCURATE PASSER
With a 67.0% completion rate in 2006 (298-445), quarterback Joe Hamilton remains the most accurate passer in Orlando Predators history. Hamilton's career passing percentage of 66.6% is more than five percentage points higher than his closest pursuer - Jay Gruden - who completed 61.2% of his passes during his two-year stint as Predators quarterback (2002-03).
Career Completion Percentage
Name Years Att-Comp Pct.
Joe Hamilton 3 1211-806 66.6%
Jay Gruden 2 805-493 61.2%
Craig Whelihan 2 395-231 58.5%
Pat O'Hara 6 1169-682 58.3%
Ben Bennett 5 1,079-624 57.8%
Connell Maynor 7 748-431 57.6%
PREDS PLACE TWO ON ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
The Orlando Predators and the New York Dragons had two players each named to the All-Rookie Team announced today by the Arena Football League. Named from the Predators were wide receiver/defensive back JAVARUS DUDLEY and offensive/defensive lineman GREG WHITE.
Dudley, from Fordham University, had a sensation first year for the Predators. In 13 games, he was second on the team in receiving with 78 receptions for 1,035 yards and 14 touchdowns. Dudley also rushed 20 times for 61 yards and three touchdowns and added 27 tackles on defense with one pass defense.
White made 11 starts in his rookie season. He compiled 11 tackles with three tackles-for-loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks and five pass defenses. He missed five games with a shoulder injury.
"It is a well-deserved honor for both players," Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. "Both Javarus and Greg played major roles in our success this season and both have bright futures in front of them."
Orlando finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, capturing the Southern Division championship and a first round playoff bye.
New York also placed two players on the 11-member All-Rookie team, including lineman Delbert Cowsette and defensive specialist Dahnel Singfield. Seven other teams placed one player each on the team. he selection of Dudley and White marked the fourth time in last five years that the Predators have had at least one player named to the AFL All-Rookie Team.
2006 AFL All-Rookie Team
Quarterback: Sonny Cumbie, Los Angeles
Fullback/Linebacker: Anthony Dunn, Colorado
OL/DL: Khreem Smith, Chicago
OL/DL: Greg White, Orlando
OL/DL: Delbert Cowsette, New York
WR/LB: Aaron Boone, Kansas City
WR/DB: Javarus Dudley, Orlando
Offensive Specialist: Ben Nelson, San Jose
Defensive Specialist: Chris Brown, Georgia
Defensive Specialist: Dahnel Singfield, New York
Kicker: Todd France, Philadelphia
Predators All-Rookie Selections
2006
OL/DL Greg White
WR/DB Javarus Dudley
2004
K Jay Taylor
2003
OS Travis McGriff
OL/DL EJ Burt
WR/LB Thabiti Davis
2002
K Nick Gatto
2001
QB Craig Whelihan
OS Siaha Burley
1998
FB/LB Rick Hamilton
OL/DL Connell Spain
RECORD SETTING YEAR FOR ORLANDO PREDATORS
The 2006 Arena Football League season was a record breaking one for the Orlando Predators, as the club set or tied 32 team and individual records during the recently completed regular season.
Records of note broken in 2006 included quarterback Joe Hamilton, who became the Predators all-time leading passer for single game (367, vs. Dallas) and single season (3,677) passing yards. Hamilton also became the Predators' career leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and career passing percentage.
Oth
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 5, 2006
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