Orlando Predators Host New Orleans VooDoo Friday, June 22
June 19, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
The Orlando Predators host the New Orleans VooDoo at the Amway Center this Friday, June 22. The game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. and will broadcast live of NFL Network.
Coming off of a 64-40 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm in the 50th "War on I-4" rivalry matchup, the Predators are hoping to carry the momentum into this week's game against the VooDoo. This is the second meeting between the Predators and the VooDoo, with the VooDoo taking home the first win in Week 11 at New Orleans, 68-61.
In their matchup against the VooDoo this week, the Predators will go head-to-head against their former head coach Pat O'Hara, in his first return to The Jungle on the opposing sideline. In two seasons with the Predators, O'Hara coached Orlando to a 20-17 record (including playoffs) and two playoff appearances. O'Hara is also a former Orlando Predators quarterback, helping the team win two Arena Bowl championships in 1998 and 2000. Before his time in the AFL, O'Hara spent time with the Tampa Bay Bucs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers. O'Hara is currently 6-7 with the VooDoo so far this season. Look for the Predators to come out extra prepared and ready to defeat their former head coach.
The Predators defense will have to be sharp this week as O'Hara brings in a VooDoo offense that has one of the best quarterbacks in the AFL in Kurt Rocco. So far this season, Rocco has completed 60 percent of his passes, thrown for 4,050 yards, and 78 touchdown passes. Rocco is currently ranked third in passing yards per game and third in the AFL in total offense. The VooDoo offense also consists of three wide receivers that have at least 74 receptions or more. Receivers Josh Bush and LJ Castille have been two of the best wide outs in the AFL this year. Bush has 80 receptions for 1211 yards, and 26 touchdowns and Castille has been just as productive hauling in 90 passes for 1059 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
Predators' veteran wide receiver T.T. Toliver is in his 11th season in the AFL and fifth season with the Predators. He has served as one of best and most consistent receivers in the AFL throughout his career. Toliver substantially leads the Preds in receiving this season, with 74 receptions for 947 yards and 19 touchdowns. In Orlando's Week 15 matchup against the Storm, Toliver caught his 750th pass of his career. Toliver isn't far from two huge milestones for an AFL wide receiver; he is 119 yards away from 10,000 career receiving yards and seven touchdowns away from 200 career touchdown receptions.
Up next, the Predators travel to Georgia to take on the Force for the second time this season. The Predators defeated the Force in their first matchup this season in Week Seven, 27-24. The 3 p.m. game will be on Sunday, July 1 at the Gwinnett Center. The game will broadcast live on Brighthouse Sports Network and OrlandoPredators.com/Live.
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