Orlando Predators Roll Past Cleveland Gladiators, 55-34
July 6, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
The Orlando Predators (3-13) won their third game of the season Friday night against the Cleveland Gladiators (7-9), 55-34. In front of a season high 14,518 fans, the win moved the Predators to 3-13 for the 2012 season.
Cleveland received the football to start the game and were able to score on their first possession on an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Dutton to wide receiver Robert Redd. The Predators responded with a score on their first possession, a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Leak to wide receiver T.T. Toliver. The Gladiators found the end zone on their next drive on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Dutton to wide receiver Dominick Goodman, bringing the score to 13-6. On the Predators' final drive of the first quarter, Toliver reached a special career milestone. After catching a 19-yard reception, Toliver passed the 10,000 career receiving yard mark.
The Preds opened the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Leak to Jarvis Williams, tying the game at 13-13. On Cleveland's next drive, Dutton threw a pass that was intercepted by Predators linebacker Erick Harris. Orlando capitalized off of the turnover with a two-yard touchdown pass from Leak to Toliver, his second of the game. Cleveland tied the score on their next possession on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Dutton to wide receiver Franklin Carlese. Orlando answered the score with a four-yard touchdown pass from Leak to wide receiver Glen Fox, regaining the lead, 27-20. On the following kickoff, the Predators failed an onside kick-attempt, giving the Gladiators good field possession. On the first play of the drive Cleveland fumbled the football and Harris recovered, giving the Predators possession with under one minute left to play in the half. On their final drive of the half, Leak was able to hit Williams in the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. The touchdown extended the Predators lead to 34-20 and brought an end to the first half.
Orlando began the second half with possession of the football and scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Leak to Williams, extending their lead, 41-20. The Gladiators scored their first points of the second half on their next possession, with a four-yard rushing touchdown by fullback Jeramie Richardson. On the Predators next drive, Leak threw a pass that was intercepted by Gladiators defensive back Lenny Wicks. The Gladiators were able to take advantage of the turnover on a four-yard touchdown pass from Dutton to Carlese, making the score 41-34, with the Predators in the lead at the end of the third.
The Predators opened up the fourth quarter with a score on their first drive, a touchdown pass to Williams, bringing the score to 48-34 Orlando. On Cleveland's next drive, Orlando regained possession of the ball after an interception by DB Kenny McEntyre. The interception served as McEntyre's 98 th career interception. The Predators took advantage of the turnover by scoring on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Leak to Williams, his fifth touchdown reception of the game. On Cleveland's next possession, the Gladiators fumbled in the end zone, resulting in a touchback for the Preds. The Predators were able to run out the clock, ending the game with a final score of 55-34 and moving the Predators to 3-13 for the 2012 season.
The Predators were led offensively by quarterback Chris Leak, who was 30-35 for 316 yards and eight touchdowns. Jarvis Williams was huge for the Predators on offense, hauling in a game high 13 receptions for 147 yards and five touchdowns. T.T. Toliver also contributed two touchdowns for the Predators.
Defensive backs Simeon Castille and Travis Coleman both had great performances on defense in the win. Castille was able to notch 13 total tackles, while Coleman contributed seven tackles in the game. Linebacker Erick Harris, who has only played four games with the Predators this season, was also key on defense, bringing in 7 total tackles and an interception.
Up next, the Predators hit the road to take on the in-state rival and defending ArenaBowl Champion Jacksonville Sharks on Saturday, July 14. The Sharks captured the first matchup against the Predators in Week 12, winning 55-37. The 7:00 p.m. game will broadcast live on Brighthouse Sports Network and OrlandoPredators.com/Live.
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