Power Falls to Predators in Orlando
July 2, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Pittsburgh Power News Release
ORLANDO- The Pittsburgh Power lost a heartbreaker to the Orlando Predators Friday night, 62-54, in front of 15,726 fans at Amway Center. The loss dropped them to 8-7, and pushes Cleveland back into the top spot in the American East.
It was once again a tale of two halves for the Power, who looked to have the game under control throughout the first half. Quarterback Bernard Morris was back, and the team was clicking better than it had been. That was clear after the first drive when Morris was able to pick up 28 yards, and ultimately set up a 10-yard touchdown pass to D.J. Hall. Not long after, he threw a 38-yard bomb to Irv Campbell for a touchdown and another 29-yard touchdown pass to Mike Washington. Other than the Predators 54 yard kickoff return, the first half was all Pittsburgh.
Things went very differently in the second, but with two teams fighting for a spot in the playoffs, a close game was to be expected. Orlando had three straight touchdowns to start off the half. Two of those were scored after the ball bounced off of the net during the kickoff. Predator WR Chris Duvalt was able to race down the field two times in a row and catch the deflected balls. Orlando took the lead for the first time in the game after the second net recovery. Once Morris was able to get back on the field, Pittsburgh looked ready to get back in the game. They were able to trade touchdowns a few times, but the missed extra points from the first half were coming back to haunt them, and they could not regain the lead. The Predators sealed Pittsburgh's fate when Travis Coleman intercepted Morris's pass with 35 seconds left in the game. Orlando went on to win 62-54.
Morris finished the game with 237 yards, going 18-for-31 with 7 touchdowns and 1 interception. Hall finished with 8 receptions for a total of 81 yards and 3 touchdowns. For Orlando, Collin Drafts went 23-for-34, throwing for 264 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception. T.T. Toliver gained 78 yards with 8 receptions and 2 touchdowns.
Pittsburgh returns home next Sunday, July 10th, to face the Arizona Rattlers. It's the last home game of the season and Fan Appreciation Night. Visit www.pittsburghpowerfootball.com for tickets.
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Arena Football League Stories from July 2, 2011
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