Predators hold off Rattlers, 51-40
Published on February 4, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
Phoenix, AZ- After jumping out to an early 13-0 lead, the Orlando Predators withstood a furious Arizona comeback attempt to escape the America West Arena 51-40. Offensive Player of the Game Joe Hamilton threw for 260 yards and five touchdowns to help lead Orlando to a 2-0 record. Rattlers QB Joe Germaine, subbing for the injured Sherdrick Bonner, struggled early in his first career start, but finished strong, ending with 236 yards and three TDs.
Orlando started the game off quickly, as Hamilton found Cory Fleming for a 34-yard score just three plays in. Fleming kept the Preds rolling, picking off Germaine on the Rattlers first possession. That would lead to a Hamilton to Travis McGriff scoring strike, and a 13-0 Orlando lead. Arizona came storming back, as Bo Kelly rumbled 12 yards for a touchdown that cut the lead to 13-7. But Orlando marched to three straight touchdowns, aided by a Rattler fumble and turnover on downs, and threatened to blow the Rattlers out leading 32-7.
Arizona wouldn't quit, scoring twice before half to cut the lead to 32-20 at the break. Orlando started the scoring again in the second half after Arizona missed a field goal, as Hamilton kept it himself for a four-yard TD run and a 39-20 lead. Arizona answered right back, as Bo Kelly rushed for his second score of the game to cut the lead to 39-27.
The Rattlers appeared poised to pull off a huge comeback, when a pressured Hamilton threw a pass right into the outstretched arms of rookie Wilson Thomas, who scampered 20 yards for the score. That brought the Rattlers to within five, but they would get no closer.
A failed on-side kick attempt gave Orlando the ball in Rattler territory, and Hamilton would take advantage, finding Fleming for another touchdown. Another missed field goal by the Rattlers led to an Idris Price 6-yard run and a 51-34 lead with just under four minutes to go. Germaine would find Siaha Burley on a 32-yard strike, but Orlando recovered the on-side kick and ran out the clock for the victory.
Hamilton finished 22-35 for 260 yards, five TDs and two interceptions. Germaine ended his first start 15-34 for 236 yards, three scores and two picks. Cory Fleming hauled in six catches for 92 yards and three scores, and added an interception. Siaha Burley had nine receptions for 141 yards and two scores in a losing effort.
Arizona (1-1) now heads to Georgia to battle the Georgia Force, led by Head Coach Doug Plank, who spent the past three seasons overseeing the Rattlers defense. Kickoff in Atlanta is set for 5:00 PM Arizona time on Saturday, February 12. The game will be shown on FSN Arizona.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 4, 2005
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- Preds trounce Rattlers, 51-40 - Orlando Predators
- Predators hold off Rattlers, 51-40 - Arizona Rattlers
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