Predators Host Defending ArenaBowl Champion Jacksonville Sharks
May 22, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
The Orlando Predators remain defeated on the road after losing to former head coach Pat O'Hara and the New Orleans VooDoo on Friday night. The Predators lost to the VooDoo, 68-61, moving their overall record to 1-8 for the 2012 season. This week the Preds return to The Jungle for a home game against the defending Arena Bowl champion Jacksonville Sharks on Friday, May 25. The 8 p.m. game will be at the Amway Center and will be nationally broadcast on NFL Network.
The all-time series between the two franchises favors the Sharks with a 4-2 lead over the Predators. Orlando faced Jacksonville three times during the 2011 season, losing all three matchups. The Sharks beat the Predators, 76-55, in Week 8, 68-67, in Week 14, and 63-48, in the American Conference Semi-Finals. The Sharks went on to win the ArenaBowl championship against the Arizona Rattlers in 2011.
In their matchup against the Sharks this week, the Predators offense will have to have to come prepared to play turnover free football. Last week, Preds quarterback Chris Leak made his starting debut with the team. Leak was 25 of 42, threw for 342 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions. This week the Preds will be facing a strong Jacksonville defense. The Sharks are currently ranked fifth in total defense, fifth in passing defense, sixth in rushing defense, and fourth in the AFL in scoring defense. The Predators offense will need to limit their turnovers to win their first matchup of the season against the Sharks.
The Predators defense will also have to play a big role in this week's game against Jacksonville. The Sharks have a playmaker receiver in Terrance Smith, whose speed has turned him into one of the top receivers in the AFL this season. Through 11 weeks, Smith has 63 receptions for 792 yards, and 21 touchdowns. Sharks quarterback Bernard Morris has also been playing well in his past three games. In his start last week against Iowa, Morris was 18 of 24, threw for 202 yards, four touchdowns, and no turnovers.
The Predators will be facing a former teammate this week in quarterback Collin Drafts. Drafts was named the Predators starting quarterback in the beginning of the 2012 season. He was released by Orlando on April 16 after the Predators 0-5 start. Drafts was signed by the Sharks on May 17 and currently serves as the backup to Morris.
Up next the Predators go on the road to visit the American Conference leading Philadelphia Soul on June 2. The 7:05 p.m. matchup will be second time the Predators have faced off against the Soul this season, with Philadelphia winning the first game 69-53. The game will broadcast live on www.orlandopredators.com/live.
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