Predators roll, 48-35
Published on February 26, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
CHICAGO, IL (Feb. 25) -- The Orlando Predators used a 21-0 run in the third quarter to roll to a 48-35 road win over the Chicago Rush on Friday night. The win lifted the Predators to 4-1 on the season; while Chicago fell to 2-3.
"It feels good. They handled us pretty easily twice last year, so anytime you can go on the road and get a win against a good team, it's huge," Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Kenny McEntyre's play is what really turned things around for us."
Despite dominating the line in the first half, the Predators found themselves behind 21-17 as the Rush took advantage of some key Orlando penalties, some big plays and a Joe Hamilton fumble.
But the third quarter belonged to the Predators. Holding on to a four-point lead, Chicago looked like it was headed for a touchdown on a 24-yard pass play to Jeremy McDaniel. But McEntyre knocked the ball out of McDaniel's hands at the two and recovered the ball. A few players later, Hamilton hooked up with Jimmy Fryzel on a 13-yard touchdown to give Orlando a 24-21 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Predators crossed up Chicago with a Brian Gowins on-sides kick and Justin Skaggs recovered for Orlando. Hamilton capped off a 38-yard drive with 2-yard touchdown pass to Fryzel and the Predators extended the lead to 31-21. The Predators special teams contributed to the next Orlando score as well. On the ensuing kickoff, the Predators stripped Etu Molden of the ball and the kicker Brian Gowins recovered. Marlon Moye-Moore then scored on a nine-yard run and Orlando had its biggest lead of the night at 45-28.
About the only mistake the Predators made came early in the fourth quarter when Hamilton threw an errant interception as he was feeling the heat of the Chicago pass rush. But Damon Mason made up with the mistake just three plays later with his second interception of the season.
The victory came on a night when the Predators lined up without the services of three starters. Offensive specialist Travis McGriff and FB/LB Rupert Grant were on the inactive list; while Cory Fleming went on the injured reserve list this week with a hamstring injury.
McGriff was replaced in the line-up by rookie Jimmy Fryzel, a former University of Central Florida star. Fryzel responded with a huge game, catching nine passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns -- all season highs for the Predators this season. Moore, who suffered a devastating knee injury 10 months ago, was almost unstoppable at fullback -- running for 31 yards and a touchdown. Orlando finished the game with a season high 76 yards on 16 carries.
After falling flat against Dallas a week ago, the Predators came through with a dominating performance. Orlando recorded two fumble recoveries and an interception, while limiting Chicago to just 260 yards and 18 first downs.
"It was a physical game and I thought Chicago was trying to intimidate us," Predators fullback/linebacker Idris Price said. "We were frustrated early, but I think the main thing is that we never displayed any panic. We were able to go out and get the job done."
The Predators return to action next Sunday in a home game at Hummer Field against San Jose, the defending AFL champion. Kickoff in the TD Waterhouse Centre for the nationally televised game on NBC is 12 Noon.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 26, 2005
- Predators roll, 48-35 - Orlando Predators
- Nagy steps in as Force win Austin barnburner - Georgia Force
- Storm fall to VooDoo, 48-42, in OT - Tampa Bay Storm
- Force slip by Wranglers, 66-63 - Austin Wranglers
- Third quarter slump costs Rush in 48-35 defeat - Chicago Rush
- New Orleans VooDoo outlast Tampa Bay Storm 48-42 - New Orleans VooDoo
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