Preds conclude pre-season with scrimmage at Tampa Bay
January 23, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Orlando Predators concluded their 2005 training camp Saturday with a 90-minute scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Storm at the St. Petersburg Times Forum.
Head Coach Jay Gruden used the scrimmage to evaluate his younger players that are trying to make the 2005 roster. The Predators did not play starting quarterback Joe Hamilton, WR-LB Cory Fleming, DS Kenny McEntyre, OL-DL Buck Gurley, and OL-DL Doug Miller in the scrimmage; while OL-DL EJ Burt and WR-DB Bret Cooper just made a token appearance.
"Some of the veterans were nicked up a little, but we felt it was more important to give the guys who are trying to make this team a good look, and its something we accomplished. Still, I was a little disappointed with the number of penalties and mental mistakes we made."
The Predators were called for numerous penalties in the scrimmage and had several breakdowns that led to Tampa Bay touchdowns.
Gruden was pleased with the efforts of several newcomers, including WR-LB Justin Skaggs and quarterback Chris Sanders. Skaggs caught three passes on Orlando's first drive; accounting for all 38 yards - including a 12-yard scoring pass. Sanders was 11 for 20 passing the ball, throwing for three touchdowns and 179 yards with one interception.
The Predators also got big plays from Idris Price on a 40-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass and Anthony Bright's 40-yard touchdown on a catch-and-run. Former UCF star Jimmy Fryzel had three receptions, including a 27-yard touchdown grab from Ryan Schneider, another former Knight player.
Rookie Jerian James and veteran Andre Cooper had interceptions. Gruden will use tomorrow to cut his final roster from 35 to 24 players. Orlando opens the season on Sunday, Jan. 30 with a 12 Noon nationally televised game on NBC (WESH 2 - locally) against John Elway's Colorado Crush. Tickets are available by calling 407-44-PREDS.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 23, 2005
- Kats Set Opening Week Roster - Nashville Kats
- Desperados finalize roster - Dallas Desperados
- Predators reach roster limit, waive 13 - Orlando Predators
- Preds conclude pre-season with scrimmage at Tampa Bay - Orlando Predators
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