Preds Fall In Final Seconds
March 9, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
New Orleans, LA-The Orlando Predators took their second consecutive loss of the season when quarterback Shane Stafford's two-point conversion pass to receiver T.T. Toliver was knocked away by New Orleans VooDoo defensive back Calvin Spears to secure a 54-53 victory for the home team at New Orleans Arena.
"We're on the road and the guys were a little tired," Preds head coach Jay Gruden said. "I didn't want to leave it up to a rookie kicker to try and tie the game."
Toliver made an outstanding catch with no time left on the clock in the fourth quarter for a 26-yard touchdown that gave the Predators a chance to win the game. The pass from Stafford was intended for wide receiver Chas Gessner, it was tipped into the air and Toliver made a diving catch to bring the Preds within one-point.
Stafford threw two interceptions late in the game that enabled the VooDoo to take a lead when his pass was picked off by Keon Raymond and returned 42 yards for a touchdown. The Preds quarterback finished the game 29 for 43 with 321 yards and four touchdowns to go with the two costly thefts.
"We had a five point lead and the ball and threw an interception to a linebacker," Gruden said. "Inexcusable for a veteran quarterback to make that throw, hats off to the VooDoo they made a great play."
VooDoo quarterback Danny Wimprine had an efficient outing going 27 of 37 for 311 yards and six touchdown passes. His leading receiver was former Orlando Predator Javarus Dudley who recorded nine receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
The Predators led late in the first half when VooDoo kicker Jonathan Ruffin's kickoff was recovered by another former Predator Lin-J Shell that gave the VooDoo a 34-27 lead going into halftime.
The Orlando Predators sit at 0-2 and in the bottom of the southern division. They return to action Friday night when they host the 0-2 Utah Blaze at Amway Arena, kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 9, 2008
- Dragons Win Home Opener 50-47 - New York Dragons
- Preds Fall In Final Seconds - Orlando Predators
- Rampage Kick Off 2008 Season Tomorrow at Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Gladiators Defeat Blaze, 66-63 - Cleveland Gladiators
- Soul Rocks Rush, 60-49 - Chicago Rush
- Blaze Start Season 0-2 With Loss To Cleveland, 66-63 - Utah Blaze
- Soul Outlast Rush, 60-49 - Philadelphia Soul
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