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Special Teams Mistakes Prove Costly in the LA KISS' 43-41 Loss to Orlando

June 5, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Los Angeles KISS News Release


Anaheim, CA - The LA KISS (4-5) suffered a tough two-point loss against the Orlando Predators (8-2) in front of 6,193 fans at the Honda Center on Sunday afternoon. The LA KISS, who lost on the game's ultimate play, did not trail the Predators at any point in the game, until the final score.

"It is a very difficult loss to swallow," said LA KISS Head Coach Omarr Smith. "We did not play well enough or pay attention to the details. We lost a game we should have won."

LA KISS quarterback Pete Thomas completed 21 of 39 pass attempts for 237 yards and six touchdowns. Donovan Morgan led the LAK KISS receiving corps with eight receptions for 81 yards and four touchdowns. During the game, Morgan cracked the top-10 of AFL's all-time receptions leaderboard. Brandon Collins hauled in six passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. Fullback Rory Nixon caught two passes for 26 yards and a touchdown.

Orlando Predators quarterback Bernard Morris tallied two passing touchdowns, while completing 16 of 26 passes for 171 yards. Morris also scored on two separate three-yard quarterback keepers. Brandon Thompkins led the Predators' receivers with eight receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Larry Brackins collected three receptions for 37 yards.

LA KISS defensive back Mike Willie led all defenders with 11.5 total tackles (11 solo). Newly activated defensive lineman Mike Lewis recorded his first sack as a member of the LA KISS and tallied three total tackles.

After the Predators won the coin toss and deferred possession to the second half, Orlando opened the game by kicking off to the LA KISS. Thomas found Morgan for a 6-yard touchdown. The Joey Cejudo extra point was good and the LA KISS took a 7-0 lead. Orlando were unable to cap off a 10-play drive and turned the ball over on downs on the LA KISS' two-yard line. At the end of the first quarter, the LA KISS led 7-0.

On the first possession of the second quarter, the LA KISS extended their lead to 14 points when Thomas connected with Morgan for a seven-yard touchdown and Cejudo found the uprights. Then Carr caught a 13-yard touchdown from Morris. After a successful kick by Mark Lewis, the score was 14-7 with 6:44 remaining in the half. On the second play of the ensuing possession, Sonie intercepted Thomas' pass. Morris scored on a three-yard quarterback keeper. The kick was good and the score was even at 14 with 2:55 left in the quarter. Thomas connected with Morgan with 00:20 remanding on the clock for a seven-yard touchdown. Cejudo's kick was good and the LA KISS took a seven-point lead. At halftime, the LA KISS led 21-14.

Orlando found the end zone on the first possession of the second half when Morris threw a seven-yard touchdown to Thompkins. After a successful PAT, the score was tied at 21 points. On the following possession, Morgan scored a four-yard receiving touchdown from Thomas. After Cejudo split the uprights, the LA KISS took a 28-21 lead with 2:10 remaining in the quarter. Thompkins returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for a touchdown, which tied the score at 28. The score at the end of the third quarter was LA KISS 28, Orlando Predators 28.

The final period opened with a nine-play LA KISS drive, which ended when Thomas pitched a 16-yard touchdown to Nixon. The PAT was good and the LA KISS led by seven points. Then Thompkins returned his second straight kick return for a touchdown and Orlando tied the game at 35 with 8:07 on the clock. Collins caught a 21-yard touchdown from Thomas. The PAT was no good and the LA KISS led 41-35 with 3:10 left in the quarter. Morris scored on another three-yard quarterback sneak. Orlando was unable to take the lead when Lewis missed the PAT and the score remained even at 41 with 10 seconds left in the fourth. With four seconds left on the clock, the LA KISS lined up to kick a field goal. As time expired the holder, Danny Southwick, was unable to control the Sam Tupua snap and the ball rolled off of the board in the back of the end zone for a safety. The final score was Orlando Predators 43, LA KISS 41.

Next week, the LA KISS will go on the road and take on the Philadelphia Soul at the PPL Center on Saturday June 11. Kick off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. and he game will be able to be streamed live online via ESPN3/WatchESPN.

Postgame Awards:

Under Armour Offensive Player of the Game: LAK WR Donovan Morgan

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: ORL DB Varmah Sonie

Lewis Small Player of the Game: ORL WR Brandon Thompkins

Cutters Catch of the Game: LAK Donovan Morgan seven-yard touchdown in the 2nd quarter.

AFL Highlight of the Game: ORL WR Brandom Thompkins 56-yard KOR TD

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