VooDoo Host Unbeaten Predators Thursday
April 2, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (April 2, 2014) - The two-game home stand continues as the New Orleans VooDoo host South Division rival Orlando Predators this Thursday night.
The VooDoo (0-2) have won the last three home games against Orlando and are looking to extend that streak, while the Predators (3-0) are aiming to stay unbeaten after dealing Tampa Bay its first loss a week ago. The VooDoo are hoping to overcome a tough loss to Cleveland last week, despite allowing just 37 points.
The teams last met in last year's final game. Orlando defeated New Orleans 71-42, a game that decided the conference's final playoff spot.
The VooDoo's defensive play has been solid in the first two games. New Orleans is third in the league in points allowed at 99. The team leads the league in interception yardage at 120, and their four interceptions total is tied for fourth in the league. Defensive back Eddie Moten has two of those interceptions (one in each game). The VooDoo are also second in the league in sacks with five. Linemen Mike Alston and Xavier Brown have two sacks each.
The VooDoo defense will have its toughest test against Orlando's league-leading offense (909 total yards). The Predators are a below average 7-22 on third down, but they get the job done in fourth down conversions as they are 7-11 on the year. The Predators also hold a decisive edge in time of possession over all teams in the league.
After a strong performance in Week 1, quarterback Ryan Perrilloux struggled last week against Cleveland. Perrilloux tossed three touchdowns, but he also threw four interceptions and was sacked three times.
Week 1 starter Kurt Rocco has been nursing a sore shoulder and missed last week's game. Receiver L.J. Castile has emerged as the team's top target with 15 catches for 223 yards and six touchdowns, but Larry Beavers had a good showing last week with eight grabs for 112 yards.
After a solid showing from Cleveland's backup quarterback, the VooDoo will have to deal with another talented passer. Orlando has leaned on the arm of quarterback Jason Boltus who is second in the league in multiple categories. His 798 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns are all good enough for second in the league. The Predators also have a prolific squad of receivers, three of which have triple digit yardage totals for the season. Khalil Paden leads the way for the Predators with 20 receptions for 316 yards (2nd AFL) and four touchdowns.
Orlando also has the league's no. 2 kick returner, Arness Ikner. Ikner has 332 yards, and he also set an American Conference long with a 55-yard kick return in Week 1. For the VooDoo, Beavers is the team's leading returner with 135 yards. He set a team high with a 41-yard return last week.
Kickoff for Thursday's game is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Smoothie King Center. This is also Breast Cancer Awareness Night, so fans are encouraged to wear their pink to the Graveyard to support the cause.
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