With Division Title Secured, Preds Set Sights on Season Finale
August 3, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
Orlando Predators vs. Tampa Bay Storm
(Orlando Predators, Credit: Brion Price Photography)
ORLANDO - August 3, 2015 - The first quarter of last week's game with Jacksonville looked like a Sharknado had hit the Orlando Predators and the Amway Center.
In the first 15:04 of the game, Jacksonville built a 17-0 lead. But the Predators turned the tide, outscored Jacksonville 43-13 over the next 25 minutes and swept the Sharks out of Orlando en route to a 64-50 victory and a second consecutive South Division championship.
Larry Brackins scored the first of his three touchdowns to break the ice early in the second quarter. Nick Taylor returned an interception for a score and Brandon Thompkins returned a kickoff 56 yards to paydirt to spark Orlando.
"We had a talk on the sideline, saying the fans had given us their best and we haven't shown them anything," Thompkins said. "(You) never want to get concerned, (you) just need to keep playing your game."
While it was a team effort to get back into the game, it was brilliant Arena Football execution in the middle of the game that gave Orlando its first lead. The Predators knew they would get the ball to open the second half. Down by 10 with 46 seconds left in the first half and possession at the Sharks' 8-yard line, Orlando needed a touchdown and little to no time left on the clock. Michael Simons smartly gave up a touchdown run with less than 20 seconds left in the half. Simons scored on the next play, pulled Orlando within three at 30-27 and ran enough clock that Jacksonville had just one futile offensive play before the end of the half.
The Predators scored on the opening possession of the second half, then picked up a safety and scored on the next possession. Just like that, they led 43-30 and were in control of the contest.
"You have to learn how to weather the storm," Orlando head coach Rob Keefe said.
Now, Keefe's team is going to have to weather the Tampa Bay Storm in the regular-season finale.
Tampa Bay was eliminated from playoff contention last week. But this is the War on I-4 and the Storm would like nothing more than to hand their rivals a loss as they head into the playoffs.
Despite having a division title and home playoff game in hand, the Predators still have plenty to play for when Tampa Bay comes to town.
"Our first goal of the season is always to win the State of Florida," Orlando head coach Rob Keefe said. "The War on I-4 has been one of the best rivalries in Arena Football, dating back to the beginning of the inaugural season. Make no mistake about it, we want to win this football game vs. Tampa. We're happy and excited to be representing the fan base as the South Division champions, but the regular season isn't over. Going into the playoffs with a win will definitely help our confidence and our ability to continue the momentum that has gotten us this far in the season."
Saturday night is Fan Appreciation Night at Amway Center. Kickoff between the Predators and Storm is set for 7 p.m. Visit OrlandoPredators.com or call 407.355.2200 to purchase tickets.
Images from this story
 Orlando Predators vs. Tampa Bay Storm (Brion Price Photography) |
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- With Division Title Secured, Preds Set Sights on Season Finale - Orlando Predators
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