Orlando Predators Take Down Milwaukee Mustangs 35-30

Friday May 27, 2011

MILWAUKEE - Orlando Predators defensive back Rayshaun Kizer recorded two interceptions on Thursday night in a 35-30 win on the road over the Milwaukee Mustangs.

It was his second pick of the game – the league-leading 10th of the season - which gave the Predators (7-3) some breathing room late in the fourth quarter.

Leading 28-24, quarterback Nick Hill led a five-play, 13-yard drive that resulted in a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Bobby Sippio with three minutes, 28 seconds to play.

While both Orlando and Milwaukee (3-7) combined for 65 points, the first half was quite a contrast. The Predators led just 7-6 at the half.

The Preds then fell behind quickly in the third quarter when Hill was intercepted and Milwaukee returned it for a touchdown. Orlando replied on the next drive with a one-yard run by Jamarr Ward, a center playing fullback for the first time. Hill bounced back from the interception with a pass to wide receiver Robert Quiroga, who tight-roped his way to the Milwaukee two-yard line to set up the score.

Despite three interceptions on the night, Hill completed 15 of 26 passes for 224 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite target was Quiroga, who caught seven passes for 121 yards and a score. T.T. Toliver added five grabs for 68 yards and two touchdowns and Sippio notched three receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown.

Kizer led the team with 8.5 total tackles (eight solo). The Predators defense was crucial all night as they held to the Mustangs to only 3 of 9 conversions on third down. Milwaukee lead 6-0 in the first quarter before Hill hit Toliver in the end zone for a touchdown.

Milwaukee got out to a 24-21 in the fourth quarter before Hill found Toliver along the sideline with less than nine minutes to play to give Orlando the lead for good. Kizer’s interception followed, helping to secure the win.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

JLS Ironman of the Game: Milwaukee’s Marcus Everett
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Orlando WR Robert Quiroga
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Mustangs DB Kelvin Rogers’s Pick-6 Riddell
Defensive Player of the Game: Orlando DB Rayshaun Kizer
NiFTy Playmaker of the Game: Mustangs DB Andre Jones
Cutter Catch of the Game: Mustangs WR Damian Harrell’s 20-yard TD catch over the wall
National Guard MVP of the Game: Orlando DB Rayshaun Kizer