Week 4 Preview: Predators vs. VooDoo

Monday March 31, 2014

 Predators will look to become 4-0 for the first time since the 2003 season

ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Predators just continue to find ways to win. The team, which has won all three of its games in the final minutes of each contest, is the only 3-0 team in the AFL this season. Hard work, intense preparation and a new attitude is what Predators first-year Head Coach Rob Keefe has instilled in this team, and it has propelled the Predators to their best start since 2005.

Last week, the Predators defeated the Tampa Bay Storm in dramatic fashion after an unlikely play gave the team new life. Predators’ veteran defensive lineman Mark Robinson recovered a Randy Hippeard fumble on the first snap of the Storm’s final drive with 40 seconds remaining in the game. Jason Boltus was then able to orchestrate a game-winning drive that ended with a Greg Carr touchdown with just 6 seconds left.

The Predators are now looking to take control of the American Conference heading into Week 4. The team has already won two games within the division this season, and they will look to win a third on Thursday. The New Orleans VooDoo are coming off a 37-26 loss at home to the Cleveland Gladiators and have now lost two in row to start the season. The team, which has rookie and former LSU star Ryan Perrilloux under center, has only scored 83 points through the first two games. Meanwhile, the Predators are second in the AFL with 174 points through their first three games.

While the VooDoo offense maybe experiencing struggles early on in the season, the same cannot be said for their defense. The unit has forced six turnovers through the teams’ first two games and has aloud just 49.5 points per game. Defensive linemen Xavier Brown and Mike Alston have combined for 4 sacks and defensive back Eddie Moten has recorded two interceptions.

The matchup to watch this week will be between Predators rookie wide receiver Khalil Paden and veteran Eddie Moten as both players are playing at equally high level for their respective franchises.

The team will return home to CFE Arena on Thursday, April 10 to take on the American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul following Thursday’s matchup.

ABOUT ORLANDO PREDATORS: The Orlando Predators are heading into their 23rd season as Orlando’s most exciting professional sports franchise. Proud members of the Arena Football League, the Predators have achieved unprecedented success on the field, reaching the AFL postseason a league-leading 19 times in their history. The Orlando Predators have advanced to the AFL playoffs a league-leading 19 times in their history while securing seven conference championships, including two ArenaBowl Championship victories in 1998 and 2000.