Another Predator Slips Away From Justice

David Smithey
Sunday May 9, 2010

After the franchise’s first win last week, it seemed as if Dallas had begun to overcome the fundamental errors, turnovers, and lack of experience that have cost them their losses earlier this season.  Then again, as the game proved, looks can obviously be deceiving. 

The Orlando Predators had the world against them Friday when they entered the American Airlines Center.  The winless team faced Dallas on the road, had to endure the large crowd, and was forced to tolerate a relentless game announcer.  Not to mention, in pregame they faced a Vigilantes motorcycle gang that taunted them as the team entered the field.  And if that is not enough, just try staring down the field at Rico Ochoa, Dallas’s 360 pound offensive lineman.

The way the game started, it looked like that would be against them as well.  Dallas quickly scored and had very little problems moving the ball down the field in the first half.  The Vigilantes defense also started the game in a dominant role as well.  The game was undoubtably in Dallas’s favor going into halftime with a score of 32-23.

The third quarter was one answered touchdown after another.  However, in the fourth quarter, the Vigilantes’ iron fist of the law soon slipped away.  It all began when Drafts threw his first interception of the game.  The Predators capitalized on this mistake, scored to take the lead, and quickly scored again on their next drive as well.  Dallas’s Larry Brackins refused to let the game go that easily and fought back with a beautiful run down the right side of the field for a touchdown.

On their next drive, Dallas managed to drive to the endzone and break the plane with the ball, resulting in a signaled touchdown.  Sadly, this was short lived as a conference took place among the officiating crew and questionably concluded that Dallas was down within the one yard line.  With that call, the flood gates came crashing down.  Drafts fumbled the snap, resulting in a Predator touchdown.  After the score, Drafts threw the ball away for another interception.

Luckily, Dallas’s defense answered the challenge as Eddie Moten picked off an Orlando pass resulting in a touchdown.  The Vigilantes recovered the onside kick but had the opportunity thrown away with another Drafts interception.  They would get the ball back one more time only to end the game with a fumble.  The final score of 70-59 loomed over the heartbroken Dallas team.  Granted, Orlando played a good game.  The Predators came from behind and they made some great plays.  Even so, the victory should have belonged to Dallas.

Dallas’s initial starting quaterback, Shane Stafford, continues to watch the season from the sidelines due to an ankle injury suffered in week one.  After Friday’s game he stated, “We have the team. We have the ability. It’s just… frustrating.”

In all fairness, Dallas’s offensive line began to look fatigued as the end neared and Drafts was forced to make several hasty decisions.  While Drafts can’t be blamed for the last fumble, he was at fault for the other fumbles and three interceptions.  Many passes were overthrown or landed in areas with no receivers in the vacinity.  Drafts is going to have to overcome his inexperience as a starter for the team.  He has the talent but he desperately needs to learn to be more consistant and confident in his abilities. 

Dallas needs to rally around the Vigilantes’ trinity: Lee, Brackins, and Henderson.  Lee had over a hundred yards on the field, Brackins was on the receiving end of three touchdowns, and Henderson continued to demonstrate his running power.  These individuals are capable of bringing the team to the next level if the offense can manage to collectively incorporate all players at a given time.  The defense is also a key element to success for the Vigilantes.  They know how to create opportunities in games when they are urgently needed.  However, they are prone to lose intensity as the game progresses until there is dier need of a change. 

Most importantly, the Vigilantes must eliminate fundamental mistakes.  Four fumbles resulted in a loss of possession each time, Dallas threw three interceptions, and penalty flags seemed to litter the ground like confetti during the game.  It is getting deeper into the season and these mistakes should not continue to be reoccuring each week. 

In an interview with Dallas’s Assistant Coach, James Fuller, he stated that the team has to limit easy touchdowns and turnovers.  He also said, “We are just going to have to watch the film.  Once we do, we will be able to see which individuals are being inconsistant and moves will have to be made.”

Each game, the Vigilantes show great signs of promise as they scratch the surface of their potential.  Next week Dallas faces the Jacksonville Sharks on the road.  This is a good opportunity to gain their first road win and really pull everything together to pave the way for the rest of the season.