Predators Blow Out Rampage 75-56
Sunday April 13, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI—The Orlando Predators (5-2) ran their winning streak to 5 games with a 75-56 victory over the Grand Rapids Rampage (2-4) at Van Andel Arena Sunday afternoon. The Preds held their largest lead at 75-35 in the third quarter and cruised to victory while not scoring in the fourth.
Kenny “The Glove” McEntyre recorded his 75th career interception in the game that he returned 4 yards for a touchdown to give Orlando a 27-14 lead at the 9:52 mark of the second quarter. Things would get worse for the Rampage on their next drive as they turned the ball over on downs.
“We definitely got our offense and defense together tonight,” head coach Jay Gruden said. “We sort of coasted in the second half but we will take a big win on the road.”
On the ensuing possession, Orlando fullback Marlon Moye-Moore scored his 11th rushing touchdown of the season giving the Preds a 34-14 lead. Rampage quarterback James MacPherson was sacked on the next drive by Rob Schroeder who caused a fumble on the play that was recovered by B.J. Cohen for a Predator touchdown extending the lead to 41-14.
Preds quarterback Shane Stafford found wide receiver T.T. Toliver for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds remaining before halftime to give the Predators a 47-21 halftime lead. Stafford threw his final touchdown pass of the game to Chas Gessner early in the third quarter giving Orlando a 54-21 lead. He finished the day 14 of 16 for 203 yards and 4 touchdown passes; Stafford did not take a snap after the 11:33 mark of the third.
“It was very important to get Shane [Stafford] some rest going into a big game with the Georgia Force next week,” Gruden said.
Preds fullback Odie Armstrong had his first AFL touchdown in the first half, a 39-yard reception on a screen pass which gave Orlando a 20-14 lead. Kicker John Vaughn posted his first kick off net recovery which was made by Ahmad Carroll in the third quarter.
Toliver led the Preds in receiving with 12 receptions for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added a 28-yard rushing touchdown.
The Orlando Predators face the Georgia Force in Week 8 next Saturday at the Gwinnett Arena. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on WRDQ TV 27 in Orlando and on 540 WFLA.
