Preds defeat Brigade 58-51

Sunday May 18, 2008

Preds Survive in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, MO-- The Orlando Predators were faced with adversity on the road against the Kansas City Brigade and came through in a big way when quarterback Shane Stafford found wide receiver Ron Johnson for a 6-yard touchdown pass with just 4 seconds remaining in the game. The 58-51 victory gives the Preds an 8-4 record and puts them atop the southern division by ½ game over the New Orleans VooDoo.

The Preds struggled throughout the afternoon offensively giving up 5 turnovers in the game-- 4 of which came by way of fumbles. However, the Brigade were not able to cash in on all of the Preds mistakes as they turned the ball over 3 times to keep the visiting team in the game.

“We had our ups and downs in this game,” head coach Jay Gruden said. “Ron Johnson made a great play to get us the win.”

As the game neared halftime the Preds trailed 31-21 after 2 turnovers gave the Brigade a two-score lead. Stafford found wide receiver T.T. Toliver from 4 yards out to bring the Preds within 31-28 with 12 seconds left. On the ensuing drive Preds Jack linebacker Doug Miller would strip Brigade quarterback D. Bryant of the football and defensive end B.J. Cohen fell on the ball to give Orlando a 35-31 halftime lead as the clock ran out.

“They had an opportunity to get a big lead going into half,” Gruden said. “That was a great way to end the first half for our defense.”

Fullback Odie Armstrong was a big part of the Preds offense on Sunday as he rushed for a season-high 37 yards on 5 carries.

“I told Odie he has to nudge me sometimes so I know that he is alive and I can give him the ball more,” said Gruden.

Toliver led the Preds with 6 receptions for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 75 yards on kick off returns. Wide receiver Levon Thomas' 2 receptions for 81 yards were big for the Preds as his 37-yard catch set up Johnson's game-winning touchdown.

Bryant finished the game with 5 rushing touchdowns for Kansas City as he threw just 1 touchdown pass.

The Predators return to action on Friday night as they face the Dallas Desperados at 7:30 p.m. At Amway Arena.