Predators take another loss in War on I-4

Sunday June 8, 2008

TAMPA, FL—The Orlando Predators had just about everything go wrong that could go wrong on Saturday night as they took a 71-61 loss to the Tampa Bay Storm in front of 17,344 fans at St. Pete Times Forum.

The Preds (8-7) got off to a rocky start as the Storm (7-7) scored just 1:12 into the game on quarterback Brett Dietz’ 28-yard touchdown pass to Hank Edwards to give Tampa Bay a 7-0 lead.

The Predators would answer on quarterback Shane Stafford’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Levon Thomas; newly signed kicker Dan Frantz missed the extra point which would become a common theme on the night as he missed 4 in the game.

“We needed a victory and so did they,” head coach Jay Gruden said.  “Hats off to them for making big plays in key situations and that proved to be the difference tonight.”

Orlando’s next touchdown came on a surprise third down pass to John Mohring—a true linebacker—on a 36-yard throw from Stafford to bring the Preds within 14-12 in the first quarter.

The Preds got a big score just before halftime when Stafford found Kevin Nickerson from 4 yards out. However, Tampa Bay’s kick return man Sedrick Robinson got loose for a 58-yard touchdown on the ensuing kickoff to give the Storm a 42-32 lead heading into halftime.

“That play was a real back breaker for us and turned the momentum of the game,” Gruden said.

Things would not get any better for the Preds at the start of the third quarter as DeAndrew Rubin fumbled a pass reception and the Storm recovered.  The Storm quickly turned that turnover into a touchdown as Dietz found Edwards again to give Tampa Bay a 48-32 lead.

“I think our offense played great tonight outside of three plays that really hurt us,” said Gruden.

The Predators would have their best chance to get back in the game after recovering an on-sides kick with under a minute remaining.  Unfortunately, Stafford was picked off by the Storm’s Traco Rachal to seal the victory for the home team.

Stafford finished the game 27 of 38 passing for 362 yards and 8 touchdown passes.  Nickerson was his leading receiver with 10 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown while Thomas led the team with 3 receiving touchdowns.

Edwards was named Offensive Player of the Game scoring 4 times on 9 receptions for 131 yards.  Dietz threw for 298 yards and 8 touchdowns on the night while staying a near perfect 24 of 32.

The Predators return to action Friday night at 7:30 as they face the New Orleans VooDoo in another high stakes match-up.  The Preds will retire All-Time great Barry Wagner and induct him into the team’s Ring of Honor at halftime.  For tickets call 407-648-4444.