Preds rally, defeat Soul 53-46

Saturday April 9, 2011

Orlando, FL. – The Orlando Predators (3-1) mounted a second half rally to beat the visiting Philadelphia Soul (1-3) 53-46. James Lynch scored the winning touchdown for the Predators with 18 seconds left in the game.

The Predators trailed Philadelphia for the duration of the first half after the Soul took an early lead, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a run by QB Ryan Vena. Orlando managed to keep things close in the first half with multiple touchdowns from T.T. Toliver and Bobby Sippio; however, the Philadelphia offense proved unstoppable, entering halftime with a 27-18 lead. 

Orlando stole the momentum in the third quarter, beginning the half with an interception by Marlon Moye-Moore. QB Nick Hill was banged up on the ensuing Predators drive (he returned for the following possession), but that would not stop the Predators as back-up QB Collin Drafts stepped in, throwing a touchdown to Toliver on his first play. Both teams exchanged scores throughout the third quarter, though the Predators cut the Soul lead to two by the start of the final quarter.

Paul Griffin started what would be a winning shift in momentum for the Predators with an interception midway through the fourth. That would set Sippio up for a touchdown, giving Orlando its first lead of the game. Philadelphia was quick to regain the lead, but the Lynch touchdown, and a final effort from the Predators defense sealed the win for Orlando.

Hill completed 28 of 40 passes for 309 yards and six touchdowns. Sippio and Toliver tallied a combined 22 receptions for 236 yards and seven touchdowns. 

The Predators will go on the road next week to face the Georgia Force at 7:35 p.m. The game can be seen on NiFTy Online TV or heard on 740AM The Game.


Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Bobby Sippio, ORL
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Tanner Varner, PHIL
JLS Ironman: Mike Brown, PHIL
NiFTy Playmaker of the Game: T.T. Toliver, ORL
Cutter Catch of the Game: Donovan Morgan 39-yard touchdown catch at 12:18 in 4th quarter
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Paul Griffin interception at 6:42 in 4th quarter