Preds Get Back on Track
Jason Lucas
Thursday March 4, 2004
The hunger is now back in Orlando, and even a little bit of the swagger has returned to the ArenaFan message boards these days from the Preds faithful. At 1-2, the Predators and their fans now look towards a visit from the Indiana Firebirds, a team the Predators have had a lot of history with over the years.
Indiana comes to Orlando on Saturday night with no wins, but a new quarterback that most fans in Florida will recognize. Former Florida State Seminole Adrian McPherson will lead the Firebirds into Orlando looking for his first victory as the starter. McPherson is a quarterback that will not hesitate to run the ball when he sees fit. Last week in Detroit he ran for a team leading 55 yards on seven carries adding a rushing touchdown. McPherson’s return to the state has called for a special media gathering on Friday during the Firebirds walkthrough so everyone can get their time with the former FSU signal caller.
Speaking of signal callers, Joe Hamilton has done a very admirable job for the Preds this season, and is making an early case for Rookie of the Year. Last week, Hamilton continued his stellar play by completing 19 of 29 passes for 187 yards and six touchdowns. Most importantly for the Preds, Hamilton has yet to throw his first AFL interception. Hamilton ranks fifth among AFL quarterbacks in passer rating, completing an amazing 63.5 percent of his passes. All of this coming from a rookie quarterback could lead to the Preds making another run at the Arenabowl in June.
The injury report in Orlando still seems to be up in the air. Depth is not a problem, but the injuries and dismissals continue to grow. Starting center Justin Cleveland broke the thumb on his snapping hand in Tuesday’s practice, which will put him out four to six weeks. Look for rookie, and another former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and UCF Golden Knight, Josh McKibben to get more time at the center spot.
On Monday, the Preds dismissed George Williams and on Tuesday signed AFL veteran Sean Riley to take Williams’ roster spot. Riley had his best season in 2000 for the Milwaukee Mustangs, scoring 27 touchdowns on 96 receptions for 1,339 yards. The acquisition of Riley will add some speed to the Preds’ receiving corps, something head coach Jay Gruden said was missing without Travis McGriff in the lineup. Travis McGriff remains questionable for Saturday’s meeting with the Firebirds as he is still nursing a quadriceps injury.
Saturday night will be a meeting of two up and coming AFL rookie quarterbacks. I suggest that you get your tickets now because the Jungle will sell out in a hurry!
Jason Lucas is a part-time freelance writer based in the Orlando, Florida area. A former director of media relations with the Orlando Predators, Jason is making his return to Arenafan.com after a short stint as a public relations assistant with the UFL‘s Florida Tuskers in 2010. Lucas has followed the AFL since 1992 and began covering the Predators for Arenafan during the 2004 season. He held that position until being picked up by the Preds front office after the 2007 season. Jason‘s knowledge of arena football and love of the game is what drives him to continue covering the sport.
