Predators Drop Last-Moment Thriller to Pittsburgh, 62-61

Saturday May 24, 2014

 ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Predators (6-4) dropped a 62-61 decision to the Pittsburgh Power (7-3) in a matchup that came down to the game’s final seconds. Despite the narrow loss, Orlando remains in first place in the South Division of the Arena Football League’s American Conference.

With the game tied 48-48 midway through the final quarter of play, QB Tommy Grady took to the field with the Pittsburgh offense. On the first snap of the Power drive, Grady’s pass attempt bounced off the hands of his receiver and into the arms of Predators DB Tracy Belton. After securing the interception, Belton raced eight yards up the right sideline to the end zone for the score to give Orlando a 55-48 lead.

Pittsburgh managed to tie the game on the ensuing series, as Grady fired a 19-yard completion over the middle to WR Hank Edwards for the touchdown. Needing just one play to answer, WR Greg Carr turned a short completion into a long gain. On the next play from scrimmage, Carr secured a pass over the middle and raced 45 yards to the end zone, outrunning trailing defenders. However, Orlando would only gain a six point advantage following a failed PAT attempt.

With just over a minute remaining in the game, the Power regained possession and proceeded to milk the clock with a nine-play, 48-yard drive. Facing second-and-goal from the four-yard line, Grady connected with Edwards in the end zone from four yards out to tie the game, 61-61. Following the score, Edwards was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct due to excessive celebration, resulting in a 10-yard penalty and long PAT attempt. However, Power K Julian Rauch managed to boot the deep kick through the uprights to seal the 62-61 defeat.

QB Bernard Morris scored eight total touchdowns on the night, as he threw for 230 yards with five scores and added 41 yards with three more touchdowns on the ground. WR Greg Carr hauled in seven receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns, while WR Larry Brackins contributed 83 yards and two scores on five catches.

The Orlando Predators hit the road in Week 12, traveling to take on the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday, May 31st. The matchup can be viewed live ESPN3 and WatchESPN, with coverage from Wells Fargo Arena beginning at 8:30 p.m. EST.

RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Orlando Predators QB Bernard Morris

RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Orlando Predators DB Tracy Belton

J.LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME
Orlando Predators QB Bernard Morris

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME
Eight-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Orlando Predators DB Tracy Belton (7:15 – 4th QTR)

AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
45-yard touchdown reception by Orlando Predators WR Greg Carr (3:43 – 4th QTR)

ABOUT THE ORLANDO PREDATORS
The Orlando Predators are heading into their 23rd season as Orlando’s most exciting and innovative professional sports franchise. Proud members of the Arena Football League, the Predators have achieved unprecedented success on the field, reaching the AFL postseason a league-leading 19 times in their history. The Orlando Predators have advanced to the AFL playoffs a league-leading 19 times in their history while securing seven conference championships, including two ArenaBowl Championship victories in 1998 and 2000.