Predators Outlast Portland Steel, Start Season 2-0

Saturday April 9, 2016

 ORLANDO – April 9, 2016 – The Orlando Predators (2-0) emerged with a 53-50 victory in a back-and-forth battle with the Portland Steel (0-2) in front of 10,732 fans at the Amway Center on Saturday night.

The Steel took a late 50-46 lead as fullback Bryson Kelly scored off a one-yard run with 49 seconds remaining in the game. Moments later, wide receiver Brandon Thompkins fielded the kickoff in the end zone and eluded multiple defenders as he weaved through the coverage unit before bursting upfield to the opponent’s five yard-line. Three plays later, quarterback Randy Hippeard punched it over the goal line on a quarterback sneak to give the Predators a 53-50 lead.

Portland regained possession with 18 seconds remaining on the clock, but newly-acquired defensive back Kent Richardson promptly halted the drive, picking off a pass attempt by Portland quarterback Danny Southwick to seal the win for Orlando.

Orlando managed to score on all eight of its offensive possessions as Hippeard completed 14-of-28 pass attempts for 228 yards and six touchdowns, adding six yards and two scores on the ground. Brandon Thompkins led all receivers with 110 yards and three touchdowns on five receptions. Greg Carr added 59 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions, while LaMark Brown caught four passes for 59 yards and another touchdown.

The Predators travel in Week 3 to take on the rival Jacksonville Sharks on Monday, April 18. Kickoff from Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.