Predators Knock Off Arizona Rattlers to Remain Undefeated

Sunday May 8, 2016

 ORLANDO – May 7, 2016 – In a much-hyped matchup between the Arena Football League’s last remaining undefeated teams, it was the Orlando Predators who emerged with a 77-59 victory over the Arizona Rattlers (5-1) in front of an Amway Center crowd of 10,512. Orlando matched its third-best start in franchise history, advancing to 6-0 for the first time since 2003.

Quarterback Randy Hippeard completed 22-of-30 attempts for 340 yards and tied a career-high with nine touchdown passes. Wide receiver Larry Brackins scored three times on three touches, hauling in two touchdowns passes while adding a one-yard rushing touchdown. Greg Carr paced the receiving corps with 133 yards and three touchdowns on five receptions, while Brandon Thompkins added 97 yards and three more scores on eight catches. Linebacker Terence Moore and former UCF offensive lineman Jordan McCray also got in on the action, as Moore rushed for a one-yard score and McCray hauled in a nine-yard touchdown pass.

The Predators offense tied a franchise mark for the most points scored at home with season-high 77.

Orlando’s defense forced three crucial stops on the night, including two turnovers on downs and an interception by defensive back Paul Stephens, who added 5.5 tackles. Terence Moore paced the group with seven total tackles in the game. Varmah Sonie broke up two passes and notched four tackles, while defensive lineman Willie McGinnis posted a seven-yard sack.

The Predators host the rival Tampa Bay Storm in Week 6 on Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase by calling 407-355-2200 or online at OrlandoPredators.com.

UNDER ARMOUR OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Orlando QB Randy Hippeard

RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Orlando DB Paul Stephens

J.LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME: Orlando WR Brandon Thompkins

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME: 38-yard TD reception by Orlando WR Greg Carr (Q4 | 11:01)

AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME: Interception in the end zone by Orlando DB Paul Stephens (Q2 | 3:51)

ABOUT THE ORLANDO PREDATORS
The Orlando Predators celebrate their 25th Anniversary in 2016 as Central Florida’s most exciting and innovative professional sports franchise. Proud members of the Arena Football League, the Predators have achieved unprecedented success on the field. Orlando has advanced to the AFL playoffs a league-leading 22 times in their history while securing seven conference championships, including two ArenaBowl Championship victories in 1998 and 2000.