July 27, 2013
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Predators Immune to VooDoo, Clinch Playoff Berth
BY Joshua McDougall
Orlando, FL –In the sports world, few things are more climatic than a season finale, playoff-clinching, winner-takes-all football game—and that’s exaclty what the Orlando Predators (7-11) fans were treated to Saturday evening. Divisional rival New Orleans VooDoo (5-13) came in to the Amway Center looking to snag the final American Conference playoff spot from the grasps of the Orlando Predators. Even Dennis Rodman, NBA Hall-of-Famer, made an appearance at the pre-game coin toss. However, the Predators were not going to let their fans down. The game was reasonably close throughout the first half with a halftime score of 37-28 in favor of the hometown team. Realizing the importance of the moment, Predators defense turned up the heat with a dominant 33-14 second half to clinch that elusive final playoff spot; final score 72-42, Orlando Predators. |
Although the Predators put up numbers that would rival most college and even NBA games, defense was key in the Predator’s victory Saturday night. With multiple fourth down stops, including one on the final drive of the game, defense proved to be too much for the VooDoo.
Star quarterback Chris Dixon (#3, Humbolt State) did all he could to save the VooDoo’s season. Dixon presented a real challenge to the Predator’s defense as he is a threat to score not only through the air, but also on the ground. Dixon has scored 22 touchdowns since joining the VooDoo; eight of which can be credited to his elusive and creative running abilities.
The Orlando Predators offense would not be out done, however. Hometown favorite and star quarterback Aaron Garcia (#8, Sacramento State)eclipsed the 5,000 yard passing mark for the first time in his career throwing multiple touchdowns to Maurice Williams (#11, University of Pittsburg), Prechae Rodriguez (#15, Auburn), and fan favorite T.T. Toliver (#17, Bethune-Cookman).
Saturday night was cause for celebration for Orlando fans, but they know the challenge has just begun. Postseason is grueling. Sitting back on this win will leave the Predators unfocused and vulnerable in the first round. They will enter hostile territory to face either the Jacksonville Sharks or the Philadelphia Soul in the first round. Both are formidable opponents and both are looking to end the Predator’s comeback season.
Star quarterback Chris Dixon (#3, Humbolt State) did all he could to save the VooDoo’s season. Dixon presented a real challenge to the Predator’s defense as he is a threat to score not only through the air, but also on the ground. Dixon has scored 22 touchdowns since joining the VooDoo; eight of which can be credited to his elusive and creative running abilities.
The Orlando Predators offense would not be out done, however. Hometown favorite and star quarterback Aaron Garcia (#8, Sacramento State)eclipsed the 5,000 yard passing mark for the first time in his career throwing multiple touchdowns to Maurice Williams (#11, University of Pittsburg), Prechae Rodriguez (#15, Auburn), and fan favorite T.T. Toliver (#17, Bethune-Cookman).
Saturday night was cause for celebration for Orlando fans, but they know the challenge has just begun. Postseason is grueling. Sitting back on this win will leave the Predators unfocused and vulnerable in the first round. They will enter hostile territory to face either the Jacksonville Sharks or the Philadelphia Soul in the first round. Both are formidable opponents and both are looking to end the Predator’s comeback season.