March 29th 2014
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Preds Continue to Raise Eyebrows, Scoring 2 TD's in Final Minute to Seal War on I-4 Victory
By: Adrian Beecher
Tampa, FL - For a team that no one seemed to give a chance coming into the season, the Orlando Predators have raised eyebrows and 3 weeks into the season still have a 0 in the loss column. Down 10to the Tampa Bay Storm with just 56 seconds left in the game the magic continued, and the Predators were able leave the battlefield of the War on I-4 with a 56-52 victory in the final seconds.
With 50 seconds left in the game, Orlando QB Jason Boltus connected with Kendal Thompkins on a 29 yd TD pass to bring the Preds within 5. Orlando would go for 2 after the score, converting it as Boltus found Gregg Carr wide open in the back of the endzone to make it a 3 point game. On the ensuing kickoff, Orlando looked to get the onside kick, but as the ball soared through the air it landed right in the arms of Tampa’s Amarri Jackson. As the Tampa Bay Times Forum erupted in approval, the game was all but won for the Storm. But this, my friends, is Arena Football, where anything is possible. |
On the very first play of the Storm’s drive after recovering the onside-kick, Storm QB Randy Hippeard took the snap and rushed straight up the middle. Hippeard was stopped cold in his tracks, and in the process lost control of the ball, which was then recovered by Orlando’s Mark Robinson (much to the excitement of Head Coach Rob Keefe).
“Adversity, character, and commitment to excellence; even though there’s some bad things that happened, they took a bad situation and turned it into a good one” said Coach Keefe of his teams poise in the closing minutes of the game.
With just 40 seconds left in the game, Orlando, trailing by 3, had new life. Boltus showed his true colors, leading the Pred’s 40 yds down the field in just 6 plays, capping off the drive with a 3 yard pass to WR Greg Carr in the endzone to give Orlando a 56-52 lead with just 6 seconds left in the game.
Carr ended the game with 10 receptions for a total of 77yds and 2 receiving TD’s. “He’s a big time player” said Coach Keffe of Carr, “not only is he a great player, he’s a really good person, and he is slowly becoming one of the best leaders we have on this team.”
The ensuing kickoff was handled by Storm kick-returner Michael Lindsey, who was only able to make it out to the 15-yard line before being tackled by Carr to seal the victory for Orlando.
Orlando looks to continue their winning streak as they head out of Florida for the first time this season to take on the New Orleans Voodoo Thursday April 3rd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 8:30pm. Tampa Bay Storm look to get back on track this Friday, April 4th, as the Philadelphia Soul come to the Tampa Bay Times Forum; kickoff is set for 7:30pm.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game - Amarri Jackson (TB)
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game - Chris Smith (TB)
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game - Michael Lindsey (TB)
Cutter Catch of The Game - Greg Carr (ORL) One handed catch at end of first half resulting in Touchdown.
AFL Highlight of the Game - Jean Fanor (TB): Fumble recover on Goal-line during the
2nd Quarter
“Adversity, character, and commitment to excellence; even though there’s some bad things that happened, they took a bad situation and turned it into a good one” said Coach Keefe of his teams poise in the closing minutes of the game.
With just 40 seconds left in the game, Orlando, trailing by 3, had new life. Boltus showed his true colors, leading the Pred’s 40 yds down the field in just 6 plays, capping off the drive with a 3 yard pass to WR Greg Carr in the endzone to give Orlando a 56-52 lead with just 6 seconds left in the game.
Carr ended the game with 10 receptions for a total of 77yds and 2 receiving TD’s. “He’s a big time player” said Coach Keffe of Carr, “not only is he a great player, he’s a really good person, and he is slowly becoming one of the best leaders we have on this team.”
The ensuing kickoff was handled by Storm kick-returner Michael Lindsey, who was only able to make it out to the 15-yard line before being tackled by Carr to seal the victory for Orlando.
Orlando looks to continue their winning streak as they head out of Florida for the first time this season to take on the New Orleans Voodoo Thursday April 3rd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 8:30pm. Tampa Bay Storm look to get back on track this Friday, April 4th, as the Philadelphia Soul come to the Tampa Bay Times Forum; kickoff is set for 7:30pm.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game - Amarri Jackson (TB)
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game - Chris Smith (TB)
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game - Michael Lindsey (TB)
Cutter Catch of The Game - Greg Carr (ORL) One handed catch at end of first half resulting in Touchdown.
AFL Highlight of the Game - Jean Fanor (TB): Fumble recover on Goal-line during the
2nd Quarter
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