The Orlando Predators have had a problem all year. A problem they have always been able to work their way out of. That is how a team gets to 11 wins. At some point though it can cause a costly lesson.
So far the Predators have not had to pay that lesson. Like teams that do win 11 games in the first 13 games of the season, they find a way to eke out the win. And the Predators still do that.
Failing to score in two straight red zone trips and lowing a three-score lead to the woeful Portland Steel had that recipe for disaster. But yet again, the Predators survived.
Bernard Morris found Brandon Thompkins on a 27-yard touchdown grab after the Predators forced a second turnover on downs for the evening. Orlando held on from there for a 47-41 win over Portland at Moda Center on Saturday to reach that 12-win plateau with two games remaining in the season.
Orlando, as it has for most of the season, has found a way to keep itself a float and find a way to win and convert. Even under some extreme threats.
The Predators all year have found themselves facing bad down and distances. This game was no different with some long third and fourth-down scenarios quarterback Bernard Morris had to solve. It did not help Portland was getting good pressure in the backfield throughout the game. The Predators had to change at least a part of their game plan.
But they were able to adjust. Orlando converted three third downs and three fourth downs, showing just how on edge the team was throughout the game.
The conversions though helped the Predators race out to the lead and the defense did its part with some early plays.
Paul Stephens scored an interception on the goal line on the first drive of the game to help propel the Predators to a two-score lead. Orlando forced a turnover on downs on another possession and was up 27-6.
Portland would score the next 21 points though. The Steel scored before the end of the half and the Predators failed to score despite getting the ball inside the five. Portland’s Shaine Boyle returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown and then Morris threw an interception off the net to allow Portland the chance to tie.
It was an unusually sloppy game offensively for the Predators in that respect. They failed to take those big opportunities when they came around.
Like plenty of games this season, though, Orlando pushed through the adversity and cracked out a win.
Morris found Greg Carr for a 37-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter and another 32-yard throw in the first quarter. When Morris had time to throw, the receivers were burning past the secondary.
The second half was all Bernard Thompkins. The speedy receiver caught three touchdown passes including that 27-yard clincher for the Predators.
Thompkins had 12 catches for 123 yards and four touchdowns. Morris threw for 257 yards and six touchdowns on the game.
The Predators needed all of those yards after putting themselves in a difficult situation. The Steel came back and took the lead early in the fourth quarter.
Again, another sticky situation.
Orlando though came through with the big plays and stops it needed. That has always been the case this season for the Predators. They simply find a way.
And leaving the game with a win is ultimately all that matters. The Predators are digging themselves out constantly and consistently.
UCF interested in Baylor QB?
Several programs have been circling the chummed waters of Baylor after the sexual assault scandal that has rocked the program and the school. There is seemingly a mass exodus from the program as everyone moves to disassociate.
Even though it is least important, and perhaps too callous and unimportant, response to the scandal, teams are going to benefit from recruiting the talent looking to leave.
UCF may be included in that as Scott Frost may chase a quarterback he failed to get while he was a coach at Oregon.
Ryan Bass of Knights247 reports the Knights are interested in recruiting Jarrett Stidham if he opts to transfer from Baylor.
Stidham was once the top quarterback prospect in his recruiting class, but he is not likely to start over incumbent quarterback Seth Russell. He has already announced his intention to transfer and is likely to enroll at a junior college to sit out his year as he transfers.
Whether the Knights get in on this talented quarterback remains to be seen. The interest is reportedly there as is the ambition from Frost and his program to go after a top guy.
Harrison Heath plays well after father’s dismissal
Orlando City had a surprise starter in its defensive midfield Friday.
Two days after firing coach Adrian Heath, the team started his son Harrison Heath in an odd, but emotional moment. Heath came through too. He had a strong game and received a lot of support from the supporters during and after the game.
“I was pretty emotional at the beginning, but then I settled down,” HEATH TOLD ALICIA DEL GALLO OF THE ORLANDO SENTINEL. “It’s been a tough day or two, but I knew I had to concentrate on the game.”
Heath also took to Twitter to thank those who were supporting him and his family.
I want to thank everyone for the nice messages! You guys have been amazing through this difficult time! Much love to you all! #familyfirst ?
— Harrison Heath (@harrisonheathy1) July 9, 2016
Heath played a very solid game for Orlando City in his second start of the season. The team recorded a scoreless draw against the Houston Dynamo. Heath was called upon to make some big defensive plays. He was more than capable of stepping up.
Orlando City is still picking up the pieces and moving forward following Adrian Heath’s firing. The fallout still seems to be swirling as the franchise is in a state of transition and flux.
