In the Orlando Predators 25th Anniversary season, they are celebrating in a big way by continuing to find ways to win games. And now hitting 4-0 for the first time in the franchise’s celebrated history.
With their 43-40 victory over the L.A. KISS, the Predators have started the season undefeated at 4-0.
The entire Orlando Predators team came to play, including big performances by the offense, defense and special teams. It was a complete team effort to eke out the win.
Predators quarterback Randy Hippeard had an outstanding game, by being accurate most of the night completing 22/32 passes, throwing five touchdowns to four different receivers, with only one interception.
With the offense contributing points all game, the defense wanted to get in on the party.
Led by Predators defensive back Varmah Sonie, who had two interceptions on the night, the defense set the tone throughout the game.
As the offense continued to score points, the defense made sure they would hold onto the lead. They contributed several sacks and forced four turnovers (three picks and a forced fumble).
The game was very close in the first half with the Predators only leading by one at halftime, 22-21. Both teams kept on taking the lead back and forth, until the Predators took control of the game in the second half.
In the third quarter, the Predators scored three unanswered touchdowns to go from a one-point game to all of a sudden a 22-point lead at 43-21.
LA KISS starting quarterback Nate Stanley had a rough night to say the least. At one point, he threw as many touchdowns as he did interceptions with three a piece.
The one player the Predators had trouble with all game was KISS wide receiver D.J. Stephens, who had three touchdowns.
With both the offense and defense of the Predators making plays, the special teams got in on the action too.
Although Predators kicker Mark Lewis missed two extra points early in the game, it ended up not costing them. He made up for it by converting the only field goal of the game, a mark that proved to be the difference as the KISS came back in the final quarter with 19 unanswered points.
The big play on special teams came from Predators wide receiver Larry Brackins, who recovered a kickoff in the end zone for a touchdown, the third touchdown of the third quarter by the Predators. That made the score 43-21.
That was the last time the Predators scored, but it proved to be enough to win the game.
Los Angeles attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter by scoring three touchdowns, with two of them caught by wide receiver Donovan Morgan to make it a close game again at 43-40, which was the final score.
The Predators held on, recovering an onside kick with 30 seconds left to seal the game.
The Orlando Predators are the only undefeated team in the American Conference at (4-0) and look to continue their undefeated season on the road against the Cleveland Gladiators on Friday, April 29.
