Predators Wrap Up First Official Practice

Predators Wrap Up First Official Practice Of 2021 Season 

Orlando FLA -- The Orlando Predators participated in their first official practice of the 2021 season on Thursday, May 27th at Lake Tohopekaliga High School. 

"I'm impressed with the enthusiasm and I'm surprised with how quickly they're picking stuff up." said head coach Ben Bennett after practice. "These guys have been without football for a year and a half or more, and in just a couple of days they're able to pick up adjustments."

Players were excited to get back together as a team which provided a spark on the practice field. 

"I love the energy, that's one of the most important things we have to have." explained wide receiver Rob Banks (2019 Second Team All-NAL) "Now we just have to be able to execute, put it all together and make sure we have a great winning team."

When second-year defensive lineman Josh Smith was asked what it means for him to be back at Predators practice, his response coincided with the championship mentality head coach Ben Bennett has brought to the squad.

"It feels amazing. It's another opportunity to make myself better, and help win a championship...get the ring, bring the ring back to Orlando."

A fresh start type of feeling could be felt around the facility.

"I like the energy, I like the vibes, we're all together, it feels like we've all known each other before now." said defensive lineman Josh Smith. "I feel like it's going to be a great season."


The Predators are set to begin their eight-game National Arena League schedule on June 4th at the Columbus Civic Center against the Columbus Lions. 

The last time these two teams played, the Preds were able to pull out a 42-40 victory in Orlando’s version of “The Jungle.” The Lions also refer to their home arena (Columbus Civic Center) as “The Jungle.” 

Predators defensive back Robert Brown Jr. intercepted the first pass of the season, and was able to take it the distance for a 27-yard Orlando pick-six touchdown on the very first play from scrimmage. 

Quarterback Kyle Isreal also contributed to the win the last time these two teams crossed paths, tossing five touchdowns, four of which came in the second half. 

The Predators first home-game on the schedule is June 19th, at the Amway Center against the Jacksonville Sharks. 2021 marks the 27th season of Predators football, and the second as a member of the National Arena League. All home games will be played at the Amway Center.



About the Orlando Predators: 

The Orlando Predators are a professional Arena Football team based in Orlando, Florida and a member of the National Arena League (NAL).  The team was founded in 1991 as an expansion team of the Arena Football League (AFL). The team advanced to the playoffs 19 consecutive seasons between 1992 and 2011, becoming the Arena Bowl champions in 1998 and 2000 during that span. The team plays their home games at the Amway Center in beautiful downtown Orlando, FL. For more information about the Orlando Predators visit www.orlandopredatorsfootball.com.