Gunslingers Move to 6-1 After Win Over Predators

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The San Antonio Gunslingers’ solid first half performance at the Freeman Coliseum propelled them over a rebuilding Orlando 44-33. The Gunslingers improve to 6-1 and remain atop the league, while the Predators fall to last place at 1-5.

Orlando started the game out strong, scoring on their first two possessions to lead 13-6 at the end of the first quarter. But their first possession in the second quarter ended with a touchback interception by Kyle Chandler. Arthur Hobbs made a second interception that ricocheted off the net early in the fourth quarter, marking the third and final turnover by the Predators. Jonathan Bane completed 23 of 32 passes with five touchdowns to two interceptions. Clarence Williams caught two in the first quarter, Lonnie Outlaw caught a touchdown in the third quarter, and Darius Prince had two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. As a kickoff returner, Prince made only 47 yards on four returns for his lowest performance as a Predator after scorching Carolina for 251 yards on nine returns with two touchdowns three weeks ago.

San Antonio scored on all three of their first half possessions and picked off the first of two Johnathan Bane interceptions to take a 21-13 lead. Drew Pearsons’ first deuce of the season made the score 23-13 at the half. Pearson went on to turn in a perfect six for six extra point conversions and kicked the first successful onside recovery of the season, denying Orlando their first possession of the second half. Arvell Nelson completed 20 of 29 passes including three touchdowns and rushed for three more. Kevin Reynolds, Phillip Barnett, and Kali Rashaad each hauled in a touchdown reception. Robert Kent Jr. came in for the final Gunslingers possession and completed two for five passes in relief, but was intercepted by Lonnie Outlaw to end the final drive. San Antonio’s Head Coach Fred Shaw summarized, “This was the bounce back game we needed. We got a much better performance from (Arvell) Nelson this week. I knew he was going to bounce back. I believe in him.”

San Antonio enters a bye week before continuing their home stand as they get ready for part two of the ‘Battle for Texas’ with the (2-5) West Texas Warbirds, Saturday June 17^th. The Predators get set to play the (1-5) Albany Empire next Friday June 9^th in Orlando to keep their playoff hopes alive.

ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO GUNSLINGERS

The San Antonio Gunslingers are members of the National Arena League (NAL) and were awarded Franchise of the Year by the NAL for their overall performance during the 2022 season.  Gunslingers play all  home games at the Freeman Coliseum. Follow the Gunslingers on Facebook at @210sagunslingers, on Twitter @SA_Gunslingers and Instagram @sanantoniogunslingers.  For Gunslingers season tickets, group packages or partnerships, visit  https://www.sanantoniogunslingers.com/tickets or call (210) 298-6900.

ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE

The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. The National Arena League has kicked off its seventh season in 2023. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com . For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleague, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.