PREDATORS HOPE TO GET SEASON SWEEP ON THE SAN ANTONIO GUNSLINGERS

Coming off of a loss to instate rival Jacksonville, the Predators will hope to come out with a win at home on Friday.

The Predators (3-4) will take on the San Antonio Gunslingers (1-5) with hopes of getting back to even in the win-loss column, but also getting the season sweep against the Gunslingers.

The Gunslingers are coming off of their first win of the season after a 59-56 win against the Albany Empire (4-3).

“They’ve improved, that’s the name of the game,” head coach Jeff Higgins said. “It’s going to be a dog fight. Both teams are going to be ready to play and we’re going to hope to be the ones that come out on top.”

The Predators come into the game with one of the best defensive units in the league, especially in the secondary. Defensive back Dalvon Randall came away from the loss against the Sharks with two picks, bringing his total to a league leading six on the year. Defensive back Josh Jenkins also leads the NAL in tackles with 37 and defensive lineman Sha-Ki Holines is second in the league in sacks with 5.5.

“These are guys that we found that we liked what we saw,” Higgins said. “We thought these guys would be stars and so far, it’s coming into fruition. We are going to expect more plays out of them.”

On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Clarence Williams has become a standout for the Predators. Williams has become a top five receiver in several categories posting 38 catches, 417 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

“God gives me the strength and the ability to do this,” Williams said. “All of the work I’ve been putting in is really showing up.” 

Williams also credited his season to the defensive back duo of Jenkins and Randall, who he has to go against in practice every week.

“They make sure I’m on my A game and I make sure they’re on their A game,” Williams said. “It’s always great going against great guys that make you better.”

The Predators are set to square off against the Gunslingers on Friday at 7:30 pm at the Amway Center. The matchup will be streamed live via the NAL YouTube channel.

“We got to go 1-0,” Randall said. “We beat San Antonio twice and they have to come in and play the best game that they can ever play. We have to go in with the right mindset and just go 1-0 every week.”