TEXAS ROADHOUSE RECAP: PREDS PULL AWAY 32-12 AGAINST FLIGHT

Orlando, Fla. -- The Orlando Predators (3-3) defeated the New Jersey Flight (2-4) on Saturday, 32-12, July 10th at the Amway Arena in Orlando, FL.

Both teams came into the matchup looking for their third victory of the season. 

Newly acquired Orlando Predator kicker Dylan Barnas heard his name ring bells on his first kickoff attempt, scoring a deuce on the opening play of the game to give the Preds a 2-0 lead. Barnas played for the UCF Knights from 2016-2019 before singing with the Preds earlier this week. 

After the two pointer, New Jersey was able to follow up on their first drive and come away with a score, but could not convert on the PAT.

The majority of the first half resulted in a defensive struggle, with Cris Page, Josh Jenkins, Brian Price, and Mike Carey all coming away with at least one pass break-up. 

Just before the end of the second quarter, quarterback Patrick O’Brien was able to put Orlando on the board with a 1-yard touchdown with just 18 seconds left to spare. The score accounted for the third rushing touchdown of O’Brien’s season.

Both offenses came out flat to start the second half of play, with the only score of the third quarter coming courtesy of a deflected pass by Jenkins which unfortunately ended up in the hands of a New Jersey wide receiver yard touchdown.

After the mishap, defensive back Mike Carey was able to make a play on the football and intercept a pass.

A 33-yard reception by Prince Shonola with less than 10 minutes remaining helped set up O’Brien’s second rushing score of the night, giving the Preds a 16-12 advantage. 

On the ensuing possession, defensive back Brandon Fuentes intercepted a pass and returned it for a 16-yard score on the Flight first play following O’Brien’s touchdown. The play counted as Fuentes second defensive score of the season.

Nick Gorgio secured a sack that helped pin the Flight back in their own territory, resulting in a Preds 1st and Goal after Jersey turned the ball over on downs. Four plays after the turnover, O'Brien was able to bang in his third touchdown on the ground, gaining a 20-point 32-12 lead with 1:00 remaining. 

The 23 point third quarter allowed Orlando to run away against New Jersey. The Flight failed to score a touchdown in the second half. Orlando's defense was the main story of this matchup, only allowing 12 points against a Top 3 Offense in the National Arena League. 

Orlando is now 3-3, sitting at 4th place in the NAL standings. The team will travel next week when they take on the Carolina Cobras at 7PM.

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.