Week 2 Preview: Cobras vs. Predators

04/27/2022 10:25 AM - 

Preview Report Provided by:

DJ Wagner, Team Reporter

Orlando Predators (1-0) vs Carolina Cobras (1-0)

Greensboro Coliseum

Saturday 7:00PM EDT

Special Guest, Grammy Nominated Artist Petey Pablo to do opening coin toss


GREENSBORO, NC - First 1-0 week complete:  The Cobras went to Albany and started their weekly goal of going 1-0 successfully beating the Albany Empire on the Empire’s Banner Night by a score of 59-51.  

How Ironman Looked: With just one minor hiccup it was pretty obvious Head Coach Josh Resignalo and his staff was prepared for the new Ironman Rules, and it was more apparent by the play of the players that they were ready to show out playing both sides of the ball.  When the starting WRs Kendrick Ings and DJ Myers, are tied on the team for fourth with three tackles each, and Micah Robinson is doing time at DE and FB, the team is all-in on Ironman.  Add to that, great performances from Zack Brown and Defensive Player of the Week for week one, Walter Thomas, and great play from Tre Long with a receiving TD and INT return for a TD, this team has bought into the plan going forward.

Defense causing havoc: We mentioned the Tre Long INT for a TD before, but we also had Zack Brown with the strip/sack/recovery/TD and both the D-Line, Linebackers and DBs played totally fired up.  There was a ton of pressure on Albany QB Mike Fafaul for 3 of the 4 quarters of the game, and plenty of pass break ups and great coverage on the backside of the defense.  The Cobras defense held Albany to one of six on two-point conversions.

Points on the board:  It may just be one week of data, but the Cobras currently lead the NAL in points per game with 59, had they not run off over 8 minutes in the 4th quarter and had some unfriendly bounces twice in the end zone and a third time inside the 5, they would have put up even more.  Jonathan Bane threw for 5 touchdowns, including three to Kendrick Ings, and one each to DJ Myers and Tre Long, Bane also had a TD rushing.  The Cobras went four for five on two-point conversions.

Next Opportunity:  Orlando will be coming to Greensboro this Saturday night coming off a win at San Antonio 44-36 to come into this game 1-0.  The QB duo of Rakeen Cato and Connor Kaegi went a combined 9-38 for 244 yards, leading receiver for the Predators was Darrell Myers who had 8 catches for 79 yards, and Alfred Kewan was leading rusher with 17 yards on two carries.  The Orlando defense had 2 sacks, 2 INTs and 4 pass breakups as well.  This looks to be a strong matchup for the Cobras for their home opener.

Coach Says: Head Coach Josh Resignalo had this to say about the home opener, “Great first week and we are excited for week two for another chance to be 1-0.  Going to feel great back in the Snake Pit!  Time to get back to our winning ways this Saturday for our home opener.  A lot of great things going on and the Snake Pit is going to be rocking!  See y’all at the tailgate!”

History: Cobras lead series 3-2

Last Game:  Cobras beat Orlando in Orlando 51-43 on July 31,2021 to propel themselves into the playoffs