Orlando Predators quarterback Nick Hill threw an interception on the very first play of the Preds game against the Cleveland Gladiators tonight but it was negated after the Gladiators were called for a defensive offsides penalty.
Maybe that called back interception was some sort of foreshadowing of the Predators night or maybe it was the messy Central Florida weather. Either way, Orlando was able to pound out a sloppy 56-26 win against the Cleveland Gladiators.
Predators quarterback Nick Hill ran for two touchdowns and threw for six to push his season total to 52 passing touchdowns on the season. But the Predators quarterback and his offensive mates were the only bright spots for a game where 16 penalties were committed and the Gladiators were never able to get on track.
The Cleveland Gladiators bested Orlando in total offensive yards, plays, kick return yards and time of possession. But it was for naught as Cleveland was never able to capitalize on any of their good fortune. Gladiators quarterback Dan Whalen was a paltry 14-29 for the night and never seemed to get into a good rhythm.
Preds defensive lineman Frisner Nelson laid a vicious hit on Gladiators quarterback Kurt Rocco in the 1st quarter to set an early defensive tone that Cleveland was never able to recover from.
Cleveland only converted 2 of their 7 fourth down attempts and committed 10 penalties.
Not a great recipe for winning, is it?
Nick Hill was a one man show as he had a hand in all 56 of Orlando’s points. The former Western Kentucky star talked about the team’s momentum after tonight’s win.
“It was a great win. After losing two in a row, we came back, bounced back, got two wins in a row going into the bye week. We’re a little banged up so this by week is coming at the right time,” said a visibly happy Nick Hill.
I also asked the athletic quarterback about his two rushing touchdowns tonight.
“You have to give a lot of credit to our receivers. If they are going to play off we just have to be patient and it’s my job to not get greedy and to take what’s there,” said Hill.
Orlando’s talented crop of receivers caught all six of Hill’s touchdown with Robert Quiroga leading the way with 3.
Next week the Predators have a bye before heading north to face the 2-6 Milwaukee Mustangs.
