Last week the Predators lost a heart-breaker to the Arizona Rattlers 48 to 47 to fall to 2-1 on the season and the way the game against the Soul started, it seemed to take the same trek as their last one.
Predators Head coach Pat O’Hara and his squad squared off against the struggling Philadelphia Soul as they came in search of their second victory of the season. But the Predators had other plans as Nick Hill and his five touchdown passes skated past the Soul 53 to 46.
But the game didn’t start that way for Orlando as they seemed out of sync and unable to keep up with Philadelphia’s passing attack. Soul quarterback Ryan Vena tossed two touchdown passes in the first quarter to put the Soul ahead by two.
While the Predators tried to collect themselves after being down early the biggest play of the game happened in the second quarter when quarterback Nick Hill tossed his first interception of the game.
Hill dropped back, threw a quick out route toward the sideline, the ball is bobbled by the receiver and touched by a fan out of bounds. The ball then bounces back in bounds as the Soul’s Tanner Varner intercepts the pass and takes it in for a 36 yard touchdown, Soul go up 27 to 12.
The interesting part about that play, and the fan reaction was headed toward riot status when it was called a touchdown, is that the referee’s never gathered to debate on whether the interception was legal or not.
Nevertheless, the Predators continued to fight after that play and managed to score a touchdown before halftime to bring the score to within nine as the Soul led 27 to 18 headed into halftime.
The second half was a different type of monster for Orlando as they seemed more cohesive, focused, and competitive. Before that point it seemed as if the Soul marched up and down the field at will as Philly’s Ryan Vena put on a show of aerial theatrics.
But this Predator team has shown itself to be resilient.
Quarterback Nick Hill took a vicious hit and left the game briefly in the third quarter. No matter, back up signal caller Collin Draft stepped in and immediately threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to speedy wide receiver T.T. Toliver as the Predators brought the score to within two points.
Hill soon returned as he donned his superman cape to lead his team to victory. The Soul continued to score but Orlando’s defense soon clamped down to stop the Soul’s passing attack. Early in the 4th quarter the Predators were able to sack Vena on consecutive plays and switch the momentum to their side.
Late in the 4th quarter the Predators were able to take the lead for good with only 18 seconds left to play as running back James Lynch took it in from three yards to put the Predators ahead 53 to 46.
Predators head coach spoke on the team’s ability to overcome difficulty after the game.
“We were able to overcome the adversity that we had in the first half, even some in the second half, and that’s a tremendous win that our team will build on,” said O’Hara.
He went on to say that he was proud of his guys and that its important for them to win close games if they want to win a championship.
Orlando improves to 3 -1 on the season as the head to Georgia next week to take on the Force at the Gwinnett Center.
Game Notes: Predators quarterback Nick Hill finished with 309 passing yards and six touchdowns to bring his total 23 for the season. Receiver T.T. Toliver finished with 13 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns.
