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| (photo credit: orlandosentinal.com) |
The rivalry dubbed the “War on I-4” is named after the highway that connects the two central Florida cities. The teams have faced off every season since 1995, meeting twice in the Arena Bowl Championship. Both teams have lasted longer in their city than any other franchise to date.
The Storm will host the Predators at the Amaile Arena in Tampa Bay.
Offense outlook
The Predators are coming off 12-6 season that ended with a first-round postseason loss to the Jacksonville Sharks. After a strong regular season the Predators exited much earlier than expected but the team is expecting major success in 2016.
The bright spot for the Predators in 2015 was veteran AFL quarterback Randy Hippeard. Hippeard completed 247 passes, connecting for 61 touchdowns and 2,997 yards. He finished the season wit the highest QB rating in the AFL at 133.5.
The Predators also hope running back Bernard Morris will bolster the rushing attack in short yard situations. Morris, a former Predator quarterback transitioned to running back after during the 2014 season and has contributed in all aspects of the arena game. Last season he finished with 272 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking fourth in both categories.
Special teams was also strong area for the Predators last season, receiver Brandon Thompkins had six kickoffs returned for touchdowns and 1916 return yards, earning All-AFL second team honors. Also, kicker Mark Lewis finished third in total points among kickers with 135 points. In a fast pace game special teams can often be the most important aspect to a successful season.
Orlando Predators ranked third in the AFL in scoring with 56.8 points per game.
Defense outlook
Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.
Even after winning the South Division for the second year in a row, the Predators defense was lackluster. Ranking in the bottom of nearly every category in 2015 the coaching staff is hoping a revamped defense will bring Orlando to the next level.
Orlando had only 18 sacks, 29 turnovers and 17 interceptions last season, which caused the Predators to make a couple key off-season additions.
They went out and signed three veteran defensive lineman Mike Lewis, Donte Paige-Moss and Willie McGinnis. Lewis has 52 1/2 sacks in six AFL seasons Paige-Moss had 8 1/2 sacks for the 2015 AFL Champions San Jose SaberCats. Putting pressure on the quarterback is essential to strong AFL squad and in effect will cause turnovers that lead to scoring opportunities.
The last addition on defense was the signing of NFL hopeful Varmah Sonie. The defense back had 13 interceptions for the Portland Thunder over the past two seasons. His talents have caught the eye of the three NFL teams in Florida who will be keeping tabs on his performance this season.
With these key additions the Orlando Predators hope their defense can put them over the edge to compete for a championship. Its been 10 years since the Predators last played in the Arena Bowl.
Furthermore, the AFL will shrink to eight teams in 2016, down from 12 last season, and play two less regular season games. In addition, the AFL has changed its playoff format, with all eight teams will reaching the postseason. The two conference champions will receive top seeds, with the other teams seeded based on record, regardless of conference.
2016 Schedule:
April 15: at Jacksonville Sharks, 8 p.m.
April 29: at Cleveland Gladiators, 7 p.m.
May 21: at Philadelphia Soul, 6 p.m.
June 5: at LA Kiss, 6 p.m.
June 18: at Jacksonville Sharks, 7 p.m.
July 9: at Portland Thunder, 10 p.m.
July 15: at Arizona Rattlers, 10 p.m.
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