The Orlando Predators sit at the bottom of the Arena Football League with an overall record of 1-9 after losing 37-55 last week to in-state rival Jacksonville Sharks. This week the Predators hit the road to square off against the American Conference leading Philadelphia Soul on Saturday, June 2. The game kicks off at 7:05 p.m. from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and will be broadcast live on Brighthouse Sports Network and online at OrlandoPredators.com/Live.
The Predators made numerous roster changes following last week's loss, including picking up wide receivers Glen Fox and Marc Ison. DB Kyle Whitehurst was traded to the Arizona Rattlers in exchange for Fox, who so far this season has recorded 47 receptions for 622 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Predators also traded WR Nate Forse to the Milwaukee Mustangs in exchange for DL Audi Augustin, a 6'4, 270 lb. rookie from North Carolina State. The Preds are hoping the changes to the team's roster will provide the necessary spark to get the team back on track for the remainder of the season.
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The Predators defense will have to play a big role in this week's game against Philadelphia, as the Soul have one of the top-ranked offenses in the league. FB Derrick Ross has been huge for the Soul this season, leading the league in rushing with 341 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Soul also have a playmaker receiver in Tiger Jones, who has consistently been one of the best receivers in the AFL this season. Through 12 weeks, Jones has 92 receptions for 1371 yards, and 33 touchdowns. Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh has also been playing well, recording 234 for 353 for 3044 yards and 72 touchdowns in 11 games.
Although the team has struggled to put more than one win under its belt, the Predators defense has recorded impressive defensive statistics through their first 10 games. The Predators rank 6th in overall defense, with three players making it into the Top 10 in AFL rankings.
DB Simeon Castille ranks No. 10 in the AFL in tackles, averaging 5.9 per game, for a total of 59 tackles through 10 games this season. FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore is tied for No. 3 in the league for tackles for loss (8) and No. 6 for fumbles forced (3). DB Travis Coleman is tied for No. 7 in the AFL for interceptions (6) and ranks No. 2 in the league for interception return yards (119).
Up next the Predators will continue on the road with a matchup against the San Jose SaberCats on Friday, June 8. This is the first and only matchup between the two teams this season.