After their first win last week against the Georgia Force, 27-24, the Predators (1-5) are hoping to keep the momentum coming into week 8, facing off against the American Conference leading Philadelphia Soul (5-1). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at the Amway Center.
After weeks of major roster changes, the Predators finally found their rhythm and we able to add one to the win column this season, thanks in large part to a huge 35-yard field goal by Preds kicker Mark Lewis with 40 seconds left in the game. QB Justin Roper was consistent is his second AFL start, going 16 for 34, throwing for 173 and two touchdowns. WR Eley, Jr. was a standout on offense, with seven receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the honor of Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game.
Recommended Videos
On defense, DB Justin Hannah had a strong first showing with the Preds, recording eight total tackles, followed by fellow DB Travis Coleman, who had six tackles and a fumble recovery. Coleman and LB Marlon Moye-Moore have made huge contributions to the Preds defense so far this season, helping lead the team to a current No. 1 ranked scoring defense.
The Predators defense will need to be on point again this week as they face off against the Soul's No. 1 scoring offense in the AFL. FB Derrick Ross has been huge for the Soul this season, racking up 181 yards and 12 touchdowns in six games, putting him at the top of the AFL in rushing yards. Soul QB Dan Raudabaugh has also been extremely consistent this season, completing 112 of 170 attempts for 1,563 yards and 41 touchdowns in six games.
Up next the Predators will return to the road to face the rival Tampa Bay Storm in the first "War on I-4" matchup of the season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.