JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Orlando Predators beat in-state rival Jacksonville Sharks 44-34 Saturday.
The team removed individual names from its uniforms and sported #ORLANDOUNITED on the back of all jerseys as a tribute to the victims of the Pulse tragedy.
The team said it was Orlando native and Jones High School graduate Bernard Morris who was called to action to lead Orlando to win.
In the fourth quarter, Morris subbed into the game for starting quarterback Randy Hippeard, who went down with an injury after being sacked the previous play.
Facing third-and-goal and needing a score to maintain a comfortable lead, Morris took his first snap and tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Greg Carr to put Orlando up 37-27, the team said.
Jacksonville regained possession and made it a three-point game as quarterback Tommy Grady hit Joe Hills from 9 yards out for a touchdown. Team officials said with 47 seconds remaining, Morris returned to the field. Facing third-and-goal once again, the veteran signal caller dropped back and fired a 9-yard strike to Carr in the end zone for the final touchdown.
The Predators currently hold the top overall seed in the Arena Football League and is the first team in the AFL to reach 10 victories in 2016, the team said.
Orlando returns to Amway Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday to take on the Tampa Bay Storm.