Orlando Predators Defeat Jacksonville Sharks, 44-34

June 19,2016

Jacksonville - An emotional week ended in triumph for the Orlando Predators (10-2) as the team earned a 44-34 road win over the rival Jacksonville Sharks (5-6) on Saturday. On a night in which the team removed the individual names from their uniforms and sported #ORLANDOUNITED on the back of all jerseys as a tribute to the victims of the Pulse tragedy, it was Orlando native and Jones High School graduate Bernard Morris who was called to action to lead the Predators to victory.

Leading 30-27 late in the fourth quarter, Morris subbed into the game for starting QB Randy Hippeard, who went down with injury after being sacked the previous play. Facing 3rd-&-Goal and needing a score to maintain a comfortable lead, Morris took his first snap and tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to WR Greg Carr to put Orlando up, 37-27.

The Sharks would regain possession and quickly made it a three-point game as QB Tommy Grady hit WR Joe Hills from nine yards out for a touchdown. With 47 seconds remaining on the clock, Morris returned to the field determined on putting the game away for good. Facing 3rd-&-Goal once again, the veteran signal caller dropped back and fired a nine-yard strike to Carr in the end zone for the final touchdown.

The two touchdowns were Morris’ only pass attempts of the night. Prior to suffering the fourth quarter injury, Hippeard completed 18-of-30 attempts for 180 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. All four of Carr’s receptions went for scores while Brandon Thompkins paced the receiving corps with 11 receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns.



On the defensive side of the ball, ends Darryl Cato-Bishop and Logan Harrell each forced fumbles that resulted in turnovers for the Predators. LB Terence Moore posted a team-high 11 total tackles and DB Paul Stephens also notched an 11-yard interception.

Orlando now holds the top overall seed in the Arena Football League and is the first team in the AFL to reach 10 victories in 2016.

The Predators return to Amway Center to take on the Tampa Bay Storm next Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network and will feature many events in tribute to the victims of the Pulse tragedy, their families and the City of Orlando. For more information, visit OrlandoPredators.com or call 407-355-2200.​
UNDER ARMOUR OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Orlando WR Greg Carr

RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jacksonville DB LaRoche Jackson

J.LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME: Orlando WR Brandon Thompkins

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME: Interception by Jacksonville DB LaRoche Jackson (Q2 | 7:10)

AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME: 46-yard TD reception by Orlando WR Greg Carr (Q1 | 13:39)

Score By Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total
Orlando Predators 14 7 7 16 44
Jacksonville Sharks 14 7 6 7 34
1st Quarter
ORL – Carr 46 yd pass from Hippeard (Lewis kick) 13:39.
JAX – Jones 16 yd pass from Grady (Wolfe kick) 10:18.
ORL – B.Thompkins 5 yd pass from Hippeard (Lewis kick) 5:45.
JAX – Hills 16 yd pass from Grady (Wolfe kick) 3:20.

2nd Quarter
ORL – Carr 7 yd pass from Hippeard (Lewis kick) 14:45.
JAX – Ross 3 yd rush (Wolfe kick) 8:10.

3rd Quarter
JAX – Hills 2 yd pass from Grady (Wolfe kick failed) 11:19.
ORL – B.Thompkins 2 yd pass from Hippeard (Lewis kick) 7:14.

4th Quarter
ORL – Safety 11:37.
ORL – Carr 13 yd pass from Morris (Lewis kick) 4:02.
JAX – Hills 9 yd pass from Grady (Wolfe kick) 1:12.
ORL – Carr 9 yd pass from Morris (Lewis kick) 0:47.