Predators Post First Loss After 5-0 Start

Week 4

Going into Week 4 the Predators played Southnorth Mutually and won convincingly 25-0.  The defense continued their outstanding play posting their first shutout of the season.  Leading the way for the Predators in Week 4 was #33 Price, who scored the first two TD's of the game and recorded 4 sacks on defense.  The four sacks tied a Predator/personal record, but never did it wearing #33.  The first TD was a long streak down the right sideline where #7 Brown put it where only #33 Price could catch it.  The second TD came on the same sideline when #7 Brown gave #33 Price a chance to make a play on a jump ball fade and #33 Price came down with it and took it for six.  The next score came by the defense.  As the first half was ending Northwest was in position to scored.  The QB riffled one to the end zone and #7 Brown came up with it.  There was a little confusion on the field, but not for #7 Brown, once everyone else figured out the play wasn't dead #7 Brown was already to midfield taking it to the house.  The Predators led at the half 19-0.

In the second half the Predator defense was suffocating and the offense couldn't do a thing.  #2 Long picking off two passes and #6 Couch picking off another.  Along with #33 Price's 4 sacks and #6 Couch adding another, I would say that's a good day at the office defensively.  The final score came when #7 Brown found #27 Clapper late in the game.

Player of the Week

With the first two TDs in the game and four sacks #33 Price earns himself Player of the Week honors.  #33 Price has been strong on both sides of the ball and the Predators hope it continues. 

Week 5

At 4-0 the Predators went into Week 5 facing the Seedmen. Early in the game the Predators continued their dominance from the previous two games.  #7 Brown found #33 Price deep for the first score.  After a quick punt the Predators got the ball back and #33 Price found #2 Long for the second TD of the game.  It was a play the team had been working on and was good to see it work.  At this point the Predators were rolling.  Once again the Predators got the ball ball back and drove it down the field with ease when disater struck.  Time was winding down and the Predators were cruising to a big lead at the end of the half when #7 Brown got his pass intercepted and returned to the Predators 10 yard line.  It only took the Seedmen two plays to punch it in and the half ended with Predators 12, Seedmen 7.  It was a two TD swing and gave the Seedmen life.

 In the second half the Predators moved the ball again and #7 Brown found #2 Long for a TD and a 18-7 lead.  The Predators got the ball back and quickly found themselves in a 4th and 5 situation with about 10:30 left in the game. The Predators have a one rule, if it's less than 4th and 8 at mid field, we go for it.  However, #1 Clark was out for this game and at this moment the Predators needed him most.  #33 Price said and I quote "We should just punt this and preserve this win" unquote.  Well, they did and the Seedmen scored in like three plays!  7 minutes left.  The Predators started their drive and again moved the ball at will.  But at the Seedmen 15 yard line #7 Brown threw what looked like an easy drag to #6 Couch, but the pass was intercepted and returned just past midfield with 5 minutes left.  The Seedmen then chipped away at the Predators D that was lacking mojo at the time. They then scored the go ahead TD with 58 seconds left, putting the Seedmen up 19-18.

On the final drive of the game #7 Brown put together his second game win drive of the season! On the drive he found a lot of #27 Clapper.  One pass was especially big when #7 Brown scramble right and threw back left and #27 Clapper made an outstanding catch, grabbing it 1 inch from the ground then picking up big yards.  He then found #27 Clapper two more times. After #27 Clapper got out of bounds the Predators had two chances to get a TD but they only needed one.  The entire game #7 Brown had in his head, Haus is my outlet.  Well he found #52 Oberhaus over the middle for a 7 yard scored and a Predator victory!  It was a crazy game and a great win!

Player of the Week

With 2 TDs and 1 INT #2 Long earns Player of the Week honors.  So far this season #2 Long does what he does making plays on both offense and defense.  So far through Season 8 #2 Long leads the Predators with 7 INTs and is second in TDs with 4.  Keep ballin #2!

Week 6

Week 6 the Predators faced the Gunners who stood at 4-1.  The Predators were out two major contributors.  #33 Price was out with a foot injury and #7 Brown was out of town taking care of his 7,500 square foot mansion cottage in Canada where all the maids are Playmates and the beer flows like wine.  The Predators got the ball first and moved the ball well putting themselves in scoring position.  The renta-QB Brenner came in and played very well on both sides of the ball.  However on the first series #1 Clark slightly bobbled one pass and the Gunners took full advantage intercepting the pass and returning it to mid field.  From then on the Gunners were crisp and clean not making many mistakes and capitalizing on down and distance situations.  The Predators hung very tough and kept it close but in the end they were out played.  Brenner found #6 Couch and #2 Long on a couple deep passes picking up big yards and also found #6 Couch on a 10 yard TD pass.  At the half the Predators were down 14-6.  In the second half the Predators were down one score and had 3rd and goal from the 25 and Brenner threw a nice pass to #11 Brown that looked like a TD, but the pass was dropped and the series was ended on the next play.  Late in the game #52 Oberhaus caught a deep TD before the game expired.  The game ended at 15-25.

Coming up in the next game for the Predators they play Akron's Finest in Week 7.  The Predators beat Akron's Finest in Week 1 8-7 in a bizarre ending to a game.  It was a chippy match up and the Predator D played big during the game, especially down the stretch.  Akron's Finest is expected to be hungry and ready to roll after the week one loss.  However as the Predators know from past experience, if they start strong and pack the first punch(figuratively not literally) in the game, Akron's Finest will turn on each other and fold.  If the Predators let them get going, they become harder to stop.  Tune into the Week 7 match up on Thursday at 10 pm.
 

Predators Start Season 8 at 3-0

Season 7 came to a bitter end as the Predators lost in the semi-finals 0-28 to the Ticknors.  The Predators were out to players and it showed as they were thumped.  A very disappointing ending to a season with high expectation after nearly capturing the title in Season 6.

Coming into Season 8 the Predators were still out the same teammates at the end of Season 7.  So the Predators brought back the crafty veteran #52 Oberhaus to get them by.  They also added #6 Couch, who brings championship experience and extra speed to the Predator roster.

WEEK 1

In Week 1 the Predators nearly escaped with a 8-7 win over Akron's Finest.  Both teams were chippy and wanted the win badly.  The Predators fell behind first 0-7 but played tough Predator defense keeping them in the game.  #2 Long and F.N.G. #6 Couch led the way on defense, both intercepting a pass and #33 Price also added a sack.  The Predators drove the ball down the field and punch it in with 1:15 left in the game as #7 Brown hit #11 Brown for a short TD.  After the score all hell broke lose! With penalties on three straight plays Akron's finest gave the Predators too many opportunities and it led to #6 Couch catching a 2-point conversion and givin the Predators lead, but the game wasn't over yet.  With two time outs and over a minute to play Akron's Finest drove the ball the length of the field but once again the Predator defense tightened up and stopped Akron's Finest on downs capturing a W for the Predators.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

With 1 INT and the game winning 2-point conversion #6 Couch earned himself player of the week honors in Week 1.  He caught many passes in the game and also broke up passes on defense.  He has been a great addition to the Predators for Season 8.

WEEK 2

In the first half of Week 2 the Predators played their worst football thus far this season.  A bad decision to go for it on fourth and long, bad flag pulls, dropped passes and poor deep coverage on defense led to a 0-14 hole at the half.  The Predators got a much needed explaination of what they were doing wrong in the game.... Playing like bitches! 

In the second half the Predators came alive.  The comeback was a team effort, led by their defense as #1 Clark made many pulls, #33 Price had 1 sack, 2 ints by #2 Long and 1 int by #6 Couch.  The offense really got it going as well.  The Predators drove down the field and the two Predator MVP's hooked up as #7 Brown hit #2 Long on the sideline for their first TD of game . However, they failed the extra point.  After a punt the Predators got the ball back with 5:00 minutes left in the game down 6-14.  Then #33 Price caught a short pass and got loose.  He got past the BW3 defense and took a long one to the house getting the Predators within a 2-point conversion.  On the attempt #7 Brown bought a bit of time and riffled a ball in the end zone and #1 Clark reached out and made a great catch tying the game at 14.  The Predators got the ball back once more and at mid field #52 Oberhaus launched a deep one, it was tipped up and #2 Long nearly came down with it but it landed incomplete.

In the OT the Predators went on D first and dominated.  At this point BW3 was too frustrated and couldn't do a thing.  It was very apparent when one player told the QB "YOU"RE THE WORST QB EVER!"  Once the Predators got the ball back they didn't convert on the first two plays, but on 3rd down they ran #1 Clark in motion and he snuck out into the flats and #7 Brown found him for a 20-14 Predator win!

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

With many pulls in the game and defensed passes #1 Clark is awarded Player of the Week honors.  His play in the last 5 minutes really set him apart.  He scored the final 8 points for the Predators in the game with his huge two point conversion catch (sending the game to OT) and scoring the winning TD in OT.  His on the field awareness was also showcased as his use of the teams timeouts gave the Predators a hail mary chance at the end of regulation.

WEEK 3

In Week 3 the Predators kept the momentum going right from the start against All About TDs.  They also had back #27 Clapper, who got involved early catching a couple short passes and picking up some YAC!  The Predators played very well offensively in this game led by #7 Brown, who passed for 5 TDSin the game.  Thus far this season #7 Brown has accounted for 9 TDs and 4 INTs.  #2 Long caught the first pass of the game on a nice out pattern that he is acustom to.  Thus far this season #2 Long has intercepted 4 passes and caught 2 TDs.  On the second TD of the game #33 Price went deep and #7 put it out there perfectly and #33 bobbled it like 7 times before he pulled it in...... or should I say should have dropped it 7 times!  #33 Price has 3 sacks and 3 TDs on the season so far.  The Third score came as #6 Couch drew up a beauty with seconds left in the first half and #7 Brown delivered a perfect ball!  The score put the Predators up 20-0 at the half.  The second half was much in the same.  The Preator D making it difficult for the offense and the Predator O taking control.  #7 Brown found #33 Price on a short 4th and goal situation for a TD.  Then the Predator D gave up an ugly long play for a TD....... Pansies!  Finally #7 Brown found #6 Couch on a deep streak to mercy All About TDs 33-7.  So far this season # Couch has 3 INTs and 2 TDs.  It was a great win and a must needed boost in point differential in the standings.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Coming away with Player of the Week honors is #7 Brown.  He threw for 5 TDs and only 1 INT and the Predators cruised.  #7 Brown is putting together a great season so far.  In a post game BroBaker's interview #7 Brown said "I really only threw two bad passes, an ugly slant to #33 and that stupid pick at the goal line!" unquote.  To his defense the dude made a good play.  He also played a good game at his CB position making some really nice pulls and being in position to make the play repeatedly.

Coming up for the Predators they have a great stretch battles. This Thursday they play Northeast Prudential Farm Geico Regressive Waterhouse.  A team not to take lightly and coming in on a two game wining streak.  In Week five they play the Seedmen, which the Predators have a 7-0 edge in head to head battles.  Then in Week 6 the Predators battle the Gunners, a rematch of the Season 6 Title where the Predators lost 14-20 and had it for the taking.  Shit that sounds like a fun three weeks to me!  And as we know when the Predators lace em up and it's time to hunt..... There will be blood!

 

Defense Shines Over 1-3 Stretch

One month ago the Predators were 3-1 and comfortably in first place.  However, over the last month the Predators have gone 1-3 and their record stands at 4-4.  They got embarassed 12-31 to Akron's Finest, lost 7-13 to defending champion Ticknors in OT, lost 6-7 to the Stallions and sqeaked by David B's 9-7 last week.  The Predators out scored David B's 55-20 in the teams previous two meetings.  It has been a rocky month and there has been turmoil, but the Predators will push on as a team and continue their quest to win the title.

One thing we know about the Predators is that no team plays defense like they do.  Shit, practically the whole league copied their GOLD Defense, but they still don't execute it like the Predators.  If the Predators could only figure out a way to muster up 3 TDs every game offensively they would be virtualy unbeatable.

The Predators have gone back to the drawing board and have established a new plan both X's and O's and personnel wise.  The plan is better and more simplified, but it comes down to execution.  They had an awesome Offensive practice this week and really seemed to iron out the problems they have had over the last month.  The plan is better, they moved players around to make them stronger, but it comes down to executing the task at hand.  We will see what the Predators have up their sleeve this Thursday as they battle the Stallions.

Week 8 Players of the Week

Offense- #45 Price

#45 Price scored the only Predator TD in a 9-7 victory last Thursday.  #45 Price continues to get moved around on the Predator offense and plays admirably where ever ask.  Whether center, receiver or QB #45 Price rises up.  He has 4 receiving TDs on the season and has also added 2 TDs passing.  And defensively has 3 INTs this year.  As the Predator back up QB he's asked to keep the Predators in the game and without much practice he does just that.

Defense- Predator Defense

Over the last three weeks the Predator defense has given up 2 TDs in regulation.  Back against the wall is something the Predator defense has come to know and they feed on it.  They're used to having to make plays in pressure situations and it shows.  The Predator defense will pee on all this praise because all they care about is stopping the next play and making opposing offenses crazy.

Back on Track, Predators Improve to 3-1

After starting the season 2-0, the Predators dropped a game 7-13 to a talented Ticknor team.  The Predators statistically played better than the Ticknors, however it didn't show on the score board.  They moved the ball better, played better D, but the breaks(refs) didn't go their way, but that's the game.  Not to mention they were not at full strength because they were INTIMIDATORED out of a man.  However, last week the Predators got back on the winning track beating David B's 25-18.  A team they beat 30-2 three weeks earlier.  The Predators didn't play to their potential but they came away with the victory.  They now have shown the ability to play below their potential, but still get a win.  Something they don't want to get in the habit of doing, but that they can.  It is an affect of putting in their dues and never giving up, a trait all Predators obtain on and off the field.

Offensivley the game started exactly how the first game started, with #7 Brown throwing a INT on the first play of the game.  But this time the Predator D didn't respond with a stop and the Predators were down 0-6.  The Predators then moved the ball and found themselves with a 4th and 3 at mid field.  #7 Brown capitalized as he hit #33 Price in the flats for a long TD reception.  #33 Price caught the second TD later in the game when the Predators faced a fourth and goal from the 4, putting them up 13-12.  Later in the game with time winding down the Predators found themselves 3rd and goal from the 25 down 13-18 with 1:35 left on the clock.  #7 Brown scrambled around ultimately finding #2 Long in the back of the endzone, putting the Predators up 19-18.  The final minute and a half was just a formality against the Predator D.  #1 Clark picked off a David B's pass and returned it 68 yards for a TD!  #1 Clark was sniffing that pick like fine wine the whole game, in position to take it the other way on numerous occasions.  It was a great ending to a game that looked like it was going to get away from the Predators.  They stayed together and hung in and got the win.

Defensively the Predators played pretty good.  Overall it wasn't what they are used to, but they hung in and got it done.  #33 Price got two sacks in the game along with 2 TDs offensively.  #27 Clapper was also big on D with an INT and 3 defensed passes and was crucial offensively moving the ball down field, very close to breaking one.  #7 Brown also INT'd a pass and defensed two, his one INT was huge for the D.  #1 Clark made the play of the game on D and also defensed 6 passes.  #45 Price also played well defensively and caught 5 passes on offense.  # 2 Long defensed 3 passes and made the game winning catch offensively. 

It wasn't their best game but the Predators will take it.  They have come so far that they can play poorly and still win.  But they know they can't have an effort like they had last week, or the week before in the loss and win the title.  This is a good week to put it all together, as they play the First Place team.  If they play the way they have the last two weeks then we might as well chalk up a L in that colum.  But if I know the Predators they will play with a chip on their shoulder.  We'll see what happens this week, as the Predators play Akron's Finest Thursday at 9pm.

Offensive Player of the Week- #7 Brown

#7 Brown wins Offensive Player of Week honors with 3 TDs and 1 INT.  Keeping his head late in the game, with the Predators down, #7 moved the Predators into position when he found #2 Long in the back of the endzone for the go ahead score.  The throw and catch foreshadows what's to come in the 2012 Title run. #7 Brown also intercepted a pass on D and defensed many passes.

Defensive Player of the Week- #1 Clark

#1 Clark wins Defensive Player of Week honors with 6 passes defensed and his game winning INT for TD.  Week in and week out #1 Clark continues to prove he pulls flags better than any other Predator and his pick six puts him alone as the only Predator to return 3 INT's for TD's in the teams history.

Game Starts Late, Predators End It Early

The Predators week 2 game against infocision started late and wasn't much of a game.  infocision was beat up so bad they don't deserve to get the first letter of their team name capitalized in this blog.  Right from the beginning #7 Brown moved the offense well, getting all Predators involved throwing 5 TDs and 1 INT.  The performance gives him back to back 5 TD games which is a first in Predator history.  Creating most of the damage receiving for the Predators was #2 Long and #45 Price.  #2 Long caught many passes and scored 2 TD's.  He also added 2 INTs defensively, totaling 5 on the season. #45 Price led the team in receptions for the game and scored a TD.  #45 Price came close to scoring three but was stopped twice at the one yard line.  One catch inperticular was amazing catching it on the sidelines on the last play of the first half.  He also added a INT on defense.  #27 Clapper added a TD offensively, on a very nice play where he started right and went back left, and played lock down D as infocision wouldn't even throw his way, but he still somehow managed 6 passes defensed!!!!!  #1 Clark was his usual Spriderman self as he once again led the D in pulls for the game.  So quick noise isn't made when he pulls flags.  And #33 Price busted out with 3 sacks, 1 safety and a knocked down pass defensively while adding a TD offensively.  It was his first 3 sack performance since season 2.  All and all it was a great win against..... who ever they were.... but the Predators are foaming at the mouth for a more difficult hunt and it's coming up this week as they play the current defending Winter Champion Ticknors.  The offense is thirsty for blood, the defense smells fear and the Predators are coming Thursday at 10pm.  You better wear your rain coat, because it's going to get messy.

Week 2 Players of the Week

Offense- #7 Brown

Back-to-Back 5 TD Performances gives #7 Brown Player of the Week honors.  Increased arm strength and accuracy has been apparent going back to last fall and his teammates get to reep the benefits.  The Predators have only punted once this season and have only 4 turnovers.  They are off to their fastest start offensively in team history and #7 is leading the way.

Defense- #33 Price

A 3 sack, 1 safety and 1 knocked down pass performance gives #33 Price Player of the Week honors.  The Predators Defense is once again nasty and #33 has done his part.  Relentless pressure on opposing QB's helps the Predator secondary go in for the kill!  The D has yet to be scored on this season and the Predators this week will be going for a Predator record 3 straight games without giving up a touchdown.  I don't know about you, but I smell a blood bath!

Predator Win Big in Opener 30-2

The season got off to a good start Thursday night as the Predators crushed David B's/BroBakers 30-2. The Predators were the more polished and experienced team and it show as the game progressed. The Predators have a plan in place offensively and are more organized from past seasons. They know what works better in certain situations than they used to. Individually on defense their personnel knows their role and executes the defense in a textbook fashion. It was a great opening night win and only their second season opening win in 7 season.

With all the good we saw there still was some rust on behalf of the Predators. They missed many flag pulls, something we're not accustom to seeing from the Predators. They turned the ball over on 1st and goal from the 10 after #2 Long intercepted a pass and nearly returned it for a touchdown. They had a botched snap in their own end zone that result in two points for the opposition. They also had a miscommunication on an easy 4th and two at mid field in the first half. But these are correctable errors that happen at the beginning of seasons. All in all, the offense played consistent and smooth and the defense was it's usual "lion hunts down a gazelle on the Discovery channel" self.

It was a great team effort in the win. #7 Brown had a strong first outing throwing for 5 TD's and 2 INT's. He also had a pass defensed. #45 Price had a good game scoring 1 long TD, out running the defense for on the score. He also had two passes defensed. #1 Clark scored 1 TD in the game where he got behind the D for a fifty yard score. Now for the players of the week:

Offensive Player of the Week- #27 Clapper

Scoring 2 TD's and making many catches and runs earns #27 Clapper Player of the Week honors. He made one really tough catch in traffic deep down the middle of the field. He also contributed with 1 INT and 3 passes defensed.

Defensive Player of the Week- #2 Long

With 3 INT's and 3 passes defensed #2 Long led the way for the defense. He was one player away from taking one of his picks for six. He added 1 TD on offense.

The Predators will play again next Thursday but they don't know who they play and when because they don't have a schedule. Awesome. Stay tuned for week 2 information.

Expectations High Amongst the Predators

Last season for the Predators was a good one. They posted a 7-3 record and got to the title game. However, the last time we saw the Predators in action, the lost a tough championship game 13-21. It was a game where they out played the opponent the majority of the game but made a few costly mistakes that they couldn't recover from. They were proud of season 6, but now they want more.

Going into Season 7 the Predators are essentially the same team they were exiting season 6. They were and still are a six man roster in a six on six league. Leading the way this season is current Predator MVP #7 Brown who had an outstanding year but has unfinished business and wants to finish the job in 2012 with a title. #33 Price is back again and is hungry to break the 12 sack Predator record in a season. Lets not forget about former Predator MVP #2 Long who looks ready to take back that MVP title. He is coming off a Defensive Player of the Year performance and looks trim and ready to roll. Then there's #1 Clark, who recieved the coveted Predator Award last season with his big play potential and heads up on the field play. He has his seat belt strapped and is ready for a title ride. Don't forget about #27 Clapper, who's gears are oiled and is ready for a breakout season. He's looked quick in OTA's and wants to make his impression felt right from the first snap. He is once again will be in the mix for player of the year. He took home Performance of the Year last season. The biggest improvement to the Predators this season is the transformation of #45 Price. As the Predators walked off the field in the championship game #45 Price carried 247 pounds on his shoulders. When he walks onto the field tonight he will be carrying 208 pounds. Get ready for #45 Price to have a big season. #11 Brown will also be helping out the Predators this season. He is young, strong and isn't sore the next day after games!!! The Predators are fortunate to have #11 Brown in their corner. He was even offered a contract by another team, but decided to stay. And don't think for a minute that the Predators won't go "retro roster" and bring back #52 Oberhaus for a game or two. He has even lost 30 pounds. It's shaping up to be a good year.

The Predators toasted "one more year" at the extremely up scale banquet last season put on by management at the 5 star gormet Cleats(Registered Trademark LLC sole proprietor Cleats Inc.) in Wadstucky. This year is deemed "Title in Twelve" and is their fourth year in existance and in some ways feeling like a Senior year. Well, it seems the Predators ment what they said at the banquet. In some way or another each Predator has improved their role going into this Season 7. Some trained harder, ran a bit more or watched their diet but the roster has improved and it's the same players. But will all this reflect in their record? Will they take the title in 2012? They know it won't be easy but if they play the way they did last season and focus at the tasks at hand; good throws, catchingballs, tough D, getting 6 yards on 3rd and five, making QB uncomfortable, ect., everything else should take care of itself.

Spring is finally hear and it's going to be a fun 10 weeks. It's crazy a team that started 0-9 in their first season has survived to a 7th season. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we will see once again and again and again what the Predators are made of as Season 7 kicksoff tonight at 10pm, as the Predators take on David B's.