Preators Prevail in Opener, Win 8-6

The Predators went into their opener not knowing what to expect. They played a good Pat Catans team that obviously had experience. The team was led by the defense that played nearly flawless and the offense did enough to win, despite their inconsistency.

In the first half, the defense forced Pat Catans into three-and-out after three-and-out. During that stretch, Pat Catans struggled even to complete passes. Offensively, the Predators moved the ball, but were unable to achieve first downs. It wasn't until late in the first half the Predators got it going. #45 Price, drove the offense down the field. #45 Price hit #27 Clapper on a short dump pass that picked up big yards. #42 Clapper helped the offense with a big run and the drive was capped off when #7 Brown checked down to #50 Price in the middle of the field for a 15 yard score. Every player on the field contributed on the scoring drive. 2-point conversion was no good. The Predators went into half time leading 6-0.

In the second half, the Predators got the ball first and had to punt. Pat Catans got the ball and tried a half back pass deep in their territory and #50 Price leaped and pulled the flag for a safety, putting the Predators up 8-0. Offensively in the second half the Predators still moved the ball but couldn't get any points. After a turnover on downs and a interception by #45 Price the Predator defense came up big again when both Clapper's intercepted a pass on the very first defensive play after the turnovers. After #42 Clapper's interception, he returned to the Pat Catans 15 and the offense couldn't punch it in with 1st and goal from the 15. On the next series, Pat Catans dumped the ball short, chipping away at the defense where #2 Long made flag pull after flag pull, leading the team in pulls for the game. Pat Catans finally punched it in on third and goal from the 15 where it looked like a sack may have occurred but was not called and Pat Catans took full advantage. The conversion attempt was no good. The pass was too high in the corner. Pat Catans got the ball back once more with little time remaining and the Predator defense finished the win, 8-6.

It was a big win and a great way to start the season. The Predators know a lot more has to be done and are up to the challenge. Up next, the Predators play State Farm at 9pm next Thursday.