Going into week 7 the Predators knew they had to play well and mistake free to grind out a win. It was going as planned for the first 30 minutes of the game but it quickly unraveled in the last ten, and the Predators lost 7-27. The loss drops the Predators two spots in the standings to six place, which is the last qualifying playoff spot, and adds much more importance to next weeks game against the Seed Men. The Predators are happy with the progress they've made so far, but they understand that their not where they want to be and there's still a lot of work to be done. Playoffs have been the goal since day one and if they miss out, the season will be looked at as unsuccessful.
Offensively against Team Ice the Predators started off with a bang. Two short option plays on the first drive set up a third and medium where #7 Brown hit #27 Clapper on a long completing down the sidelines that resulted in a first down. The Predators got a few more completions and capped the drive off when #7 Brown threw it on a rope to # 27 Clapper in the back of the end zone for a touchdown (extra point no good). It took 17 games but it was the first time in Predator history that the offense scored on the opening drive. Team Ice came back the next series and torched the Predator defense with trick plays and long completions answering the score with ease (extra point good). Throughout the rest of the first half the Predators were completing passes and putting themselves in good position to convert 3rd downs but were unsuccessful. Defensively after the first drive the Predators settled down and played well. Giving Team Ice short underneath passes and making pulls, resulting in punts. At the end of the first half Team Ice was driving and ran a good throwback pass that got the Predators out manned in the secondary and they hit a receiver in the back of the end zone for a long touchdown (extra point good). Making the score at the half a respectable 6-14.
The second half was going well with the Predators playing solid, bend don't break defense. Team Ice had a short fourth down conversion at mid field when #53 Wlotzko came up with a huge sack for the Predators. #53 Wlotzko sacrificed his body by laying out and pulling the flag as his body hit the turf. The big play set the offense up in good field position. The Predator offense was struggling on the drive and on third down got a questionable defensive pass interference in the end zone setting up a 1st and goal from the ten. It was the break the Predators were waiting for. But on the second play after the first down #7 Brown threw his only bad pass of the night and it was intercepted in the end zone. It was the first turnover of the game and it took the wind out of the Predator sails. Team Ice then drove the ball down field, highlighted by two long pass completions and finished the drive with a touchdown. At this point there was little time left. #45 Price made a great pump fake on the next series, which got #27 Clapper wide open down field, but #45 Price's pass sailed just long and ended any chances of a Predator comeback. Another Team Ice touchdown and extra point and a #2 Long interception return on an extra point finished the scoring for the night. On the final Predator offensive possession they got it going again when #1 Clark caught a lateral and picked up big yards and #45 Price hit #7 Brown on a nice pass and catch for a first down. The Predators then got it close but the series ended with a turnover on downs and a mercy for the game.
Even though the Predators lost the game they still feel that they took steps forward in the game. For three quarters of the game the Predators played at the level they needed to beat one of the top teams in the league, but they now know how quickly it can unravel. The Predators win and lose as a team and the name on the front of their jersey means more to the group than any name on the back. Up next the Predators play the Seed Men (5-2) next Thursday at 9pm. A game with the playoffs at stake.
THE PREDATORS
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Week 7
This week the Predators are coming off a solid 20-0 win over last place Evolution. This week they play a very good Team Ice. Team Ice is experienced, athletic, smart and organized. Their defense has given up only six more points than the Predator defense (44-38) and their offense has scored almost two and a half more points than the Predators offense (192-82). Team Ice's only loss is to the undefeated Gunners and it was a close 28-20 contest. Last week they played an undefeated Seed Men team and crushed them 26-2. Team Ice has arguably the best quarterback in the league. He is definitely the most accurate passer in the league and has demonstrated he's just as accurate with or without pressure in his face. The Predator defensive backs better eat their Wheaties and come focused because if they don't this QB will make them pay. The one weakness this quarterback has demonstrated is that he is not very mobile. He hasn't shown that he will take off and run, but he does use pump fakes and side step moves effectively, much like Martindale's quarterback. Team Ice's receivers are tall and athletic. They run good routes, make tough catches, and can also run after the catch. Hand-eye coordination must be sharp because missing pulls can and will result in big plays against this team. Team Ice's defense is also very solid. The athletic receivers turn into athletic DB's and they've shown that they make teams pay if passes are forced or slightly off the mark. The only real weakness their defense has is their rusher. He is short, heavy and slow, but has shown to make sacks if he gets close.
For the Predators they will try to keep building their offense stronger. #45 Price and #7 Brown will share snaps again this week and try to make it happen. They will need to be patient and rely on their defense to make stops and grind out this win. They will focus on getting it to #2 Long down field and #27 Clapper short, and in space so he can run. Defensively, #53 Wlotzko will start at rusher and will need to put back-to-back great performances together for the Predators to be successful. The Predators are glad to have #1 Clark back in the line up this week. Management has decided that #1 Clark and #2 Long will switch positions this week on defense. Hopefully the gamble pays off.
The Predators are very excited for this game. It is a chance to see how they measure up with the best the league has to offer and to prove they can play with the best. Team Ice is very solid, they have few weaknesses, and the margin for error when teams play them is extremely small. The Predators know it will not be easy but they have never backed down and definitely will not this week as they put all their chips on the table against Team Ice this Thursday at 10pm.
For the Predators they will try to keep building their offense stronger. #45 Price and #7 Brown will share snaps again this week and try to make it happen. They will need to be patient and rely on their defense to make stops and grind out this win. They will focus on getting it to #2 Long down field and #27 Clapper short, and in space so he can run. Defensively, #53 Wlotzko will start at rusher and will need to put back-to-back great performances together for the Predators to be successful. The Predators are glad to have #1 Clark back in the line up this week. Management has decided that #1 Clark and #2 Long will switch positions this week on defense. Hopefully the gamble pays off.
The Predators are very excited for this game. It is a chance to see how they measure up with the best the league has to offer and to prove they can play with the best. Team Ice is very solid, they have few weaknesses, and the margin for error when teams play them is extremely small. The Predators know it will not be easy but they have never backed down and definitely will not this week as they put all their chips on the table against Team Ice this Thursday at 10pm.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Predators Bounce Back, Win 20-0
The Predators came into week 6 with many questions, but they came out with many answers as they beat Evolution 20-0. From start to finish the Predators controled the game and slowly built their lead. The Predators with the win have put themselves in good position to make the playoffs as they enter the most brutile stretch of their schedule (top three teams in final three weeks). The Predators feel good about the win and their 4-2 record. A great improvement over their expansion season when they were 0-6 at this same point. They have stayed consistent with their approach and it has really paid off. The Predators are very excited about the next three weeks to see how exactly they measure up against the front runners in the league.
In the game Evolution offensively never really threatened the Predator defense, only getting into Predatotor territory one time. #53 Wlotzko rushed for the majority of the game and improved significantly from his first start. It takes time and reps to get comfortable with the position and #53 Wlotzko proved he doesn't need either. He recorded two bigs sacks and also contributed on offense. And the Predator offense also played well. They started off slow, but picked it up midway through the first half when #7 Brown came in and sparked the team. #7 Brown's crisp intermediate passes lead the Predators down the field on their first scoring drive hitting multiple recievers. They capped the drive off as #7 Brown hit #27 Clapper 15 yards from the goal line and #27 Clapper juked and jived his way into the end zone, it appears he perfers running in zig zags rather than the traditional straight line. The score put the Predators up 6-0. The next score came from the Predator defense. When Evolution ran a lateral to their speedster and #52 Oberhaus, who had been on top of the laterals the entire night, swallowed him up in the end zone for a safety. #52 Oberhaus, who is the anchor in the middle of a revolving defense (due to injuries), also played well on offense catching passes and calling trick plays.
The next score came as the Predators got the ball to mid field and #45 Price, who started at quarterback and is becoming very versitle as the season goes along, launched a pretty rainbow pass to #2 Long in the back of the endzone. The score put the Predators up 14-0. Along with the TD, #2 Long had an interception and once again made some tough catches putting together solid performance after solid performance. The last score came as #7 Brown led the team down the field, moving the pocket and buying time, and once again hit #27 Clapper for another one of his hip twisting touchdowns. #27 Clapper's productivity has sky rocketed in the last couple of weeks when the Predators have needed him most. Last night he scored his first and second touchdowns as a member of the team and became the third player in Predator history with a multiple TD game (#2 Long, #7 Brown).
The Predators are back on track and excited to see what their made of the next three weeks as the playoffs are on the horizon. They will take it one game at a time and give their best every week and let the cards fall where they fall. Up next, the Predators play a very good Team Ice next thursday at 10pm.
In the game Evolution offensively never really threatened the Predator defense, only getting into Predatotor territory one time. #53 Wlotzko rushed for the majority of the game and improved significantly from his first start. It takes time and reps to get comfortable with the position and #53 Wlotzko proved he doesn't need either. He recorded two bigs sacks and also contributed on offense. And the Predator offense also played well. They started off slow, but picked it up midway through the first half when #7 Brown came in and sparked the team. #7 Brown's crisp intermediate passes lead the Predators down the field on their first scoring drive hitting multiple recievers. They capped the drive off as #7 Brown hit #27 Clapper 15 yards from the goal line and #27 Clapper juked and jived his way into the end zone, it appears he perfers running in zig zags rather than the traditional straight line. The score put the Predators up 6-0. The next score came from the Predator defense. When Evolution ran a lateral to their speedster and #52 Oberhaus, who had been on top of the laterals the entire night, swallowed him up in the end zone for a safety. #52 Oberhaus, who is the anchor in the middle of a revolving defense (due to injuries), also played well on offense catching passes and calling trick plays.
The next score came as the Predators got the ball to mid field and #45 Price, who started at quarterback and is becoming very versitle as the season goes along, launched a pretty rainbow pass to #2 Long in the back of the endzone. The score put the Predators up 14-0. Along with the TD, #2 Long had an interception and once again made some tough catches putting together solid performance after solid performance. The last score came as #7 Brown led the team down the field, moving the pocket and buying time, and once again hit #27 Clapper for another one of his hip twisting touchdowns. #27 Clapper's productivity has sky rocketed in the last couple of weeks when the Predators have needed him most. Last night he scored his first and second touchdowns as a member of the team and became the third player in Predator history with a multiple TD game (#2 Long, #7 Brown).
The Predators are back on track and excited to see what their made of the next three weeks as the playoffs are on the horizon. They will take it one game at a time and give their best every week and let the cards fall where they fall. Up next, the Predators play a very good Team Ice next thursday at 10pm.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Week 6
It has been a rough couple of weeks for the Predators. Back-to-back loses and two players done for the year. But there are four games left and the Predators will move forward. They still have a good roster of players and they will try to put the pieces back together this week when they play Evolution. They are another new team in the league and they are win less. However the amount they are losing by is decreasing by the week. The Predators will need to play turnover free football and be sharp on pulls to win the game.
Evolution has run some unorthodox defenses at times, sometimes never sending a rusher. So the Predators need to be ready for anything that may catch them off guard. And offensively, Evolution has struggled(one touchdown in first three weeks), but have managed to put some points on the board the last couple of weeks. This is a very winnable game and one the Predators need to make the playoffs. They just need to execute on offense and play sound defense and the score will take care of itself. The Predators will be minus #1 Clark this week so management decided to dust off #11 Brown, who brings speed and athleticism to the table. If #11 Brown can't go, the six remaining active Predators will play "Two Platoon" and battle for the win. The teams go head-to-head Thursday at 10pm.
Evolution has run some unorthodox defenses at times, sometimes never sending a rusher. So the Predators need to be ready for anything that may catch them off guard. And offensively, Evolution has struggled(one touchdown in first three weeks), but have managed to put some points on the board the last couple of weeks. This is a very winnable game and one the Predators need to make the playoffs. They just need to execute on offense and play sound defense and the score will take care of itself. The Predators will be minus #1 Clark this week so management decided to dust off #11 Brown, who brings speed and athleticism to the table. If #11 Brown can't go, the six remaining active Predators will play "Two Platoon" and battle for the win. The teams go head-to-head Thursday at 10pm.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Martindale Escapes Predators, Wins 25-6
The Predators lost to a very good Martindale team on Thursday. Martindale executed better than the Predators and the score indicated that. On defense it was the first time this season the Predators missed many pulls, and when you miss many pulls, it turns into big plays for the offense. The Predators did take away three passes from Martindale. #27 Clapper grabbed two deep in Predator territory and #1 Clark got the other at mid field. #1 Clark and a Martindale receiver appeared to have the ball simultaneously, but #1 Clark ripped the ball out before the two reached the turf. Overall on defense the Predators played well considering they lost two starters the week before. They need to stop big plays from happening by making flag pulls. If they correct that for next week they will be in good shape.
Offensively, the Predators had another rocky game. When the defense did get a turnover the offense gave it right back to Martindale. It was difficult to throw due to the weather and it showed during the game. But the Predators are working on getting new players incorporated into the offense so in some ways they are starting over from scratch. #27 Clapper, who had two picks, also played well on offense. Catching passes and making defenders miss leading the Predator offense against Martindale. And #2 Long who put in another solid performance, scored the only Predator touchdown from a pretty pass from #45 Price. The Predators will suit up again next Thursday and try to get back to their winning ways as they play Evolution at 10pm.
Offensively, the Predators had another rocky game. When the defense did get a turnover the offense gave it right back to Martindale. It was difficult to throw due to the weather and it showed during the game. But the Predators are working on getting new players incorporated into the offense so in some ways they are starting over from scratch. #27 Clapper, who had two picks, also played well on offense. Catching passes and making defenders miss leading the Predator offense against Martindale. And #2 Long who put in another solid performance, scored the only Predator touchdown from a pretty pass from #45 Price. The Predators will suit up again next Thursday and try to get back to their winning ways as they play Evolution at 10pm.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Week 5
The Predators (3-1) are going into week 5 trying to get back on track as they play an experienced Martindale team. Martindale comes into the game 1-3, but their three losses have come from all undefeated teams. The Predators will need to play solid ball on both sides and make plays if they are to come out with this win. It will be difficult because the Predators have two players out. #42 Clapper and #50 Price will both be out due to knee injuries they suffered last week. Their return is uncertain. The Predators do have #53 Wlotzko expected to return after a calve injury that has kept him out for three weeks. #53 Wlotzko, #52 Oberhaus, #45 Price and #1 Clark will all have more playing time this week due to the injuries. They will have to step up their game, as well as the rest of the Predators, and play efficient turnover free football to pull out the win.
Defensively, the Predators play a quarterback with a lot of experience. This quarterback has been in the league a while and has a good arm and can do a bit of scrambling, so expect the Predators to try to contain the QB and not let him buy extra time. The rushing duties will be taken by #45 Price and #7 Brown who both have quick feet and the ability to change direction. The Predator defensive backs will have to tighten up and make plays for the new rushers as they get comfortable with their new position. Defensive success starts up front so expect #45 Price and #7 Brown to go all Lawrence Taylor on Joe Theisman at this quarterback.
Offensively, after last weeks performance, the Predators need to take a deep breath and just keep it simple. Athletically, the team they are playing is in the bottom half of the league, but they have height. So they may be difficult to pass on. The Predators will look to keep it in the middle of the field or work the sidelines depending on what the defense gives them. In game offensive adjustments is something the Predators have struggled with all season and need to improve on it if the want to finish this season strong. The Predators are counting on #1 Clark and #52 Oberhaus, who both have additional offensive responsibilities this week. Look for #2 Long, #27 Clapper and #7 Brown to carry the offensive load. And after playing well the first two weeks #45 Price has struggled in the last two games, so expect him to be very focused this week. The Predators need to come into this game with something to prove. Even with two important players out, this roster has talent and the active players on this roster will try to prove it. Look for them to have fun, play hard and leave it out on the field. We will see what happens this Thursday at 8pm.
Defensively, the Predators play a quarterback with a lot of experience. This quarterback has been in the league a while and has a good arm and can do a bit of scrambling, so expect the Predators to try to contain the QB and not let him buy extra time. The rushing duties will be taken by #45 Price and #7 Brown who both have quick feet and the ability to change direction. The Predator defensive backs will have to tighten up and make plays for the new rushers as they get comfortable with their new position. Defensive success starts up front so expect #45 Price and #7 Brown to go all Lawrence Taylor on Joe Theisman at this quarterback.
Offensively, after last weeks performance, the Predators need to take a deep breath and just keep it simple. Athletically, the team they are playing is in the bottom half of the league, but they have height. So they may be difficult to pass on. The Predators will look to keep it in the middle of the field or work the sidelines depending on what the defense gives them. In game offensive adjustments is something the Predators have struggled with all season and need to improve on it if the want to finish this season strong. The Predators are counting on #1 Clark and #52 Oberhaus, who both have additional offensive responsibilities this week. Look for #2 Long, #27 Clapper and #7 Brown to carry the offensive load. And after playing well the first two weeks #45 Price has struggled in the last two games, so expect him to be very focused this week. The Predators need to come into this game with something to prove. Even with two important players out, this roster has talent and the active players on this roster will try to prove it. Look for them to have fun, play hard and leave it out on the field. We will see what happens this Thursday at 8pm.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Predators Lose More Than Game
Going into week 4 the Predators had high hopes of separating themselves from the bottom feeders and establishing themselves as one of the elite teams. Neither happened as BAMF won the game 0-7. The Predators made many mistakes and BAMF took advantage. The Predators had four turnovers and three of those resulted in BAMF starting their drive already in Predator territory. The Predators did a nice job on defense the entire night holding BAMF out of the end zone after their turnovers, until mid way through the second half when a questionable man defense was called on 3rd and goal and a BAMF receiver got behind the defense, getting the only score of the night.
Offensively, the Predators struggled to get first downs the entire night. They had a difficult time adjusting to what the defense was doing and couldn't execute. They did have some good plays that picked up big yards, but couldn't put together any good drives. After having a good play they shot themselves in the foot by turning it over or simply just not executing. Part of the reason they had trouble executing was because of two major injuries. #42 Clapper and #50 Price both had knee injuries in the first half. Once #42 Clapper was out the Predators seemed lost and couldn't put anything together. Then when #50 Price went down the problem snowballed even more. Those losses were bigger than losing the game itself.
Where do the Predators go from here? Well, they finish what they started. Even with the injuries and how poorly they played, they only lost the game 0-7. As is always said, if they don't turn it over and play good defense, they will be in every game. The Predators will regroup and not give up and suit up again next Thursday when they play Martindale at 8pm.
Offensively, the Predators struggled to get first downs the entire night. They had a difficult time adjusting to what the defense was doing and couldn't execute. They did have some good plays that picked up big yards, but couldn't put together any good drives. After having a good play they shot themselves in the foot by turning it over or simply just not executing. Part of the reason they had trouble executing was because of two major injuries. #42 Clapper and #50 Price both had knee injuries in the first half. Once #42 Clapper was out the Predators seemed lost and couldn't put anything together. Then when #50 Price went down the problem snowballed even more. Those losses were bigger than losing the game itself.
Where do the Predators go from here? Well, they finish what they started. Even with the injuries and how poorly they played, they only lost the game 0-7. As is always said, if they don't turn it over and play good defense, they will be in every game. The Predators will regroup and not give up and suit up again next Thursday when they play Martindale at 8pm.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Week 4
The Predators are heading into week 4 with a chance to put themselves in a very good position of making the playoffs. A win in this week would put them at 4-0 with five games to go. The season is far from over, but the goal of making the winners bracket is on the horizon and possibly even a first round bye. Their opponent this week is BAMF (1-2). Who are coming off a heart breaking 7-12 loss. They will be hungry for a win. Unlike most of their other opponents, the Predators know many of BAMF personnel. BAMF is a team that will try to get into the Predators heads and get them off their game. But if the Predators take the same business like approach they have taken all season and do not let this game get personal, they should come out with the victory.
Defensively, the Predators will face a type of offense that they haven't seen all season. One with a very strong armed quarterback. The QB can throw it deep with velocity, from anywhere on the field, and can do it running sideways or back peddling. The pressure this week is on the Predator pass rush and their safeties. The pass rush needs to come fast and controlled and take advantage of the quarterbacks immobility. From what has been seen, the quarterback will throw bad passes at times when under pressure. So the Predator pass defenders will need to take advantage of those. The BAMF receiving corp. has some good athletes that can catch, but their not the same caliber as the Predators. If they keep playing defense with the same intensity as they have all season, the Predators will be in good shape.
Offensively, the Predators are coming off their best practice since they beat the Leo's in the Toilet Bowl. They have seen BAMF's defense and have a good game plan on how to exploit it. The Predators will continue to spread the ball around to their abundance of athletes. Their size, speed, mobility and versatility has been shown by every player on the offense so far and it's a crap shoot on who will have the next big game. Find out Thursday at 9pm, when the Predators will battle to prove their the only "Bad Ass Mother Fuckers" in this league.
Defensively, the Predators will face a type of offense that they haven't seen all season. One with a very strong armed quarterback. The QB can throw it deep with velocity, from anywhere on the field, and can do it running sideways or back peddling. The pressure this week is on the Predator pass rush and their safeties. The pass rush needs to come fast and controlled and take advantage of the quarterbacks immobility. From what has been seen, the quarterback will throw bad passes at times when under pressure. So the Predator pass defenders will need to take advantage of those. The BAMF receiving corp. has some good athletes that can catch, but their not the same caliber as the Predators. If they keep playing defense with the same intensity as they have all season, the Predators will be in good shape.
Offensively, the Predators are coming off their best practice since they beat the Leo's in the Toilet Bowl. They have seen BAMF's defense and have a good game plan on how to exploit it. The Predators will continue to spread the ball around to their abundance of athletes. Their size, speed, mobility and versatility has been shown by every player on the offense so far and it's a crap shoot on who will have the next big game. Find out Thursday at 9pm, when the Predators will battle to prove their the only "Bad Ass Mother Fuckers" in this league.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Defense Posts Back-to-Back Shutouts
The Predators on Thursday night simply overwhelmed a less experienced Robinson team. The defense got their second shutout of the season and have only given up six points through three games, which is tops in the league. From the very beginning the Predators proved to be to much for Robinson. Recording a safety on each of Robinson's first three offensive possessions making the score 6-0. #50 Price, pulling two of those, finished the night with 7 pulls and 4 sacks. Robinson was only able to get two first downs in the game. One after a Predator turnover where Robinson only had to go five yards, and the other late in the second half after the mercy rule was in effect. Defensively, the Predators have just begun and are hungry to shut down every offense they face.
Offensively the Predators once again moved the ball, but the turnover bug bit them three times. #45 Price (6 of 14, 95 yds, 2-3) led the offense on two scoring drives. #45 Price was a little shaky at times, but in his defense there were a few dropped passes by the Predator receivers. Both of #45 Price's TDs were caught by #2 Long (4 rec., 60 yds), who also had an interception. The Predators also got a good performance from #7 Brown, who accumulated 75 all purpose yards on four touches (55 passing). #27 Clapper and #42 Clapper, who are known as the Predators "Copley Connection," finished up the offensive output with 115 all purpose yards between the two of them. The Predators did a nice job of spreading the ball around and had a balanced attack. Although they had a few turnovers, the offense played better and the mistakes they made are correctable. The Predators are making improvements, but offensively they are not yet the caliber of the top teams in the league. The Predators feel they need to continue to take their offense to the next level and four offensive scores in a game is their goal. Something that has yet to be done in the teams history.
Up next, the Predators play B.A.M.F. next Thursday at 9pm. A game they have had circled on the schedule.
Offensively the Predators once again moved the ball, but the turnover bug bit them three times. #45 Price (6 of 14, 95 yds, 2-3) led the offense on two scoring drives. #45 Price was a little shaky at times, but in his defense there were a few dropped passes by the Predator receivers. Both of #45 Price's TDs were caught by #2 Long (4 rec., 60 yds), who also had an interception. The Predators also got a good performance from #7 Brown, who accumulated 75 all purpose yards on four touches (55 passing). #27 Clapper and #42 Clapper, who are known as the Predators "Copley Connection," finished up the offensive output with 115 all purpose yards between the two of them. The Predators did a nice job of spreading the ball around and had a balanced attack. Although they had a few turnovers, the offense played better and the mistakes they made are correctable. The Predators are making improvements, but offensively they are not yet the caliber of the top teams in the league. The Predators feel they need to continue to take their offense to the next level and four offensive scores in a game is their goal. Something that has yet to be done in the teams history.
Up next, the Predators play B.A.M.F. next Thursday at 9pm. A game they have had circled on the schedule.
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