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.
