ORLANDO -- The Orlando Predators (11-7) made a statement in the team's regular season finale, earning a spectacular 56-50 victory over the defending ArenaBowl Champion Arizona Rattlers (15-3) in front of a sold out crowd of 8,550 at CFE Arena on Saturday evening. The win marks just the second time in the last 11 seasons the Predators have finished the regular season with 11 or more victories.
Trailing 50-48 late in the fourth quarter, QB Bernard Morris dropped back to pass lofted a completion over the middle to WR Larry Brackins. With the reception secured, Brackins eluded defenders and cut back across the field before barreling through defenders on his way to a 30-yard touchdown. Orlando successfully recovered an onside attempt on the ensuing kickoff and proceeded to run out the clock to seal the win.
Morris finished the night throwing for 284 yards and six touchdowns while adding 28 yards and another score on the ground. Brackins hauled in seven passes for 104 yards and three scores, while WR Khalil Paden led all receivers with 137 yards and two touchdowns on five catches.
