The Orlando Predators (7-2) dropped a 59-56 decision to the rival Jacksonville Sharks (4-4) on Friday night in front of an Amway Center crowd of 10,651.
Randy Hippeard completed 26-of-37 pass attempts for 274 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions, connecting with Larry Brackins four times for 29 yards and three scores. Brandon Thompkins paced the receiving corps with 11 receptions for 131 yards and two touchdown while Greg Carr added 71 yards and two more scores on seven catches.
Hippeard connected with Brackins on a three-yard touchdown throw to give the Predators a 7-6 lead at the end of the opening quarter. The Sharks got on the board first as Tommy Grady found Joe Hills on a two-yard score, but a missed PAT gave Orlando the early edge.
Jacksonville scored two plays into the second quarter off a 31-yard catch by Hills, but another missed PAT allowed Orlando to take a 14-12 lead on the ensuing series as Hippeard launched a 24-yard score over the top of the defense to Greg Carr. The Sharks followed with another Grady-to-Hills score, this time from a yard out, but Hippeard would fire a nine-yard touchdown strike to Brandon Thompkins to give the Predators a 21-19 lead at the one minute warning. Hills would catch a six-yard touchdown pass with 25 seconds remaining in the half to give the Sharks a 26-21 advantage at the midway point.
Coming out of the half, Hills scored again on an eight-yard reception, but Brandon Thompkins answered with a 54-yard touchdown return on the ensuing kickoff to cut Jacksonville’s lead, 33-28.
The Sharks built a 47-28 lead early in the fourth quarter, beginning with an 11-yard scoring reception by Hills. On the following Predators drive, Hippeard’s pass attempt bounced off the wall and into the arms of Sharks DB Greg Reid and Jacksonville would convert the interception into a one-yard touchdown run by FB Derrick Ross.
The Predators got back on the board midway through the final frame as Hippeard hit Larry Brackins on a four-yard touchdown. Orlando’s defense answered the call on the ensuing series, denying Grady’s fourth-down pass attempt to force a turnover on downs. Hippeard found Brackins again for a nine-yard scoring completion on the resulting drive to cut the deficit, 47-42.
Jacksonville got a quick 13-yard score from Hills on the next play from scrimmage, but Brandon Thompkins responded with a 17-yard touchdown reception with 28 seconds remaining on the clock to give the Predators life as they trailed 53-48. Orlando attempted the onside kick, but the Sharks recovered and scored again off a quick pass to Hills. Greg Carr hauled in a 13-yard score during the final drive, but the effort was too late as time expired.
The Predators travel to take on the LA KISS in Week 10 on Monday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Information provided by Orlando Predators Communications Department.