The hunter became the hunted in Orlando Saturday night as the Pittsburgh Power (7-3) bagged their prey and won 62-61 over the Orlando Predators (6-4). Power quarterback Tommy Grady found Hank Edwards for a touchdown with one second left to put the final stamp on a great game for Pittsburgh.
In a game where both offenses put up some big numbers, this one was ultimately decided by the kickers. Julian Rauch had one of his extra points blocked but it was two misses by his counterpart Mark Lewis that sealed Orlando’s fate.
Grady was 29 of 48 for 306 yards, eight touchdowns and an interception off a deflection by Hank Edwards. Prechae Rodriguez finally returned to the lineup for the first time since being injured against San Jose and quickly reestablished himself as one Grady’s favorite target by catching 13 passes for 148 yards and four touchdowns. Edwards added six catches for 62 yards and three scores and Shaun Kauleinamoku turned in another solid effort with seven catches for 70 yards and a score. New Fullback Marlion Jackson added a rushing touchdown to the offensive effort but left the game with an injury.
Former Power quarterback Bernard Morris was very strong in defeat for the Predators completing 16 of 26 passes for 230 yards and five touchdowns while adding seven rushes for 41 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Greg Carr continued to prove why he is a dominant force in the AFL this year with seven catches for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Larry Brackins had five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
The win keeps the Power locked into the third seed and in control of their own destiny in the American Conference wild card chase and they remain 2 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Gladiators (9-0) in the Eastern Division. Pittsburgh will try to hand the Gladiators their first loss of the season next Saturday at the Consol Energy Center.
