Predators Drop Season Opener on Road vs Lions, 55-40

Columbus, GA -- The Orlando Predators (0-1) fell to the Columbus Lions (1-1) in their first game of the season on the road at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, GA, 55-40.

The Lions jumped out to an early 7-0 before quarterback Bryan Hicks connected with wide receiver DJ Myers on a short 3-yard touchdown pass for Orlando's first touchdown of the season. Hicks tossed for 195 yards alongside five scores and an interception in his 2021 debut.  

Defensive back Josh Jenkins had an interception early in the first quarter that helped Orlando set up the aforementioned score. 

Orlando earned their first lead of the game when Donavan Rasberry scored on a 20-yard pass from Hicks early in the second quarter of play to give the Preds a 14-10 advantage. 

One of the biggest plays of the game came courtesy of Rob Banks’ (2019 Second Team All-NAL) ability to use his speed to get past Columbus’s defense on 4th and 14th for a 22-yard reception. Jones led all Preds pass catchers with eight grabs for 63 yards. Jones also gained 86 yards on kickoff return duty.

DJ Myers also played well, averaging 12 yards a catch on his four receptions. Myers also found the end-zone twice in the season opener.

Troy Grant and Desmond Maxwell both found themselves in the end-zone for the Black and Red in tonight's matchup. 

The Predators will be looking to rebound next week when the team makes the trip to Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FLA to take on the Jacksonville Sharks on June 12th.

About the Orlando Predators: 

The Orlando Predators are a professional Arena Football team based in Orlando, Florida and a member of the National Arena League (NAL).  The team was founded in 1991 as an expansion team of the Arena Football League (AFL). The team advanced to the playoffs 19 consecutive seasons between 1992 and 2011, becoming the Arena Bowl champions in 1998 and 2000 during that span. The team plays their home games at the Amway Center in beautiful downtown Orlando, FL. For more information about the Orlando Predators visit www.orlandopredatorsfootball.com.