AFL's Woes, Continued

Here's an article on this week's decision by the Orlando Predators to suspend operations.

It's nice way to say that this long-running Arena Football institution has gone under.

Another Defeat---And Another Rose City AFL Record-Low Home Crowd---For The Steel

At Portland, Oregon:

In a tightly-contested Saturday night Arena Football League contest, the Orlando Predators (12-2) defeated the Portland Steel (1-12) 47-41 in front of another Rose City AFL record-low crowd---4.458 at the Moda Center.

The defeat assured Portland of traveling to Phoenix to face the Arizona Rattlers in a Western Conference playoff semifinal match (all AFL teams will make the playoffs this season).

Predators Top Steel In Hard-Fought Battle In Orlando

At Orlando, Florida:

Quarterback Randy Hippeard scored the winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak in the final seconds on Saturday as the Orlando Predators (2-0) came from behind to upend the visiting Portland Steel (0-2) in Arena Football League action.

Predators Devour Visiting Thunder

At Orlando, Florida:

The Orlando Predators (5-4) handed the Portland Thunder (3-5) their fourth road defeat of the Arena Football League season on Saturday night with a nationally-televised 69-43 mauling.

Predators Rout VooDoo, Clinch Playoff Berth; End New Orleans' Season

At Orlando, Florida:

The Orlando Predators (7-11) locked up the last remaining Arena Football League playoff berth on Saturday with a 71-42 home victory over the New Orleans VooDoo (5-13), ending the visitors' season.

Voodoo Open Season With OT Victory

At New Orleans:

Quarterback Kurt Rocco threw a 17-yard touchdown pass in overtime to Courtney Smith and defensive back Eddie Moten intercepted a Kyle Rowley pass to seal the victory as the New Orleans VooDoo (1-0) opened their Arena Football League campaign with an exciting 51-45 home win over the Orlando Predators (0-1).

Last-Minute TD Carries VooDoo To Victory In Orlando---And To A First-Place Tie In The South Division

At Orlando, Florida:


Wide receiver Courtney Smith ran for the winning touchdown with 21 seconds remaining while quarterback Kurt Rocco threw for four scores as the New Orleans VooDoo (7-7) defeated the Orlando Predators (2-12) 48-41 to move into a first-place tie with the Georgia Force in the American Conference's South Division in Friday night Arena Football League action.

VooDoo Back On Winning Track As New Orleans Tops Struggling Orlando

At New Orleans:


Quarterback Kurt Rocco threw for nine touchdowns including the 10-yard game winner to Quorey Payne in the fourth quarter as the New Orleans VooDoo (4-5) ended a two-game losing streak with their third straight Arena Football League home win, 68-61 over the struggling Orlando Predators (1-8) on Friday.

VooDoo Close Out Rotten Season On Sour Note

At Orlando, Florida:


Bobby Sippio caught 14 passes for 166 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday as the Orlando Predators (11-7) defeated the visiting New Orleans VooDoo (3-15) in the Arena Football League regular-season finale for both teams.


With the end of the regular season, the AFL's playoff matchups are set.


National Conference Semifinals:


Friday:


Spokane @ Arizona


Dallas @ Chicago


American Conference Semifinals:


Friday:


Orlando @ Jacksonville


Next Sunday:


Georgia @ Cleveland

Predators Benefit From Turnovers As Orlando Tops New Orleans

At New Orleans:


Two first-half fumbles led to touchdowns as the Orlando Predators (1-0) took advantage of New Orleans miscues and defeated the VooDoo (0-2) 47-34 on the road in Friday Arena Football League action.