The Pittsburgh Power’s 2014 campaign came to a close on Sunday at the hands of the Orlando Predators with a 56-48 loss on the road in the Arena Football League playoffs’ quarterfinals.
The Power and Predators traded scores throughout the first half and took a 28-28 tie into the third quarter. Former Power QB Bernard Morris scored one of his four rushing touchdowns to open up scoring in the second half, which gave the Predators a lead they never surrendered.
Down 15 in the fourth quarter, the Power made one final push when Pittsburgh QB Tommy Grady connected with rookie wide receiver Tyrone Goard to make it 49-40. Brandon Freeman picked off Morris on the ensuing drive and Grady made the Predators pay with a corner strike to Shaun Kauleinamoku to make it a one-point game.
Morris put the Predators up by eight at the one-minute warning with a touchdown plunge and Orlando came away with an onside kick recovery that enabled them to run out the clock on the Power’s historic 2014 season.
Morris finished the game 19-of-38 for 221 yards and four scores through the air and added another 44 yards and four touchdowns with his legs. Standout rookie wide receiver Greg Carr caught 10 passes for the Predators for 97 yards and four touchdowns. Orlando advances to face Cleveland in the American Conference Finals.
Grady led the Power offensively with 240 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Prechae Rodriguez hauled in three touchdowns and Kauleinamoku finished over the century mark with 104 receiving yards.
The Power finished their 2014 regular season 15-3, tying an Arena Football League record with 12-straight wins to end a season. The Power will look to bounce back in 2015 with an even more impressive season in the AFL.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game:
Greg Carr, Orlando
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game:
Eddie Moten, Orlando
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game:
Bernard Morris, Orlando
Cutters Catch of the Game:
Orlando’s Greg Carr’s one-handed touchdown
AFL Highlight of the Game:
Orlando’s Tracy Belton’s onside kick recovery