Predators 47, Destroyers 44

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Orlando Predators (3-2) finally put the Columbus Destroyers (1-4) away at the buzzer Saturday night as kicker John Vaughn nailed a 32-yard field goal as time expired at Nationwide Arena.

Orlando’s drive started with 2:31 remaining in the game and quarterback Shane Stafford completed his only pass of the drive to wide receiver Chas Gessner. The 14-yard gain set up a 3^rd and 1 conversion by fullback Marlon Moye-Moore who took the ball down to the Columbus 18, setting up Vaughn’s game winning field goal.

“I asked John [Vaughn] if he thought he could make it,” head coach Jay Gruden said. “He said heck yeah I can and he did.”

The Predators came into this match-up looking for consistency on defense, even leaving star defensive end B.J. Cohen at home. Gruden’s move paid off with Jason Hall and Rob Schroeder providing pressure all night long. Schroeder’s first sack as a member of the Preds gave Orlando their first safety of the year. Saturday’s road win was Orlando’s first since a June 9, 2007 victory over the New York Dragons.

“The defense played great tonight,” Gruden said. “We showed some signs of life and really got after Nagy in the first half.”

Stafford threw for 316 yards in the game, his 27^th such performance of his AFL career. He added 4 touchdown passes, 2 of which were to Gessner who was the Preds leading receiver with 8 receptions for 91 yards.

“Shane Stafford, Chas Gessner, and T.T. Toliver are playing really well on offense right now,” said Gruden.

Toliver did not record a touchdown for the first time this season, but he did post 7 receptions for 105 yards. Ron Johnson booked 6 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown on the Preds second play from scrimmage.

The Predators are back in action next Sunday on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football when they face the Chicago Rush at 2 p.m. inside Amway Arena.