Bernard Morris completed eight touchdowns and ran in one more to help bring the Orlando Predators atop the Iowa Barnstormers 66-33 on Monday, July 14 at the CFE Arena and improve to a 9-7 record..

The Predators took an early lead receiving the ball first and scoring a field on their opening drive. Then, following a turnover-on-downs, Morris connects with wide receiver Greg Carr with only five minutes left in the first quarter.

With the first quarter ending 10-0 for the Predators, Iowa comes back with a touchdown within two minutes. Seven total touchdowns were scored in the second quarter with Orlando remaining on top at the half, 38-20.

Iowa would then score to kick off the half with Darius Reynold’s third touchdown. Orlando would then retaliate with three unanswered touchdowns.

The game was ended by a grounded rush by Morris which would finalize that game in the final 33 seconds at 66-33.

Kick returner Gerald Young was impressive on special teams, as he had 111 yards on four returns.

The Predator’s defense showed up and made a statement forcing three turnover-on-downs and making five interceptions for 45 yards.

Quarterback Bernard Morris started this week after Jason Boltus’ lackluster performance in Philadelphia where he only threw three touchdowns. Morris would finish this game throwing 19-29 passes for 232 yards and eight touchdowns while running in one more.

“If anything, those guys compete, I think competition breeds success.”  “Bernard needed that little rest to want to be there, and I think Bernard took it personally that he didn’t start. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but let’s just say I know how to motivate people the right way.”

With only two games left in the season the Predators are currently 6-2 in the division and can clinch the win over the southern division with a win at next weeks game against division rivals, the New Orleans Voodoo.

“If we win next week, not only are we in the playoffs, but we win the south division,” said head coach Rob Keefe about winning the title for the first time since 2006. “And at the same time, thats just one of the goals, the next goal would be to win the first round of the playoffs, the next goal is not only to win the second round but to win the conference championship.”

The Orlando Predators will return to the field to face the New Orleans Voodoo for their third and final faceoff on Saturday, July 19 in New Orleans.