ORLANDO, Fla. – The Predators beat the Portland Steel 53-50 Saturday night at the Amway Center. The team is now 2-0 so far this season.
The Portland Steel had a late 50-46 lead as fullback Bryson Kelly scored off a 1-yard run with 49 seconds remaining in the game, according to the Preds.
Wide receiver Brandon Thompkins fielded the kickoff in the end zone and eluded multiple defenders as he weaved through the coverage unit before bursting upfield to the opponent's 5-yard-line, the team said.
Randy Hippeard punched it over the goal line on a quarterback sneak to give the Preds a 53-50 lead.
With 18 seconds left on the clock, the Steel regained possession, but defensive back Kent Richardson halted the drive, picking off a pass by Portland quarterback Danny Southwick to seal the win for Preds, the team said.
Orlando will travel to take on the Jacksonville Sharks on April 18. Team officials said kickoff from Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.