Firebirds suffer first loss against Predators

Last time these teams met was in week one of the season and the Firebirds came out on top in overtime. However, last night the Predators handed the Albany Firebirds their first loss of the season 57-49.

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Last time the Albany Firebirds and Orlando Predators met was in Week 1 of the AFL season, and Albany came out on top in an overtime thriller. However, the Predators would have their revenge Saturday night, handing the Firebirds their first loss of the season by a 57-49 final score.

Albany's offense got off to a slow start, and the Predators took advantage, jumping out to an 18-0 lead. The Firebirds scored before the first quarter ended, but still had some work to do.

Albany had the advantage in the second quarter, 14-9, trimming the deficit to five by halftime. The 'Birds struck first in the third quarter, but Orlando had an answer; Drew Powell threw a touchdown pass to Clarence Williams, putting the visitors back in front, 34-29.

Then, it was the Firebirds' turn to respond again. Quarterback Jake Medlock put together another touchdown drive that ended with a strike to Phillip Barnett in the end zone, giving Albany a 36-34 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Albany maintained a 49-48 lead at just under the five-minute mark, but Orlando managed a game-winning touchdown drive with time winding down.