The New Orleans VooDoo (1-0) opened the regular season with a thrilling 51-45 overtime victory against its South Division rivals the Orlando Predators (0-1). The VooDoo won its third straight against the Predators with crucial defensive plays and timely offensive scoring. The game started out with little scoring as the VooDoo held a 17-16 advantage after one half of play. Kurt Rocco struggled out of the gate as he fumbled in the end zone, which led to an Orlando safety. Rocco also threw an interception in the third quarter, but he made good throws when they counted. Rocco finished 18/40 for 220 yards, and three touchdowns. The teams put on an offensive display in the third quarter as they combined for 34 points in the period. Orlando quarterback Kyle Rowley found wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez for a pair of touchdowns, also adding a two yard run from full back Jeramie Richardson. The VooDoo had a wild turn of events when Rocco fumbled again, but full back Bruce Figgins scooped it up for a 10-yard touchdown. Rocco had a three yard touchdown run of his own to cut the Predators' lead to 36-31 heading into the fourth quarter. It was back and forth in the fourth quarter as VooDoo defensive back Efe Osawemwenze returned an interception seven yards for a touchdown to put New Orleans up 38-36. Orlando made another timely defensive play as linebacker Tim Cheatwood sacked Rocco in the end zone for another safety for the Predators to tie the game at 38. The VooDoo came back with another score as Rocco found wide receiver Derek Lee for a four yard touchdown, but the Predators answered back as Rowley tossed a touchdown to wide receiver Jason Geathers with just three seconds remaining in regulation, the score knotted at 45. New Orleans won the overtime coin toss and quickly scored as Rocco threw a 17-yard touchdown to wide receiver Courtney Smith to make it 51-45 after a missed extra point attempt. Smith led the team in receptions and touchdowns with six and two respectively. On the Predators' ensuing possession, VooDoo defensive back Eddie Moten iced the game with an interception at the New Orleans three yard line for a 51-45 final score. Rocco finished 18/40 for 220 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception to win Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game. VooDoo defensive back Demarcus Robinson finished with 12 tackles and one pass defended to win the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game. The AFL Highlight of the Game came when VooDoo defensive back Eddie Moten picked off Rowley to seal the victory.
