Batman and Robin put on a show tonight at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City.  Not sure which of the two Raymond Philyaw and P.J. Berry played, but the “Dynamic Duo” were definitely in charge of the game as the BattleWings outlasted the Orlando Predators in a thriller 73-67. Philyaw completed 14 passes in a row in the first half and finished the game 25 of 33 for 324 yards and 9 TD’s. Six of those 9 touchdown passes were to P.J. Berry, who added one more TD on a missed field goal return for a score to end the first half. Berry caught 14 passes on the night for 208 yards.

 

Orlando had 16 more offensive plays than the Wings, and had the ball 5 minutes longer than the local club, but the BattleWings quick strike offense put points on the board on short drives all night long. The Wings tight coverage on Predator receivers forced Orlando QB Nick Hill to throw a lot of passes underneath. Hill by most measures had a good night completing 34 of 44 for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Predators got six scores via the run, something very unique in arena football.

 

Of Berry, Predator journeyman defensive back Damon Mason said, “Number 8 is the real deal. He just squirted by me time after time all night.” Berry – self proclaimed “Superman” – showed the boisterous crowd just how slippery he can be, claiming the Spalding Highlight of the Game when he took the short field goal kick at the Wings goal line, then up the sideline, evading tackler after tackler to get to the endzone just before halftime. Berry was named the Russell Offensive Player of the Game. 

 

“I hyper extended my toe in the first quarter,” Berry said after the game. “Joe (the trainer) taped me up and adrenaline took over.” Wings head coach Jon Norris said, “P.J. is a special player. Our fans have only seen a small portion of what he can do with the ball.”

 

The BattleWings go on the road, traveling to Spokane next Saturday, then have a week off, then another trip out west to play Utah, then go to Oklahoma City before returning to Bossier-Shreveport May 15^th. “This stretch will show us how tough we are,” Norris said. “Spokane is the defending AF2 Champion and hardly ever lose at home. And spending this much time on the road is always a challenge. Our work’s cut out for us.” 

 

 

Philyaw (Wings)        26 of 33 for 324 yards 9 TD’s

Hill (Predators)         26 of 46 for 381 yards 4 TD’s

 

 

Berry (Wings)           14 catches for 201 yards and 6 TD’s

Toliver (Predators) 16 catches for 195 yards and 2 TD’s

 

JLS Ironman of the Game: Willis Marshall Jones (B-Sport)

Russell Athletic Player of the Game: P.J. Berry (B-Sport)

Spalding Highlight of the Game: P.J. Berry’s missed FG return for TD in 2^nd Qtr.

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Nick Ward (B-Sport)

Nifty Playmaker of the Game: Toliver (Orlando)

Cutters Catch of the Game and Week: Willis Marshall (B-Sport)

Rent One Player of the Game: P.J. Berry (B-Sport)