Piranhas Lose Their Lead, Then Game in Overtime

In a game that mirrored their season, the Piranhas played an outstanding first half but struggled in the second and eventually lost to Orlando in overtime, 50-44, in an Arena Football League game Friday night in Orlando.

The loss was the fifth in the last seven games for the Piranhas, who started the season with five consecutive victories. They end the regular season at 9-5.

Michael McClenton scored on a two-yard run 5 minutes 35 seconds into overtime for Orlando (9-5), which has won four in a row.

The Piranhas had a chance to win when Rodney Mazion intercepted an Orlando pass on the first play from scrimmage in overtime. But Ian Howfield missed a 27-yard field-goal try.

The Piranhas led, 38-21, at the half and went up, 41-21, midway through the third quarter. But Orlando got two late touchdowns from Barry Wagner, one rushing and one receiving, to get within three points.

Orlando’s Alex Shell then recovered an on-side kick with about a minute left in the game and Charlie Baumann made a 27-yard field goal with nine seconds left to tie it, 44-44.

“The difference in the second half was that we didn’t execute,” Piranhas’ Coach Babe Parilli said. “I think we got a little impatient. Maybe we should have controlled the ball better instead of going deep.”

Wagner had 11 catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 17 yards and a touchdown.

Troy Kopp was 19 for 34 for 224 yards and four touchdowns and two interceptions for the Piranhas.

If St. Louis beats Florida tonight, the Piranhas travel to top-seeded Iowa, but if St. Louis loses, the Piranhas would play at seventh-seeded Tampa Bay.