In Moe Leggett’s head coaching debut, the Albany Empire continued their losing ways on Friday night.
Former Albany quarterback Jonathan Bane threw for four touchdowns before leaving with an injury and ex-Empire wide receiver Darius Prince had eight receptions for 130 yards and a pair of scores as the Orlando Predators trounced the Empire 68-24 at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
The Empire (1-6) lost their sixth straight game and for the first time under Leggett, who retired from playing for the Empire last Friday and became the team’s fourth head coach this season. He replaced Pete Porcelli, who was demoted to line coach.
The results didn’t change as Albany fell behind 25-0 after one quarter and 48-12 at halftime.
“There’s an extreme light at the end of the tunnel,” Leggett said. “There’s only one way to go – only going to get better.”
Leggett said he spoke after the game with Empire majority owner Antonio Brown, who was in attendance.
“He said we’re going to meet and we’re going to talk about what needs to happen for this team to be successful,” Leggett said.
Leggett said he believes Brown will allow him to keep coaching the team. The Empire changed coaches after their past two losses.
“I have no worries about that,” Leggett said.
He said it was “different” being a head coach after spending 15 years as a professional player, including stints in the NFL and CFL.
“I have a responsibility of dealing with all the egos that players have, just trying to manage that and manage the system,” Leggett said. “I’ve just got to better. At the end of the day, I just have to be better at the situation I was given. I know there will be challenges, but that’s no excuse.”
Albany quarterback Roland Rivers III had two interceptions returned for touchdowns in the first half. He finished 8 for 19 for 86 yards with one touchdown and…
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