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Storm Versus Gladiators Game Preview

July 23, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm (8-9, 4-3) hosts the Cleveland Gladiators (16-1, 6-1) for its second matchup against the team this season on "Fan Appreciation Night" this Saturday, July 26, on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. A win for the Storm will keep the team's playoff chances alive. Fans can catch all of the action on Bright House Sports Network(Ch. 47/HD 1147), or watch the game on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app. Fans can listen to Jack Harris and Darek Sharp call the action for 1250 AM WHNZ. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.

This will be the 15th matchup between these two teams and 11th in Tampa. The Storm leads the overall series 8-6 and has a winning record of 7-3 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Gladiators head coach Steve Thonn has coached against the Storm a total of nine times and has a losing record of 3-6 when facing Tampa Bay.

Last week saw the Storm drop its third-straight game to the Spokane Shock on Monday night, 52-55. Despite coming out strong, an early fourth-quarter interception thrown by Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard was returned for a touchdown by Shock defensive back Terrance Sanders. The interception turned the tide of the game as it put the Shock up for good. The Storm is now below .500 with one week remaining. Last time these two teams faced off, Hippeard threw for five touchdowns. Potential All-Arena Candidate Joe Hills continues to shine at the wide receiver position for the Storm this season, as he has caught a touchdown in 34-straight games and has 35 touchdown receptions this season. Look for Hippeard to play mistake-free football this week, and for Hills to continue his dominance as the team is in a must-win scenario to keep its playoff chance breathing.

Defensively, the Storm will need to narrow in Cleveland's wide receiver dynamic duo of Dominick Goodman and Thyron Lewis, who have both been on a tear all season. In the Storm's first matchup of the season against Cleveland, Goodman hauled in 16 passes for 161 yards, and a touchdown. Look for the Storm secondary that is anchored by defensive backs Jean Fanor and James Harrell to be ready for Goodman and Lewis this week. Fanor continues to have a productive year for Tampa Bay, as he is leading the AFL in tackles with 119.

Offensively, the Gladiators are led by quarterback Shane Austin. Austin has had a strong year for Cleveland this year, tossing for 4,205 yards, 94 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Austin is also a threat with his feet, as he has 156 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Both of Austin's top wide-outs in Goodman and Lewis rank in top 10 of the AFL's receiving leaders. Both receivers have hauled in 34 touchdowns this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Gladiators have multiple playmakers that could impact a football game. Defensive backs LaRoche Jackson, Marrio Norman, and Dominic Jones all rank inside the AFL's top 10 in tackle leaders. Jackson is second in the AFL in tackles with 104, while Norman has 12 interceptions this season, good for second in the AFL. Gladiators defensive lineman Willie McGinnis is also having an efficient season, producing nine sacks on the year. Look for the Storm offense to dial it up this week with a strong offensive effort as they face one of the stronger defenses in the AFL.

Look for the Storm to come into this game with everything they have because its season depends on it. The Storm will need help if they want to make it into the playoffs. With Philadelphia having a better record than Tampa Bay currently, the Soul will have to lose to the Pittsburgh Power, and the Storm will need to defeat the Gladiators to get into the playoffs as a wildcard. Tampa Bay owns the tie-breaker with Philadelphia.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Fan Appreciation Night" Saturday, July 26 when it takes on the Cleveland Gladiators, on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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