Storm Falls to Jacksonville, 33-27

May 1, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release

TAMPA, FL - The Tampa Bay Storm (0-4, 0-2) fell to the Jacksonville Sharks (2-3, 2-1) in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. With 4:35 left in regulation, Sharks quarterback Tommy Grady found newly acquired wide receiver, Prechae Rodriguez in the back of the end zone for the touchdown. The score would prove to be the game-winning touchdown as Jacksonville went up 33-27 and never looked back, holding the Storm scoreless on its final drive.

Rookie Storm quarterback Jonathan Bane made his starting debut, connecting on 21-of-38 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns. His top-target of the night was 13-year veteran T.T. Toliver. Toliver led all receivers in yardage with 148 yards on nine catches with two touchdowns.

The beginning of the game saw a jolt of energy from Storm newcomer Mike Washington. Washington joined the team last week in a trade with the Arizona Rattlers. He opened the scoring with a 58-yard kick return for a touchdown to put the Storm up 7-0. Washington finished the night with four catches for 65 yards.

The Sharks were led by Grady who completed 28-of-37 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite target was Tiger Jones, who caught 10 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Former Storm receiver Joe Hills also notched a 135 yards and a touchdown on seven catches.

Defensively the Storm held one of the most high-powered offenses to just 33 points, the lowest point total for the Sharks this season. The team forced several turnovers, including a fumble recovery by defensive back Cortez Stubbs and an interception by defensive back Cameron McGlenn. However, it was not enough to hold on for the win.

The Storm heads to Philadelphia to take on the Soul on Monday, May 9 at the Wells Fargo Center. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.

Tampa Bay Storm WR/KR Mike Washington Returns a Kickoff for a TD vs. the Jacksonville Sharks (Scott Audette/Tampa Bay Storm)

Tampa Bay Storm DB Cortez Stubbs Returns a Fumble vs. the Jacksonville Sharks (Scott Audette/Tampa Bay Storm)

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