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Storm hosts the Philadelphia Soul this Saturday

June 3, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY -The Tampa Bay Storm hosts the Philadelphia Soul on "Country Night" this Saturday, June 7 on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. A win for the Storm will give the team its first three game win streak since the 2013 season. Fans can listen to Jack Harris and Darek Sharp call the action for 1250 AM WHNZ or watch on ESPN3 or the WatchESPN app. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m.

This is the 12th meeting between the Storm and the Soul. Philadelphia leads the series 7-4 but the Storm holds a winning record of 3-2 when facing the Soul at home. The last time the Storm faced the Soul at the Forum, Tampa won 63-49, but Philadelphia would have its revenge, winning the second of three matchups this season by a score of 62-34. Soul coach Clint Dolezel has had success coaching against the Storm, holding a 3-1 record.

Last week saw the continuing resurgence of Storm quarterback, Randy Hippeard. Hippeard is 2-0 since returning from injury after the bye week, with a touchdown to interception ratio of 11 to 1. Efficiency and protecting the football will be necessary to beat this Soul team. Last time these two teams faced off, the Storm, led by then quarterback B.J. Hall, threw three interceptions, with two being returned for touchdowns. Look for Hippeard to share the ball with all of his receivers. It will be imperative for the team to come out fast and score efficiently, something it has been able to do during its current two-game win streak.

Defensively, the Storm will need to apply pressure to Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh. He is protected by an offensive line that ranks first in the AFL, having allowed only two sacks all season. Making Raudabaugh uncomfortable could be the undoing of Philadelphia offensively. The Storm's defensive backfield has taken advantage of several miscues the past few weeks, hauling in five interceptions in four games. Last week saw Storm defensive back James Harrell reel in an interception and return it 19 yards for a touchdown. He would also score on a net recovery to open the third quarter versus the New Orleans VooDoo this past weekend.

Offensively, the Soul will be led by Raudabaugh. Philadelphia's signal caller owns a 3-1 record when facing the Storm. This season he's thrown 59 touchdowns to only nine interceptions. His efficiency can be attributed to protection upfront and a quick release. Last time out versus the Storm, Raudabaugh completed 20-of-32 passes for 194 yards, six touchdowns and one interception.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Soul backfield will be led by defensive back Rayshaun Kizer. Kizer leads the team in tackles with 63.5, interceptions with five and 18 pass breakups. He reeled in two interceptions versus the Storm in the teams' previous matchup. The Storm will also need to watch out for James Romain. The second-year defensive back also has a knack for finding the ball with four interceptions to go along with 11 pass breakups.

Look for both teams to come out strong. Both teams will be looking for a win to help improve their playoff chances. A win will give the Storm a 6-6 record putting it in prime position to contend for the South Division.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Country Night," Saturday, June 7 when it takes on the Philadelphia Soul, 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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