Georgia Force Defeat the Tampa Bay Storm 44-41
May 12, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Georgia Force News Release
Duluth, GA - The Georgia Force beat the Tampa Bay Storm with a final game score of 44-41 in a nail-biting contest held in The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia. The game was played in front of 3,859 arena football fans.
With starting QB RJ Archer inmini-camp with the Detroit Lions, Kevin Eakin stepped with no issues. He led the Force to 24 first half points by throwing touchdowns of 13 and 28 yards to receivers Jake Allen and Larry Shipp, respectively.
FullbackMykel Benson showed off his bruising skills as he rumbled 3 yards for the Force first touchdown of the game to tie the score at 7. Linebacker Jeremy Grier theninterceptedStorm starting Quarterback Stephen Wasil to set up a 20 yard field-goal by Carlos Martinez. The Force held on to a 10-7 lead heading into the second quarter.
The defense then turned it up a notch. On the Storm second possession of the second quarter, the Force defense forced a four and out. Two minutes later Eakin and Allen hooked up for a 13 yard touchdown. Defensive tackle Kris Cooke then became a major factor. Cooke ended the first half with three quarterback pressures and a sack. His last quarterback pressure led to the second interception by the Force, this time Tracy Belton managed to get his hands on it. With just over a minute left in the first half, Eakin found Shipp for a 28 yard touchdown reception and a 24-14 halftime lead.
The Force maintained a seven point lead entering thethirdquarter, 27-20 as only a 40 yard field goal by Force kicker Carlos Martinez and a 10 yard touchdown reception by Storm wide receiver Amarri Jackson were the only points scored in the quarter.
The shipdid notsink tonight, as Larry Shipp took control in the final quarter. Shipp scored his second touchdown of the game on a reverse from two yards out to extend the lead back to 14 in the opening moments of the the fourth. Then with just under five minutes remaining and the lead down to seven, Shipp halled in his third score. This time Eakin scrambled to his right
and threw a dart to Shipp in the back of theend-zoneto extend the lead back to 14. After a Chandler Williams touchdown, Shipp again got his hands on the ball. Despite a late touchdown by Tampa Bay, the Force held onto win their only home game of May 44-41. With the win, the Force took over first placein the Southern Division.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Larry Shipp, Georgia
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Kris Cooke, Georgia
JLS Ironman of the Game: CJ Johnson, Georgia
AFL Playmaker of the Game: Tracy Belton, Georgia
Cutters Catch of the Game: Prechae Rodriguez catch off the net for the first touchdown of the game, Tampa Bay
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Jeremy Grier's interception
National Guard MVP: Larry Shipp
The Force will be on the road next weekend, facing the Milwaukee Mustangs on Friday, May 18th at 8 p.m. EST at the Bradley Center Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game will be streamed live on Ustream.
The 2012 season is in full swing withan exciting, family-friendly slate of promotions and entertainment. For more information on howto reserve your single game tickets, please callthe front office at770.609.1300. For more information, please visitwww.georgiaforce.com. Be sureto followthe Force Blog as well asTwitterandFacebookfor allthe latest updates.
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