New Orleans VooDoo and Tampa Storm Set for South Division Clash
Published on July 12, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (July 12, 2012) - The New Orleans VooDoo (8-8) will travel to the Tampa Bay Storm (7-9) for an important American Conference South Division matchup, with both teams playoff hopes on the line. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. CT in the St. Pete Times Forum.
With a win by the VooDoo, the franchise will clinch its first playoff berth since 2004. A win would also move the VooDoo one step closer to claiming the South Division crown and the No.2 seed in the American Conference Playoffs. For Tampa Bay, a win keeps their postseason optimism alive, while a loss will eliminate the club from playoff contention.
"This is a huge game; in fact, all of them are huge games. As a team we set goals before the season and we are close to achieving one of them in getting in the playoffs," said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "Both teams are playing for something this weekend, and we know that Tampa will be ready and focused this week, as there are fighting to get to the postseason as well."
The VooDoo won the first meeting between the two teams in The Graveyard in Week 5, prevailing 66-47. The win ended "The Graveyard Curse" which was a term given to the VooDoo's New Orleans 12-game home losing streak dating back to 2008 - the second longest home losing streak in AFL history.
Last week, the VooDoo fell to the San Jose SaberCats (11-6), 55-31, while the Storm defeated the woeful Pittsburgh Power (4-12), 65-61, to stay within playoff consideration. In the VooDoo's loss at San Jose, quarterback Kurt Rocco finished the game with 152 passing yards, setting a new franchise single-season record for most passing yards in a season, standing with 4,697 with two games left. The record was set by former AFL great Andy Kelly in 2005.
Rocco, who is listed as questionable entering this week's game, needs five touchdown passes to set a new VooDoo single-season record for touchdown passes. The record (96) is also held by Kelly, set in 2005.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. Those interested in buying tickets can call 504-875-3900 or visit www.aflvoodoo.com for more information.
VooDoo on Television: Cox 4
VooDoo on the Radio: 99.5 FM WRNO "Rush Radio"
VooDoo Broadcast Team: Ken Trahan (play-by-play), Brandon Rizzuto (sideline)
VooDoo on the Internet: www.wrno.com
VooDoo live game feed: www.ustream.tv/NewOrleansVooDoo
VooDoo live statistics: http://livestats.prestosports.com/neworleansvoodoo
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