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Storm Able to Clinch Berth This Sunday

May 11, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY – The five-time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm return home this Sunday (1:00, NBC) to face the New York Dragons with an opportunity clinch their 15th consecutive playoff berth and become the first team in Arena Football League History to finish a season undefeated at home.

With a win against the Dragons in their final regular season home game and losses by New Orleans and Dallas Tampa Bay would punch their proverbial ticket to the post season and extend their record 14 consecutive seasons with a postseason appearance to 15. New York can clinch the Eastern Division title with a win over the Storm or a Dallas loss to Georgia.

A combination of one loss each by New Orleans and Dallas in the final two weeks coupled with a Storm win in either of their last two games would land Tampa Bay in the post season. Tampa Bay could also join the postseason party by winning their last two games. New Orleans plays host to Austin and Dallas visits Georgia this weekend. Georgia will also try to finish the season at 8-0 at home with a win. Tampa Bay could also clinch the third seed with two wins and an Orlando loss against New Orleans next weekend.

The Storm and Dragons have met twice with the all-time series tied at one. In the last meeting Tampa Bay fell to New York 35-40 on March 14 of last season. The Storm held the Dragons to nine first downs but allowed touchdowns on a kickoff return and a missed field goal return. Tampa Bay did manage to intercept two Aaron Garcia passes and held him to 130 yards.

Quarterback Shane Stafford requires 260 passing yards and four touchdowns to set new Storm single-season records. John Kaleo threw for 4,188 yards and 75 touchdowns in 2003, his final season with Tampa Bay. Stafford has already set single-season marks for completions (360) and pass attempts (563).

Stafford will host his second food/toy drive to benefit Metropolitan Ministries this weekend. Fans can bring any non-perishable items or unwrapped toys to the Chrysler/Jeep Plaza at the St. Pete Times Forum prior to this Sunday's game. The UConn graduate will also donate $50 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for every touchdown thrown in this Sunday's game. Florida Blood Services will also host a blood drive on the concourse behind section 108.

The Storm will also honor their season ticket holders and partners prior to the game with an exclusive party on the Chrysler/Jeep Plaza at the St. Pete Times Forum. Tampa Bay cheerleaders and inactive players will be on hand for the event.

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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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