Storm at Predators Game Preview, Saturday April 19

Published on April 15, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm will head to Orlando to take on the Predators this Saturday, April 19 at the "New Jungle," CFE Arena. A win would put the Storm in first place of the South Division and help the team get back on track after a 60-41 loss to the Jacksonville Sharks this past weekend. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

This is the 23rd time the Storm will travel to Orlando in the regular season and the first "War on I-4" matchup at CFE Arena. The Predators lead the overall series 27-26, and will look to take a commanding lead as it makes its quest for division supremacy. But the Storm cannot be counted out. Both teams enter with a 3-2 overall record, looking to prove they are part of the AFL's elite this season.

Last time out versus Orlando, the Storm held a 10-point lead with just 3:30 left in the game. The Predators would overcome an almost improbable task and rattle off 14 unanswered points, scoring two touchdowns within the last 50 seconds of the game. Orlando would attempt an onside kick which the Storm recovered with 45 seconds left; but Tampa's final drive ended in disappointment as the team fumbled the ball on the very next play. The Predators would go on to score the winning touchdown when quarterback Jason Boltus connected with wide receiver Greg Carr on a three-yard pass with six seconds left to play.

Look for the Storm offense to get back on track. With one of the top receiving corps in the league, it can prove tough for an opposing backfield to contain. Justin Hilton, Tampa Bay's leading receiver, leads the team in receptions (38) and receiving yards (500). Hilton is also one of the league's top-5 receivers in the receiving touchdown category with 11. However, the Storm offense is also ignited by wide receivers Amarri Jackson and Joe Hills. Both have the ability to light up the scoreboard at record pace.

For good field position the offense needs a dependable kick returner. The team can look to wide receiver/kick returner Michael Lindsey. Lindsey has 599 kickoff return yards this season and is on pace to finish the year with 2,156 yards, shattering his single-season Storm record of 1,745. It should also be noted that Lindsey is knocking on the Storm record book's door as he is set to break George LaFrance's all-time franchise record of 5,116 yards. Currently, Lindsey has 4,973 kickoff return yards for his career and needs just 144 more yards to break this 15-year record.

The Predators offense will rely heavily on Boltus. He leads the league in total offense averaging 318.6 yards per game. Boltus also leads the league in passing touchdowns with 32. In this season's previous game against the Storm, he completed 28-of-44 passes for 337 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also showed composure under pressure as he led the team to a last second, game-winning touchdown. Look for Boltus to use Carr as his primary target. The former Florida State Seminole has increased his production every game this season. In the past two games combined, Carr has caught 18 passes for 330 yards and eight touchdowns.

With the South Division on the line, look for both teams to come out fast and focused looking to go 4-2 on the season.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Youth Sports Night," Saturday, April 26 when it takes on the Spokane Shock 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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