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Storm at SaberCats Game Preview

July 8, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY -The Tampa Bay Storm (8-7, 4-3) heads to San Jose to take on the National Conference's second-ranked SaberCats (11-4, 5-1) this Friday, July 11, at the SAP Center. A win for the Storm will give the team a prime chance to take a lead in the South Division with two weeks left to play. Fans can listen to Jason Dixon and Darek Sharp call the action for 1250 AM WHNZ or watch on ESPN3 or the WatchESPN app. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. EST

This is the 17th meeting between Tampa Bay and San Jose, and seventh in San Jose. The SaberCats have a home record of 9-7 when the Storm visits San Jose. The teams have met three times in the postseason, with San Jose holding a lead of 2-1. SaberCats head coach Darren Arbet holds a winning record of 8-3 versus the Storm.

Last week the Storm was off for its second bye week of the season but received some help from an Orlando loss to Philadelphia on Monday night. Tampa Bay and Orlando are both tied at 8-7 overall, but the Predators own the tiebreaker because of its 2-1 record against the Storm this season. In Week 16, the Storm fell, 41-48, at Cleveland to end its five-game win streak. Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard, and the rest of the Storm offense, were victims to a slow start on offense, but punched in a strong game completing 21-of-34 passes for 252 yards, throwing for five touchdowns and two interceptions. Tampa Bay wide receiver Joe Hills posted one of his top games of the season, hauling in 11 passes for 122 yards, and three touchdowns. Look for the Hippeard-Hills duo to continue to produce for the Storm this week.

Defensively, the Storm will look to carry their defensive effort in Week 16 against the Gladiators, into this week against San Jose. Against the Gladiators, defensive backs Jean Fanor and Rod Issac and jack linebacker Darian Payne punched in one of their strongest games of the season, totaling 30 tackles between the trio. The Storm defense will need to be ready for a potent SaberCats offense that ranks first in the AFL in red zone offense. San Jose has been led by quarterback Nathan Stanley, who has thrown for 38 touchdowns this season. Fanor, the AFL's top tackler, and the rest of the Storm defense will need to be on point against Stanley and the SaberCats for a shot at a win.

Offensively, the SaberCats will be led by Stanley, who has a big cache of weapons in the receiving department . Wide receivers Rod Harper, Reggie Gray, and Dominique Curry have been consistently dominant for the SaberCats all season. Harper ranks 10th in the AFL in receptions; while Gray has 25 touchdown receptions on the season, and Curry has 19.

On the defensive side of the ball, the SaberCats are led by defensive back Ken Fontenette, who is ranked fifth in the AFL and first on the SaberCats in tackles with 91.5. Fontenette has had a very strong year and is one of the top defensive backs in the AFL. The team is also led by defensive lineman Jason Stewart. Stewart is ranked third in the AFL with 11.5 sacks. Hippeard and the rest of the Storm offense will need to keep away from these two playmakers on offense.

With the Storm's five-game winning streak coming to a halt in Week 16 and being on a bye week last week, the team will be looking to get back on a track with a win against San Jose. With division title hopes on the line, these last three games for the Storm are more critical than ever and can be the difference for playoff opportunities.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Fan Appreciation Night" Saturday, July 26 when it takes on the Cleveland Gladiators, 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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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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