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Storm at VooDoo Game Preview

May 27, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY -The Tampa Bay Storm head to New Orleans to take on the VooDoo this Friday, May 30 at the Smoothie King Center. The Storm enters this weekend's tilt coming off of a 56-35 victory over the Jacksonville Sharks. 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 8:30 p.m. EST.

This is the 18th meeting between these two South Division rivals and the ninth in Tampa. Tampa Bay leads the series 11-6 and is 4-4 when it is away from the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The VooDoo is coached by former Storm quarterback, Pat O'Hara, who has a 4-6 record when facing the Storm. The Storm faced New Orleans in the season opener, winning by a score of 62-57.

Last time out Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard led the team to victory over the VooDoo. Hippeard finished the night having completed 18-of-27 passes for 288 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively the Storm forced New Orleans into making several errors, as the defensive line had two sacks, while the backfield corralled two interceptions. This time around, the Storm will be without receiver Justin Hilton, who caught nine passes for 147 yards and four touchdowns the last time he faced the VooDoo, but they will have Joe Hills and T.T. Toliver, who both missed the season-opener versus New Orleans.

This past weekend the Storm snapped its five-game losing streak with a victory over the Sharks. The team was led by Hippeard, who returned from injury, to help the team get out of its funk. He completed 21-of-29 passes for 255 yards and six touchdowns. His 72.4% completion percentage was a career high. Hippeard spread the ball around to all of his receivers, with his top target being Toliver. Toliver finished with seven receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. With tremendous focus the Storm were able to score 14 points in one second; Toliver caught a 26-yard pass with 0:01 left in the second quarter and defensive back James Harrell had a net recovery for a touchdown as time ran out in the first half.

The VooDoo is a team that is left looking for answers. The team held a 27-14 lead over the Iowa Barnstormers heading into the second half, but turnovers doomed New Orleans. The VooDoo lost four of five fumbles, with Iowa scoring on the following drive. The Barnstormers defense held the VooDoo scoreless in the third quarter, limiting the team to just 14 points in the second half. The New Orleans offense was led by Kurt Rocco who completed 13-of-27 passes for 129 yards and four touchdowns.

This week look for the Storm to extend its winning ways into a two-game streak. It would be the longest streak since the team started out 2-0 at the beginning of the season. To be successful the defense needs to apply the pressure and take advantage of New Orleans' miscues. The VooDoo leads the league in giveaways with 38, is tied for last with a turnover margin of (-15), and is off to one its worst starts at 2-7. For the VooDoo to succeed, it will have to protect the football.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Country Night," Saturday, June 7 when it takes on the Philadelphia Soul, 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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