Storm blows away Mustangs
May 26, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Milwaukee Mustangs News Release
MILWAUKEE, WI - The Milwaukee Mustangs (3-7) suffered their third consecutive loss on Saturday evening at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, as they fell 63-55 to the Tampa Bay Storm (6-5).
Three early miscues - two fumbles and an interception - placed Milwaukee in a deep hole to begin the contest and, though Milwaukee would creep back into the game, two additional late fumbles would ultimately cost the Mustangs the ballgame.
A Gino Guidugli fumble on the opening drive was recovered by lineman Adam Tadisch in the end zone for a safety to give Tampa Bay an early 2-0 advantage. After Amarri Jackson hauled in a 9-yard touchdown reception to add to the Storm's lead on the ensuing possession, Riley Swanson intercepted a Guidugli pass and returned it deep into Mustangs territory. The turnover set up a short receiving touchdown by Prechae Rodriguez and Tampa Bay took an early 16-0 lead.
Although Guidugli rushed into the end zone to put Milwaukee on the board in the closing minutes of the first quarter, the Storm quickly answered back with a Stephen Wasil rushing touchdown to put Tampa Bay up 22-7. Guidugli then connected on a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jared Jenkins before Wasil rushed in for another touchdown and after Swanson recovered a Mustangs fumble in the end zone on the following kickoff, all hope seemed lost as the Storm took a commanding 35-14 lead.
But Milwaukee began to orchestrate a comeback that carried into the second half.
Victor Williams' rushing touchdown cut the lead to 35-21. Then the Mustangs' defense halted the Storm on its final possession of the first half to minimize the damage before forcing two early second half turnovers. A Ryan McFoy interception and Luis Vasquez fumble recovery each led to Jenkins touchdown receptions and within six minutes, the Mustangs had tied the game at 35-35.
The Storm regained the momentum quickly, however. Chandler Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for the score. Then a Storm defensive stop led to a 21-yard touchdown pass from Wasil to Jackson to give Tampa Bay another two-score lead.
Guidugli and Andrae Thurman hooked up on a 33-yard touchdown strike to open the fourth quarter and pull back within 49-41 before a perfect onside kick by Jose Martinez was recovered by Kelvin Rodgers. Although Guidugl
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