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UIF Sioux Falls Storm

Storm Can Clinch Western Conference with Win and Billings Loss

June 8, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Sioux Falls Storm News Release


The Sioux Falls Storm of United Indoor Football (UIF) will face the Sioux City Bandits (3-7) for the third and final time during the regular season on Saturday at the Sioux Falls Arena. The Storm has claimed victory over the Bandits seven times during their phenomenal 29-game win streak. Sioux City is coming off a 73-30 defeat at the hands of the Billings Outlaws. The Bandits are currently battling for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. If the season ended today, the Bandits would miss the playoffs. The Storm (9-0) clinched a playoff birth last week for the sixth time in their seven-year history and will look to continue the march for home field throughout the playoffs. With a win over Sioux City and a Billings loss, the road to United Bowl III will go through the "Storm Shelter."

Sioux Falls and Sioux City last met on May 12 at the Sioux Falls Arena where the Storm pulled out the win 56-31 and became only the second team in professional football history to win 27 consecutive games. The game is scheduled for a 7:05 PM kickoff and can be heard LIVE on 1320 KELO AM or by logging on to www.siouxfallsstorm.com and clicking on "Listen LIVE."

Storm quarterback Terrance Bryant threw for 207 yards and five touchdowns in last Saturday's dominating 51-17 win over the Colorado Ice. Bryant only needs 239 passing yards to surpass 6,000 passing yards for his Storm career. The Storm's all-time leading rusher Marquis Smith squeezed his way for 80 yards rushing and crossed the goal line two times. Smith's 21 rushing touchdowns this season ties the single season record set in 2004 by Justin Bivins. Smith also became the UIF's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns last week with his 52 rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver James Terry led the receivers in receiving grabbing five catches for 78 yards and three touchdown receptions. The Storm also welcomed back wide receiver Casey Veenhof last week. Veenhof hauled in two catches for 35 yards in his first action of the season. Veenhof is the Storm's all-time leader in touchdown receptions and only trails kicker Adam Hicks in most points scored in Storm history.

The Storm defense once again showed its dominance allowing only three points in the second half. The Storm is allowing only 10.4 points per second half and 2.7 points per third quarter this season. Since week 4, the Storm is allowing an amazing 5.2 points per second half and one point per third quarter. Linebacker Mark Blackburn leads the UIF in tackles per game with 8.1. Blackburn also recorded his second sack of the season, both of which occurred against Colorado. His two sacks this season and 11.5 career sacks moves him into third place in most sacks in a Storm career. Mark Blackburn, defensive back Trice Crump, and defensive back Andre Fields all intercepted passes last Saturday. The Storm defense recorded five sacks with defensive end Leif Murphy leading the way with three. Leif Murphy and defensive end Nate Fluit are now tied for the #1 spot in the UIF in sacks with 9.5.

The Bandits have had their share of problems on the offensive side of the ball this season. The team ranks dead last in rushing (40.9 yards/game) and scoring offense (29.6 points/game). This game will be a battle between the Storm's #1 ranked scoring offense and the Bandits #11 ranked scoring offense. Running back Andre Raymond is the team's workhorse rushing for 107 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Wide receiver John Ostermeyer leads the team offensively as he has hauled in 38 receptions for 436 yards and four touchdowns.

The Sioux City defense will look to rebound this week after giving up 73 points last week to Billings. Sioux City owns the #1 pass defense, but has struggled mightily against the run allowing 100.5 yards per game. Defensive back Alex Ardley leads the #1 secondary in the UIF as his four interceptions ranks fourth in the league. Linebacker Spetlar Tonga leads the team in tackles 50.5. Tonga has also recorded two sacks on the season. Defensive lineman Akeem Greenfield is the team's sack leader with three.

The next opponent to enter the "Storm Shelter" will be the Ohio Valley Greyhounds on June 16th. The game theme will be "Men's Night" and is presented by Billion Toyota. Individual tickets can be obtained by visiting the Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet, calling Ticketmaster at 334-8181, or purchasing from ticketmaster.com. Season tickets can still be acquired by calling the Storm office. Join "The Biggest Show in Town" as the Storm look for three championships in a row in 2007.



United Indoor Football Association Stories from June 8, 2007


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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