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Storm defeat Predators

June 21, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - Quarterback Randy Hippeard led the offense, but it was the Tampa Bay defense that held the Orlando Predators to one second-half touchdown, including none in the fourth period, as the Storm defeated the Preds, 35-34, Saturday night in an exciting Arena Football League game on the Amalie Motor Oil Field in the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Known as "The War on I-4," the Storm (8-6, 4-3) have now won five straight games, a streak they last made in 2010. Orlando (8-6, 6-2) continue to lead the AFL's American Conference South, and had previously beaten the Storm early in the season.

Hippeard scored the final touchdown of the game at 3:12 on a 3 yard rush, when he actually dropped back to the seven yard line and faked a pass. It was his third rushing score of the game and fifth total with one pass each to Joe Hills and Amarri Jackson.

Hippeard was 25 of 38 for 220 yards and Hills 10 catches and 81 yards led the Storm. Greg Carr had a game-high 10 catches and 129 yards and two touchdowns. Predators' quarterback Bernard Morris was 18-28 for 194 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensive back Rod Isaac intercepted Morris' pass to Larry Brackins, who was hit by the the Storm defensive back James Harrell. The hit caused Brackins to fumble and Isaac, with his 4th pick of the season ran the ball back to the 6 yard line with 48 seconds remaing. The Storm then ran the clock out.

Orlando held a 27-21 halftime lead as the Predators scored with 10 seconds remaining. Morris connected with Kendal Thompkins for 19 yards and the touchdown and Mark Lewis added the extra point.

In the third quarter, the Storm's defense came alive when Harrell collected his second interception of the game and fifth in the last five games.

That setup a three-play drive with Hippeard connecting with Jackson for 24 yards and the score. Juan Bongarra kicked the extra point and the Storm led, 28-27.

Orlando was stopped again when Morris was sacked by lineman Jammie Kirlew for nine yards. Morris fumbled and lineman Uriah Grant recovered on the Preds' 23-yard line. The ensuing drive stalled at the one yard line when Hippeard failed on 4th down to punch the ball across.



Arena Football League Stories from June 21, 2014


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