Storm fall to the Force

Published on June 4, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


Duluth - Linebacker Cliff Dukes and the Tampa Bay Storm defense combined for three sacks of Georgia quarterback Brett Elliot, but their pressure was not enough to overcome several early offensive mistakes as the Storm fell to the Force 60-49 in front of 4,023 fans at The Arena at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA Saturday night.

The Storm defense recorded its sixth multi-sack game of the season in the loss to Force, in what was the first game between the division rivals since 2008. Dukes' first quarter sack of Elliot takes his league leading, season total to 11.5, just four shy of the single season record.

The final minute of play in the first half turned out to be the turning point as the Force scored a total of 12 points in the last 56 seconds of the second quarter, including a safety on a Michael Lindsey kick return following a Force touchdown. Georgia kicker Carlos Martinez added a field goal on the ensuing possession as time expired, providing the Force with a 25-10 halftime cushion.

The Force (7-5) were led by Elliot, who was accountable for seven of the Force's eight touchdowns, completing 22-of-32 passes for 248 yards. Five of those touchdown strikes ended in the hands of receiver Maurice Purify, who led all Georgia receivers with eight catches for 120 yards and those five touchdowns.

After halftime Storm (4-7) offense clawed their way back into the game in the second as Tampa Bay outscored Georgia 39-35 in the second half as Brian Zbydniewski threw five touchdowns. He completed 22 of 41 passes for 314 yards and six total touchdowns on the night.

Two of those touchdowns ended up in the hands of veteran receiver Hank Edwards, who had a big night in his first game back after breaking his hand in Week 8. Edwards caught six balls for a game high 142 yards.

Fellow receiver Huey Whittaker, who was called upon to play linebacker in the second half, finished with a game high 12 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive back Michael Hawthorne recorded an interception return for a touchdown for the second week running in the loss. Hawthorne now has interceptions in each of his last four games.

The Storm will try to turn out the lights on the Pittsburgh Power when they return home to the St. Pete Times Forum next Saturday, June 11th 2011 at 7:30pm. Be sure to tune to Bright House Sports Network for local television coverage, 1250WHNZ for all of the Storm Radio Network's coverage, or NiFTyTV.com's AFL Player to watch the game online.

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