Storm heads to Spokane to take on the Shock on April 27

Published on April 23, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm (3-2, 1-1) continues its road trip, taking on the undefeated Spokane Shock (5-0, 2-0) Saturday, April 27 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on CBS Sports Network at 10:00PM ET.

This will be the fourth meeting between these two foes, and the fourth time the Storm has traveled to Spokane. The Shock holds a 2-1 advantage over the Storm, including a 69-57 win in the ArenaBowl XXIII Championship. With Spokane coming away with a victory in the 2012 season finale, the Storm will be looking to even the series up at two games apiece.

The Shock is led by second-year head coach Andy Olson. Last season, the Shock finished fifth in the league, averaging 59.1 points per game. This season, the team has not shown any signs of slowing down, improving to 68.8 points per game, good for second in the league behind ArenaBowl XXV Champion Arizona Rattlers. The team has a record of 5-0, with four wins coming on the road, and a notable 17-point victory at home over the Rattlers in week four.

The Storm comes into the game with a 3-2 record, and is one of only four undefeated teams on the road at 2-0. The team will be looking to play the part of the spoiler and give Spokane its first loss of the season. To do so, it will rely on quarterback Adrian McPherson. McPherson, the AFL's leading rusher with 183 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, will have his work cut out for him as he will be going up against a defense that ranks fifth in the league allowing only 19.2 rushing yards per game.

On the receiving end, McPherson will look to Joe Hills, Greg Ellingson, Michael Lindsey and Chris Davis. Hills returns to Spokane, the site of his record-breaking game last season when he caught eight passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns. This past weekend versus Orlando, McPherson spread the ball around as Hills, Ellingson, and Lindsey each caught four passes for at least a touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Storm is starting to click and get pressure on the quarterback. Tank Tyler has three sacks on the season, including two against the Predators. The defensive backfield is firing on all cylinders with the team collecting at least one interception in each of the past four games. Defensive back De'Audra Dix has stood out recently, as he has hauled in an interception in two consecutive games.

Offensively, the Shock will rely on the arm of Erik Meyer. Meyer leads the league with 304.2 passing yards per game, and with 1,577 yards of total offense. He will look to his primary target Adron Tennell. The tandem has connected 46 times for 557 yards and 17 touchdowns. The team has protected the ball well this season as it has a +10 turnover margin, putting it in a tie with the Storm for second in the AFL.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. Single game tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 or by visiting the McDonalds© Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. 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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