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Storm Look To Continue Streak, Fight Off Gladiators

May 19, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Storm (5-6) return home this week to take on the Cleveland Gladiators (7-4) Friday at 7:30 p.m. (Catch 47, 620 AM-WDAE). The Storm bring home a two-game winning streak after beating Grand Rapids, 58-50, last Friday, with the defense forcing six turnovers.

Friday's game is pivotal toward the Storm's hopes of making the playoffs. Starting with Cleveland, the Storm's next three games are against National Conference opponents all vying for playoff positions, as the Storm face Georgia and Orlando in the coming weeks. Tampa Bay's playoff hopes rest not only on the arm of quarterback Brett Dietz but on the play of the entire defense, which has picked up as of late despite struggling early in the season.

Led by President and CEO Bernie Kosar, one of the most notable quarterbacks in Cleveland Browns history, the Gladiators are having a solid season so far, riding the arm of veteran QB Raymond Philyaw. With a QB rating ranked fifth in the league at 118.4, Philyaw has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 2,981 yards and 59 touchdowns. It will be up to the Storm defensive line to bring pressure and rattle Philyaw into forced throws.

Friday's game will feature the top two fullbacks in the AFL this season in Tampa Bay's Torrance Marshall and Cleveland's Marlion Jackson. Jackson leads the league with 265 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, and Marshall is just one off Jackson's pace with 16. Marshall is well on his way to breaking his franchise record 17 rushing touchdowns he set last season. Storm linebackers Nyle Wiren and Phil Glover will take the responsibility of shutting down Jackson and the Gladiators' strong rushing game.

Just as the defense stepped up last week against Grand Rapids, the Tampa Bay offensive line will need to step into the spotlight Friday to win this game. Cleveland brings a formidable pass rush with a defensive line featuring Silas Demary, the 2005 Defensive Player of the Year and Lineman of the Year. Also on the line is Joe Minucci, who leads the Gladiators with 6.5 sacks. The Storm offensive line has to step up and give Dietz the protection he needs to throw the ball. While the Storm have not given up a sack in four straight games, they need to contain the pressure as well, since Dietz appeared rushed at points during last week's game.

Finally, look for defensive back Jeroid Johnson to continue his upward trend. Johnson garnered his first interception of the season last week against Grand Rapids and leads the team with 61 tackles. It appears Johnson, who has broken through and recently picked up his play, will focus this week on being the wrecking ball to ruin Philyaw's game.

The 2008 Storm Season, presented by Champs Sports, Where Sport Lives, returns to the St. Pete Times Forum Friday, May 23rd as the Storm take on the Cleveland Gladiators at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets and tailgate packages are on sale now at the McDonald's Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum, ticketmaster.com and through Ticketmaster by phone at 813.287.8844 or 727.898.2100, or by calling 813.301-6600. Tailgate packages are priced at $25 and include game ticket, barbecue from Shane's Rib Shack, beer, wine and soda. For dinner reservations at Medallions Restaurant on the day of the event please call 813.301.6926.

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