Storm Looks for a Win and a Playoff Berth

Published on July 16, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm (7-9, 2-3) hosts the Pittsburgh Power (3-13, 2-2) this Saturday, July 20 for Fan Appreciation Night at the Tampa Bay Times Forum... Kickoff is set for 7:30PM ET.

These teams have faced off just three times prior to this weekend, one of which was earlier this season. The Storm holds a 3-0 record against the Power and has outscored Pittsburgh by a margin of 39 points.

The Storm and the Power last met on May 18 at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, with the Storm winning convincingly by a score of 62-34. Tampa Bay's defense pretty much stole the show tallying four interceptions, including two from defensive back De'Audra Dix. However, the defensive clinic put on by the Storm was not the only highlight of the night. Storm quarterback Adrian McPherson broke the franchise record for most rushing touchdowns in a season when he ran in his 24th of the year.

Coming into this weekend, the Pittsburgh Power looks to bounce back and finish the season strong as it tries to play the role of the spoiler. A win over the Storm could put Tampa Bay's playoff hopes in jeopardy. Last week, the Power wrapped up their home schedule with a 78-20 loss at the hands of the San Jose SaberCats. The 58-point scoring margin was the largest margin of victory in SaberCats history.

The Tampa Bay Storm is still in the playoff hunt as it is one win away from clinching a berth. But during the past few weeks, Tampa Bay is a finding that one more win is not as easy as it sounds. The Storm will go into Saturday carrying a five game losing streak. The most recent defeat was against the Talons at San Antonio by a score of 42-68. The Storm has not won at the Tampa Bay Times Forum since May 4, and there is no better stage for a victory than this Saturday's Fan Appreciation Night.

Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard will once again be under center for the Storm. In three out of his four starts this season, Hippeard has recorded an impressive +120 passer rating. He is ranked fourth in the league with an average of 12.9 yards per completion, behind only Kurt Rocco, Nick Davila, and teammate Adrian McPherson.

Another notable to watch this weekend is Storm receiver Joe Hills, who is putting together the most impressive season by a Storm receiver in franchise history. Currently, Hills is second in the AFL in both receiving yards per game (119.1) and points per game (17.3) categories. Last week, he broke two single-season franchise records: most receiving touchdowns (39) and points scored (242). Hills has the chance to break another franchise record this Saturday, as he is 81 yards shy of tying the single-season receiving yards record of 1,749.

Pittsburgh will be led by receiver Mike Washington, who, in 16 games played, has 121 catches for 1400 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also leads the team in scoring with 210 points, a third of the team's total.

On defense for the Power, defensive back Sergio Gilliam is the stand out, with a team leading 83.5 tackles and six interceptions. Three of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns. Gilliam leads a Pittsburgh defense that is ranked third in the league, holding opponents to 260.1 yards per game.

With a playoff berth on the line, look for Tampa Bay to come ready to play. The Storm will be backed by its rabid fans at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and plan to use the Fan Appreciation Night atmosphere as an extra push to come out with a victory.

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