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Storm Offense Comes Out Flat

February 28, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


Jacksonville, FL - The Tampa Bay Storm fell to the Jacksonville Sharks 56-19 Monday night at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. The Storm struggled offensively with four turnovers, two safeties and one turnover on downs.

In his first game as head coach since the departure of Tim Marcum, Coach Dave Ewart felt during pregame that tonight's contest would about physicality. "The most physical team wins tonight, hit or be hit." However it was the Sharks that came out with more intensity.

The Storm opened the game with a 36-yard strike from quarterback Mike Potts to receiver Hank Edwards on the first play of the game. From that point on it was the Sharks' game as the offense struggled turning the ball over on the very next series.

The Sharks led 17-7 at the end of the first quarter and extend that lead 33-13 at the as the Storm lost three fumbles and gave up a safety in the first two stanza's. Not much changed in the second half as the Storm gave up the ball with an interception and allowed a second safety.

Defensively, Tampa Bay played tough. Linebacker Eric Ortiz did his best to fire up the defense towards the end of the half, hitting Sharks receiver Jeron Harvey in to the boards. Ortiz's big hit was followed by consecutive pass breakups by defensive backs Justin Hannah and DB Deonte Bolden. Additionally, defensive lineman Greg Taplin recorded two sacks while fellow line mate Jarriet Buie collected a fumble recovery that was overturned due to a penalty.

"We need to work on our level of effort," said Head Coach Dave Ewart. "I can promise you thing we are going to get better."

The Storm returns to the St. Pete Times Forum with two more days of practice prior to hosting the Orlando Predators Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 PM in its final preseason game. The game is free for all fans, doors open at 6:30 PM.

The Storm are universally recognized as one of the leading teams in the Arena Football League, setting numerous attendance records in its 23 years. The team won world championships in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996 and 2003, winning the last championship in front of a sell-out crowd of 20,496 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Fans can purchase season tickets for the 2011 Tampa Bay Storm season by calling 813.301.6600 or visiting tampabaystorm.com. Season ticket packages start as low as $75.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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