Storm turn game over to VooDoo with eight turnovers

Published on March 16, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans VooDoo (2-1, 2-0) put an end to a three-game losing streak against the Tampa Bay Storm (2-1, 1-1) in impressive fashion with a 76-55 victory in front of 13,011 fans at New Orleans Arena Sunday afternoon.

The 76 points scored by the VooDoo are the most ever surrendered in franchise history, eclipsing the 71 points scored by the now defunct Albany Firebirds in June of 1994. Ironman of the Game Wendall Williams returned a missed field goal 57 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, a feat which had not been accomplished since March 14, 2004.

Tampa Bay surrendered four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles) and allowed four net recoveries off of four Jonathan Ruffin missed field goals with five of the eight plays coming in the second quarter as the VooDoo outscored the Storm 34-0 in the second quarter to take a 48-14 lead into the half.

The Storm did not quit as they fought back in the second half. Tampa Bay outscored New Orleans 41-28 in second half.

"I was proud of how the guys fought back," Said Head Coach Tim Marcum. "They did not quit."

The Storm were led offensively by quarterback Brett Dietz and receiver Hank Edwards. Dietz completed 61 percent of his passes as he went 27-of-44 for 328 yards and five touchdowns. He connected with Edwards on all five touchdowns as Edwards caught 12 passes for 189 receiving yards, all career highs.

Receiver James Jordan led the offensive charge for New Orleans with seven receptions for 112 yards and four scores. Quarterback Danny Wimprine, in his second career start, was harassed by a persistent Storm pass rush as he complete 51 percent of his passes for 222 yards and seven touchdowns.

Wide receiver and kick return specialist Sedrick Robinson sprained his left ankle in the third quarter and is listed as day-to-day.

Next week is a bye week for the Storm while the VooDoo host the resurgent Gladiators (3-0) as Cleveland visits the Big Easy Friday, March 21 with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

AFL action continues as John Dutton and the Colorado Crush visit Dallas to take on Will Pettis and the Desperados on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday Night, (ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD - 8:00 p.m.). The Desperados look to keep pace with the Gladiators in the Eastern Division and the Crush hope to keep a game advantage over the Chicago Rush in the Central Division.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 16, 2008


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