Storm vs. Predators Game Preview

Published on March 25, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - After a thrilling 48-45 victory over the San Antonio Talons last week, the Tampa Bay Storm will look to take sole possession of first place in the South Division and the American Conference when it hosts the Orlando Predators in 2014's first installment of the "War on I-4." A win would improve the Storm's record to 3-0; an achievement that has not been reached since 2001.

The greatest rivalry of the Arena Football League began in 1991 when the Storm moved to St. Petersburg from Pittsburgh. The Predators was formed that same year, and with only 90 miles separating the two, a rivalry was born.

The series has always been evenly matched, with the teams holding a 26-26 record all-time (22-22 - regular season, 4-4 - post season). As the players and coaches will say, this is a matchup where records are thrown out the window with both teams always coming ready to play. This game is of extra significance because both teams enter the contest undefeated. With sole possession of first place up for grabs, Saturday's tilt will be a fight to the finish.

The Storm is coming off of a gutsy, character-testing win over the Talons. With the game on the line, Storm wide receiver, Amarri Jackson, reeled in the game-winning touchdown with just four seconds left on the clock. The Storm went up 48-45 and held on for the win. Tampa Bay's defense helped lead the way, forcing Mitch Mustain and Marcus Jackson, the Talons' quarterbacks, into making mistakes, including two interceptions by Storm defensive back Chris Smith. The win helped the Storm begin the season 2-0 for the first time since 2008.

The new-look Predators will be heading to Tampa after winning in overtime against the Los Angeles KISS. The team is led by new head coach, Rob Keefe, who has brought a new philosophy to the sidelines. Keefe's last head coaching gig was with the Spokane Shock in 2010 and 2011. He helped lead the team to an ArenaBowl Championship over the Storm in 2010. This will be Orlando's first road game of the 2014 season.

The Predators roster features 10 rookies to go along with 14 veterans. The team's offense relies heavily on a pair of rookies in receivers Khalil Paden and Kendal Thompkins. Padden finished the night versus the KISS with six receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.

With the South Division and American Conference at stake, neither the Storm or the Predators will hold back from kickoff and fans will surely be in for a night to remember.

The five-time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. 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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