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Storm vs. Predators Game Preview

June 17, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY -The Tampa Bay Storm (7-6, 3-3) hosts the Orlando Predators (8-5, 6-1) for the third time this season on "Local Heroes Night" this Saturday, June 21, on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. A win for the Storm will give the team its first five game win streak since the 2010 season. Fans can catch all of the action on Bright House Sports Network (Ch. 47/HD 1147), or watch the game on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app. Fans can also listen to Jack Harris and Darek Sharp call the action for 1250 AM WHNZ. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

This is the 55th meeting between the two teams, 47th in the regular season and 24th regular season game in Tampa. Overall, in 54 games, Orlando leads the series 28-26 with the Predators having scored 58 more total points, 2,516 - 2,458. This will be Lawrence Samuels' third time coaching against the Predators; he has an 0-2 record, while Preds head coach, Rob Keefe, holds a 3-1 record versus the Storm, including a victory over the Storm in ArenaBowl XXIII when he was the head coach of the Spokane Shock. The Storm has squared off against the Predators twice this season, losing both games. In week three, Tampa lost, 52-56, at the Times Forum and in week six, the Storm fell, 65-77, in Orlando.

Last week saw the mental and physical toughness of the entire Storm team as it won on the road in sudden death against the Iowa Barnstormers. Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard continues to lead the team offensively during this four-game win streak. He is 4-0 since returning from injury after the bye week and his play propelled the team to a win last week, as he completed 24-of-34 passes for 289 yards and six touchdowns. Hippeard would also go on to rush for three scores, including the game-winner. He will have to punch in a lights-out performance this week, as he is 0-2 this season against Orlando, throwing for 668 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions in two games.

Defensively, the Storm will need to be ready for Predators quarterback Bernard Morris, who leads an Orlando offense that is ranked first in total offense (299.8). Morris is a threat to pass and run the football, as he has 29 total touchdowns in five games played this season. Last week saw Storm defensive back Jean Fanor continue his outstanding play, totaling 10 tackles. Fanor is currently first in the AFL in tackles with 91.5 and first in solo tackles with 78.

Offensively, the Predators will be led by Morris. Orlando's signal caller owns a 3-2 record since starting for the Predators in Week 10. This season he's thrown 23 touchdowns to only one interception and has 24 rushes for 107 yards, and six touchdowns. His efficiency can be attributed to his strong receiving core of Greg Carr, Kahlil Paden, and Kendal Thompkins. Paden ranks first in AFL in yards per catch with 16.4 and ninth in reception yards with 1,014. Carr is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year with 28 touchdown receptions, good for third in the league.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Predators will be led by linebacker Tanner Varner, who leads the team with 55 tackles on this season. Preds defensive end Earl Okine is also a player to watch as he leads Orlando in sacks with 4.5 and tackles for loss with 6.5. Okine leads an Orlando rushing defense that ranks third in the league. Hippeard and the Storm offense will look to exploit this Orlando defense in all aspects this Saturday.

In a game that has the potential for playoff implications, look for both teams to come out strong, as it is a crucial, must-win game, for the Florida rivals. A win for Tampa Bay ties Orlando for the best record in the division, while a win for the Predators puts them two games ahead of the Storm with four games left to play.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Local Heroes Night," Saturday, June 21 when it takes on the Orlando Predators, on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. 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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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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