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Storm vs. Sharks Game Preview

May 20, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY -The Tampa Bay Storm will host the Jacksonville Sharks on "Military Appreciation Night" this Saturday, May 24 on AMALIE Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Storm enters the contest riding a five-game losing and will look to recover against a struggling Jacksonville team. Fans can catch all of the action on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.

This is the eleventh meeting between these two South Division rivals, and the fifth in Tampa. The Storm has had limited success against the Sharks, holding a record of 1-9. Its lone victory came on March 30, 2012, when the Storm won in the final seconds by a score of 71-69. Jacksonville is 3-1 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum and undefeated at home. Since these two teams last met, the Storm has gone on a five-game losing streak and the Sharks hold a record of 1-4.

Last time out the Storm fell to the Sharks, 41-60. The game marked the return of Storm receiver Joe Hills. Hills would finish the night with four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. While the Storm held a 21-20 lead toward the end of the second quarter, the Sharks would score with just six seconds left in the half. Jacksonville would go on to score two more times in the third quarter, resulting in an 18-point swing that Tampa Bay would not be able to recover from.

This past weekend the Storm fell to the Soul by a score of 62-34. It was the team's fifth loss in a row, and was the first time this season that the team had not scored more than 40 points. Tampa Bay came out strong as it headed into halftime down by only one point. But the Soul would go on to take a commanding lead after hauling in three consecutive interceptions; two of which were returned for touchdowns. The Storm would not be able to recover.

The Sharks suffered a heartbreaking loss in the waning seconds of its matchup with the Orlando Predators. The game was tied at 50 with just 14 seconds left on the clock with Jacksonville attempting a 49-yard field goal. The ball would miss the mark and Orlando wide receiver Gerald Young would return the missed field goal for the score with just one second remaining, winning the game 57-50. The game was a seesaw match as both teams would continue to trade scores throughout. But an early Sharks turnover would put the team in a 20-6 hole that would prove to be costly later on.

This week finds both teams looking for answers. Since its last win, the Storm has scored more than 42 points just once. With a receiving corps consisting of Joe Hills, Amarri Jackson and T.T. Toliver, the Storm will look to jolt its stalled offense. The team will be led by quarterback B.J. Hall who will want to get a jump on the Sharks and strike early. It will be important for the Storm to score early and protect the football in order for it to secure a victory at home.

The Sharks enter this weekend's matchup with a 1-4 record since its previous victory against the Storm. The team will be led by quarterback R.J. Archer. Last weekend, Archer completed 25-of-40 passes for 271 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. On the defensive side of the ball, the Sharks will look to its defensive line to apply pressure. The team is tied for fifth in the league with 16 sacks, and recorded three against Orlando this past weekend. The last time these teams met the Sharks sacked then Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard five times.

Look for both teams to come out fast and furious. They will both be hungry for a win as they enter the second half of the AFL season.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Military Appreciation Night," Saturday, May 24 when it takes on South Division rival, Jacksonville Sharks, 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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