Sports stats

Storm vs. Shock Game Preview

April 22, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm will host the Spokane Shock on "Youth Sports Night" this Saturday, April 26 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. A win would break the Storm's current two-game losing streak, giving it a record of 4-3. Fans will be able to catch all of the action on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

This is the sixth meeting between these two inter-conference rivals, with the Shock holding a 3-2 advantage in the season series. The Storm has hosted the Shock only once in the previous five meetings. Last time the Storm came out of the half with a 14-point lead, but the Shock would strike back with three unanswered scoring drives capped off by a net recovery for a touchdown by former receiver, Kamar Jorden. The teams would go on to trade scores, but Spokane would prevail in the end by a score of 63-49.

The Storm enters this weekend's matchup on a two-game losing streak; its longest streak since losing eight straight at the end of the 2013 season. The team will look to get back on track and display the potential it showed at the beginning of the season. Look for Hippeard to find all of his receivers including T.T. Toliver who had a stellar return in his first game back with the Storm. Last week versus Orlando, Toliver had 12 receptions for 136 yards and led all receivers with five touchdowns. He now has 43 receiving touchdowns for his Storm career and is 10th all-time in Storm history.

The game will also see history made as Storm wide receiver and kick returner, Michael Lindsey, runs his way into the history books. Lindsey is just 34 kickoff return yards shy of breaking AFL Hall of Famer, and Storm legend, George LaFrance's Storm all-time career kickoff return record (5,116). The jack of all trades is having a tremendous year having an impact on all facets of the game. Offensively he has caught 15 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he has recorded nine tackles, had a pass breakup and an interception. On special teams he leads the league with 709 kickoff return yards and is averaging 19.2 yards per return, good for fourth in the AFL.

The Shock is looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to the unbeaten Cleveland Gladiators. Spokane would take a 50-46 lead with just 10 seconds remaining, but would give up a game winning touchdown in the waning seconds of the game. The team is led by its defensive line which leads the league with 15 sacks. The Storm offensive line will need to contain Shock defensive ends Jeremy Geathers and James Ruffin if it wants to find offensive success. Ruffin leads the team with 6.5 sacks to go along with a pass breakup and forced fumble.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The Storm will host "Youth Sports Night," Saturday, April 26 when it takes on the Spokane Shock 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.



Arena Football League Stories from April 22, 2014


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.

Other Recent Tampa Bay Storm Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central