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Tampa Bay Faces Philadelphia On Military Appreciation Night

May 21, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm (6-3, 2-1) takes on the Philadelphia Soul (4-4, 0-2) Saturday, May 25 on Military Appreciation Night at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Watch the action live on "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET.

This will be the ninth meeting between the teams, with the Soul holding a 5-3 advantage in the series. This will be the fourth matchup in Tampa, with the Storm holding a home record of 2-1 when playing host to Philadelphia. In their final matchup of the 2012 season, the Storm suffered a heartbreaking loss, losing in the game's final seconds by a score of 83-79.

Tampa Bay enters this week coming off a rebound win versus the Pittsburgh Power. The team was led by quarterback Adrian McPherson who completed 20-of-22 passes for 240 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. He completed 90.9-percent of his passes, setting a Storm single-game record for completion percentage. McPherson also rushed four times for 29 yards and rushed for his 24th touchdown on the season. His 24 rushing touchdowns set a Storm single-season record for most rushing touchdowns. He now leads the league in rushing yards (297) and rushing touchdowns (24).

Last game the Storm's receivers were led once again by local Tampa product Greg Ellingson. He caught ten passes for 96 yards and three touchdowns. This was his fourth consecutive game with two or more touchdowns. The game also marked the return of receiver Joe Hills who had six receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.

The Storm defense also had one of its best games of the season versus Pittsburgh. The backfield reeled in four interceptions bringing its season total to 18, putting it in a tie for first in the league with the Arizona Rattlers. Defensive back Chris Smith leads the team with seven interceptions, and is in sole possession of second place in the AFL. The backfield thrives when the defensive line puts pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Storm defensive line did just that versus Pittsburgh, but it will have a tough time with the Soul offensive line; a line that has given up only two sacks all season.

With the right protection, Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh has proven to be effective. He has had success against the Storm. In his previous game versus Tampa Bay, Raudabaugh completed 24-of-37 passes for 415 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception. His go-to receiver for the season has been Tiger Jones. Last game versus Orlando he caught five passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns.

The game will also feature the league's second leading rusher, behind McPherson, Derrick Ross. Ross enters the game ranked second in rushing yards with 235, and touchdowns with 18. Look for Ross to attack a Storm defensive line that let up 30.4 yards per game. It should also be noted that Ross is six rushing yards away from becoming the league's all-time second leading rusher with 1,508 yards.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. Single game tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 or by visiting the McDonalds© Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. 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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