Tampa Bay Storm at Iowa Barnstormers Game Preview

Published on June 10, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY -The Tampa Bay Storm (6-6, 3-3) heads to Iowa to take on the Barnstormers (6-6, 0-4) this Saturday, June 14, at the Wells Fargo Arena. The Storm will be looking to extend its current win streak to four straight games, its longest streak since the 2010 season. Fans can listen to Jack Harris and Darek Sharp call the action for 1250 AM WHNZ or watch on ESPN3 or the WatchESPN app. Kickoff is set for 8:05 p.m. EST.

This is the 12th meeting between Tampa Bay and Iowa, and fourth in Des Moines. The Storm holds a 2-1 record in Iowa, and a 3-1 road record versus the franchise, including a win in 2013 that saw former Storm quarterback Adrian McPherson connect with wide receiver Joe Hills for the game-winning touchdown with 0.3 seconds left in the game. The Storm defeated the Kurt Warner-led Barnstormers, 42-38, in ArenaBowl X, a game widely considered the greatest game in AFL history.

Last week saw the resilience of Storm quarterback, Randy Hippeard, who was seemingly knocked out of the game by the Soul, but returned to deliver the game-winning touchdown pass to T.T. Toliver. Hippeard is now 3-0 since returning from an injury sustained prior to the bye week and has a touchdown to interception ratio of 18 to 2. Hippeard remains one of the top quarterbacks in the league, ranking first in total offense, third in passing touchdowns and third in total touchdowns. Look for Hippeard and the rest of the Storm offense to take advantage of the Barnstormers defense that allowed a league-high 86 points in a loss last week to the Cleveland Gladiators.

Defensively, the Storm will look to carry its defensive effort over from last week against the Soul, into this week against Iowa. The Storm defense will need to pay close attention to the Barnstormers receiving corps., specifically wide out Marco Thomas. Look for Storm defensive back James Harrell to continue to be a difference-maker for Tampa on defense. He has had an interception returned for touchdown in each of the Storms' last two games, and four total touchdowns in the past three games.

Offensively, the Barnstormers will be led by quarterback J.J. Raterink, who has thrown for 12 touchdowns and one interception in three games with Iowa this season. Raterink is currently 2-1 on the season. Iowa wide receivers, Thomas and Darius Reynolds, remain the most potent part of its offense. Thomas has been on a tear this season, hauling in 100 passes for 1,354 yards, and 30 touchdown passes. He is leading the league in several offensive categories this season including: scoring, scoring touchdowns, touchdown receptions, total receptions, receptions per game, and receiving yards per game.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Barnstormers will be looking to bounce back after its outing against the Gladiators last week. Its defensive front will be led by defensive lineman Mike Lewis. Lewis has been difficult to stop for offensive lines this season, as he ranks second in league in sacks with 9.5. Lewis is also tied for first in the league in fumbles forced and second in the AFL in tackles for loss. The Storm will need to be on the lookout for Jason Simpson. The defensive back leads the team in tackles with 61.5.

With both teams sitting at .500 in the American Conference, this game has the potential to have huge implications for the Storm and the Barnstormers. Look for both teams to come out strong and firing on all cylinders. A win will give the Storm a 7-6 record putting it in prime position to contend for the South Division.

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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