Tampa Bay Storm Takes On The Orlando Predators

Published on April 15, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Storm (2-2, 0-1) heads to the Amway Center to take on the Orlando Predators (0-3, 0-1) Saturday, April 20 for this season's first installment of the War on I-4. This will be the 51st meeting between the South Division rivals, and 43rd in the regular season.

The rivalry began in 1991 when the Tampa Bay Storm moved to St. Petersburg from Pittsburgh, PA. This was also the year that the Orlando Predators entered the AFL as an expansion team. With both teams coming to Florida at the same time, and with roughly 90 miles separating the two, it only seemed natural for a rivalry to blossom.

Throughout the history of the series, both teams always seem to be evenly matched, regardless of placement in the standings. In the 50 previous meetings, the teams each have a .500 record of 25-25 (21-21 - regular season, 4-4 - Postseason). They also share multiple AFL records including, consecutive playoff appearances (19), postseason wins (23), and semifinal appearances (13).

This Saturday, the Storm will look to overcome its 36-52 loss at the hands of the San Antonio Talons. Versus the Talons, quarterbacks Adrian McPherson and Shane Boyd were removed from the action due to injury. This could present a challenge for the Storm as the team's offense rolls when McPherson is under center, and before he was taken out of the game, Boyd showed he could handle the offensive load as well, having completed 4-of-7 passes for a touchdown and no interceptions. If the team wants to win, the offensive line must provide its quarterback with protection and give him time to make the right pass.

On the other hand, Orlando will be hungry to earn its first win of the season. Coming into 2013, the team brought in head coach Doug Plank. Plank guided the Philadelphia Soul to ArenaBowl XXV, and Orlando hoped to improve on its 4-14 record from 2012. The team also acquired former Storm receivers Prechae Rodriguez, and Amarri Jackson; both of whom provide large targets for newly assigned quarterback Kyle Rowley. While Orlando has shown flashes of playing at a winning level, it has yet to taste a victory.

Both teams will be fighting for something. The Storm fighting to show that its first wins were not a fluke, while the Predators will be fighting for its first win. A loss for either team could prove devastating in the long-term.

The fans can be sure that this rivalry is brewing, and when the teams get together, there are bound to be memorable moments for each fan base.

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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