VooDoo and Tampa Bay Storm Battle on Net 10 NFL Network Game of the Week Friday
Published on April 5, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (April 5, 2012) - The New Orleans VooDoo (1-2) will host the Tampa Bay Storm (2-1) this Friday, April 6, in the Graveyard at 7:00 p.m., as they look to build on to end the curse in The Graveyard. The game will be televised nationally by NFL Network as the NET 10 Game of the Week.
The VooDoo collected their first victory of the season on Saturday, as they defeated the Utah Blaze on the road, 72-57. Kurt Rocco set new career and franchise records with his 373 yards passing and 9 touchdowns. Rocco has now passed for over 300 yards in all three games this season.
Greg Ellingson's breakout season continued, as he hauled in 11 catches for 167 yards and four touchdowns - all new career marks.
"Last week was a good win and confidence builder for our team," said O'Hara. "Our opponent this week (Tampa Bay) is another really good and disciplined team. It is also a rivalry game and will be on NFL Network, which makes the stakes even higher."
The VooDoo trailed 44-40 midway through the 3rd quarter when an 8-yard touchdown pass from Rocco to Ellingson put the team up for good. The Blaze cut the lead to 60-57 early in the fourth quarter, but Utah's final three drives ended with VooDoo interceptions.
In all, the VooDoo turned the Blaze over 7 times, with 5 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles. Linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson hauled in 3 of those errant passes, and was subsequently named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, the League office announced on Tuesday.
As the VooDoo return home this Friday looking to end a 12-game home losing streak, Rocco, Ellingson and the New Orleans aerial attack will have their work cut out for them, as the Storm come to New Orleans boasting the league's fourth best pass defense, allowing an average of just 244 yards passing per game.
The VooDoo counters the Storm with the league's top-ranked offense and second ranked passing attack. All eyes will certainly be glued to the field when Tampa's defense attempts to slow the VooDoo offense, which has steadily improved each week.
"We have steadily gotten better, but we are not where we need to be," added O'Hara. "Our team has prepped all week knowing that Tampa Bay is a tough divisional opponent, and we are going to need another strong performance from our team."
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Friday in the New Orleans Arena. For tickets, call 504-875-3900.
VooDoo on Television: NFL Network (nationally televised)
VooDoo on the Radio: 99.5 FM WRNO "Rush Radio"
VooDoo Broadcast Team: Ken Trahan (play-by-play), Jon Norris (color), Emmanuel Pepis (sideline)
VooDoo on the Internet: www.wrno.com
VooDoo live game feed: Not available for NFL Network games.
VooDoo live statistics: http://livestats.prestosports.com/neworleansvoodoo/
Arena Football League Stories from April 5, 2012
- Mustangs' Next Home Game April 28 - UW Badger Band in Attendance - Milwaukee Mustangs
- SaberCats Return Home Friday, April 6 to Take on the San Antonio Talons - San Jose SaberCats
- Kurt Rocco Named AFL National Guard MVP of the Week - New Orleans VooDoo
- Philadelphia Looks to Bounce Back in Georgia - Philadelphia Soul
- VooDoo's Rocco Voted Week 4 National Guard MVP - AFL
- Soul and Hair Cuttery Support Hero Campaign - Philadelphia Soul
- Top 25 Players in AFL History: #21 Durwood Roquemore - AFL
- Tommy Grady Earns Spalding Highlight of the Week - Utah Blaze
- VooDoo and Tampa Bay Storm Battle on Net 10 NFL Network Game of the Week Friday - New Orleans VooDoo
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