VooDoo Surge the Storm
Published on June 15, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS "" The New Orleans VooDoo pick up their third win with balanced offense and by capitalizing on Tampa Bay's missed opportunities for a 54-51 victory in front of a crowd of 4,758 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Saturday night.
The VooDoo (3-9) never trailed in this game and took advantage of the Storm's 12 penalties and two turnovers. The Storm (7-6) also failed to convert on three onside kick attempts.
New Orleans hit the ground running as defensive back Cameron McGlenn intercepted Tampa Bay quarterback Adrian McPherson. That set up a quick strike from quarterback Kurt Rocco to receiver Quorey Payne for a touchdown. The Storm answered as McPherson found receiver Chris Davis, but the VooDoo blocked the extra point attempt to make it a 7-6 ballgame. Rocco later found a wide open Nyere Aumaitre for a nine-yard score.
Tampa Bay's next drive started just like their first as McGlenn grabbed his second interception of the night. The VooDoo turned that into a tip-drill touchdown from Rocco to Courtney Smith. McPherson and the Storm answered as the AFL's leading rusher scored on a seven-yard run, but the talented runner was held to just 15 yards on the ground. He also scored from one yard out, but he was injured on Tampa Bay's next possession just before halftime. He would not return and finished 13-21 for 147 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.
Tampa Bay found life in the opening possession of the third quarter as defensive back Chris Smith picked off Rocco, but the Storm turned it over on downs after three straight incomplete passes by McPherson's replacement Randy Hippeard. New Orleans capitalized on that as Rocco connected with receiver Donovan Morgan on a thrilling one-handed catch for a six-yard touchdown. The Storm got their only score of the third quarter as Hippeard efficiently marched the Storm down the field on passes of 13 yards to Joe Hills, 13 yards to Chris Davis, and 17 yards to Michael Lindsey. Hippeard capped it off with a one-yard pass to Hills.
The VooDoo held a 47-26 advantage going into the fourth quarter, but Tampa Bay would not go away quietly. The Storm opened the period with a quick one-yard touchdown run by Hippeard. After a failed onside kick attempt, New Orleans took over and scored their only touchdown of the fourth quarter, four-yard run by fullback Jeramie Richardson. On the ensuing possession, Hippeard yet again tossed three straight passes for double-digit yardage and finished the drive with another one-yard run. After the Storm failed another onside kick attempt, the VooDoo took over deep in Storm territory. But Storm defensive back Jean Fanor picked off Rocco and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to make it 54-44.
New Orleans turned it over on downs, and the Storm needed just one play to close within three points. Hippeard found Lindsey for a 23-yard touchdown. Hippeard finished with solid stats, going 13-18 for 195 yards and two touchdowns. The VooDoo got the ball back as Rocco got the offense across midfield with time winding down. Rocco ended his night 17-31 for 210 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. The VooDoo were also helped by a roughing-the-passer penalty by the Storm, which allowed New Orleans to run out the clock for the win.
New Orleans successfully avenged a 63-32 defeat in Tampa Bay in week seven. The VooDoo look to continue their home field success as they take on the San Antonio Talons next week in the Superdome.
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