Week 3 Preview: Predators vs. Storm

Published on March 26, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release


ORLANDO, FL - The Orlando Predators and Tampa Storm are set to face off for the 53rd installment of the "War on I-4" on Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. The game, which is a matchup between two undefeated rivals, will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network.

The rivalry, which dates back to 1991, has been the greatest rivalry in Arena Football League history. The Predators and Storm have met 52 times throughout years with each team winning 26 games. The teams have also met eight times in the AFL Playoffs and each team has won 4 times. Both teams have also faced each other in the ArenaBowl as well, with each team winning once.

This season's matchup marks the first time that both teams have faced off with perfect records since the 2005 season. The 2005 season also happens to be the last time that the Predators started a season with a 3-0 record. The Storm have not started a season with a 3-0 record since 2001, and they will look to avoid two consecutive losses to the Predators.

The two teams split the season series in 2013, with each team winning on their opponent's home turf. Both teams will look to take control and sole possession of first place in the South Division and the American Conference with a win on Saturday.

While the task of defeating Tampa Bay will not be easy, Orlando has unleashed a new found confidence under first-year Head Coach Rob Keefe. The team has proven that it can win close games and that is has the ability to come back from almost any deficit. The Predators were able to defeat the 2013 American Conference South Division champion Jacksonville Sharks in the finals seconds of Week 1, and the team was able to rally back from a 16-point fourth quarter deficit against the LA KISS in Week 2.

This week, the team will have to contain the receiving duo of Justin Hilton and Amarri Jackson. The two receivers have combined for 31 receptions, 406 yards and 9 touchdowns through the first two games of the season. On defense, the Storm will look to contain Orlando's dynamic offense weapons with defensive back Chris Smith. Smith was the Week 2 J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week Award winner after he tallied five tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and a pass breakup against the San Antonio Talons.

Tanner Varner leads the Predators defense. The JLB was awarded the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week after he totaled a team-high six tackles with two interceptions. Look for Varner to be a key force in shutting down Tampa's pass attack this week.

This will be the first matchup of three between the two teams this season, and if the history between the teams tells us anything; it should be a closely contested battle.

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