Storm fall to Talons 70-33

Saturday July 9, 2011

Tulsa, OK - The Tampa Bay Storm fell to the Tulsa Talons, 70-33, in front of 4,945 fans at the BOK Center knocking the Storm out of the race for the last American Conference spot in the 2011 AFL Playoffs.

The Storm (6-10), who were eliminated from playoff contention for just the third time in their 24-year history, quickly saw that luck was not on their side this evening, falling behind on the opening kickoff. Talons kicker Juan Bongarra angled the ball off the iron, and with Storm kick returners Michael Lindsey and Hank Edwards unable to grab the loose ball, Tulsa linebacker Jamar Ransom recovered in the endzone for the score.

For the Talons (7-9), who needed a win in order to keep their own playoff hopes alive, the net recovery for a touchdown gave Tulsa a lead they did not concede for the remainder of the game.

Tulsa was led by the clinical play of quarterback Justin Allgood, who made his just his sixth start since being traded to the Talons from the Philadelphia Soul earlier this year. The Talons signal-caller completed 21 of his 34 passes for 220 yards and seven touchdowns. Four of those touchdown throws landed in the hands of Talons receiver Brandon Copeland, who led all receivers with nine catches for 107 yards and those four scores.

Storm quarterback Brian Zbydniewski finished 15-of-29 passing, for 197 yards and three scores before suffering an injury late in the third quarter. Hank Edwards, who was on the receiving end of two of those scores, finished with six receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Storm receiver Amarri Jackson set the franchise record for receptions in a rookie season on the second play of the Storm’s second drive. The four-yard catch was one of his seven on the evening that tallied 81 yards, allowing him to pass Freddie Solomon’s record of 105 set in 2003. Jackson now has 111 on the year with two games left to play.

Storm defensive back Markihe Anderson recorded his first career interception in the fourth quarter, snagging an errant pass from Tulsa backup quarterback Bobby Reid, and returned it three-yards for the score.

The Storm are now 1-2 all-time against the Talons, with all three meetings having been played in Oklahoma.

The Storm head back to home waters to take on the Georgia Force next Saturday, July 16th, at 7:30PM at the St. Pete Times Forum. Be sure to tune in to Bright House Sports Network 47/HD1147 and the Storm Radio Network, 1250 WHNZ, at 7:00PM for all the action.