Valor Game Preview: Sunnier Skies Ahead In Florida?
Jon Stark
Saturday May 20, 2017
The Washington Valor (1-3) hit the road this weekend to face the Tampa Bay Storm (4-1) at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20th inside of Amalie Arena. The game will broadcast live on Monumental Sports Network. Both Head Coach Dean Cokinos and Linebacker Jimmy Gordon return to their former arena for the first time since joining Washington.
The Storm continue to pick up speed, now hoping to win four in a row after their 41-33 victory against the Valor last weekend at Verizon Center but Washington looked greatly improved over their previous outings. A much stronger second half offensively combined with five sacks on Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard almost paid dividends but ultimately a few fumbles cost them the game. Valor QB Erik Meyer was more settled in than ever, throwing five touchdowns to four different receivers and no interceptions. He also moved to 24th on the AFL all-time touchdown passing list now with 307. Meyer could he potentially move into 20th this season if he reaches 342.
The streak continues, Storm WR Joe Hills has now notched at least one score in each of his last 73 games. Hills was also honored with AFL Offensive Player of the Week for the first time this season. The Valor secondary looked a little lost at times last week but should likely rebound quick with a rematch so soon, although stopping Hippeard in the air is only half of the equation. At the line DL Brandon Sesay, Jake Payne and Jimmy Gordon will need to keep the pressure on and stop the ball from getting out to Tampa Bay's receiving corps, against the Storm last week the trio combined for nine tackles and five sacks.
Erik Meyer will likely spread the ball around to his Valor wideouts again, like Charles McClain, who's coming off a productive first game, turning four receptions into two touchdowns. Then there's Roger Jackson, who led the team in receptions last week and has hauled in a touchdown in each of his last two games. Don't forget Greg Carr, he leads the team in receiving yards and Mike Washington, he has four less total yards than Carr and leads the team in touchdowns.
Jon studied Business Management at the University of Pittsburgh and is originally from Maryland. An avid DMV sports fan, he often attends Capitals, Orioles, Wizards and Redskins games. Now a Washington Valor season plan holder and columnist for ArenaFan, he`ll be at every home game covering the team. He spends his free time with friends and family and freelancing graphic design projects. You can follow Jon on Twitter @5FIFTY3
