Records Die As Storm Try To Resurrect Season
Joe Kauffman
Tuesday June 6, 2000
 James Bowden falls into the endzone after scoring a TD, part of his record-breaking night. Image courtesy of Joe Kauffman |
"That`s typical of JB. Again, he`s just proven why I wanted to bring him down here,” said Storm QB John Kaleo, who played with Bowden in New England. "I felt he would be a big advantage for us. He has the skills to carry this team against the tough defenses; he`s shown that."
Bowden also racked up 170 return yards on two missed field goal returns and four kickoff returns. He finished with an average of 26.5 yards per kickoff return, giving the Storm excellent starting positions near midfield all night.
"[Bowden`s] just taking the ball off the net, and I tell you, Coach Knaus is doing a heck of a job with our kick return squad," said Storm head Coach Tim Marcum. "He took that over a couple of weeks ago and our kick off returns have just been phenomenal over the last few weeks."
But Bowden was far from being the only star of the game. Second year DS Tommy Henry had a career night, breaking up 11 pass attempts from Bobcats starter Clemente Gordon.
"Tommy Henry did a real good job for us tonight," said Marcum. "I think he probably had four or five third down pass break ups that were very critical. We talked about that this week."
 Lawrence Samuels was named Co-Ironman of the Game against the Bobcats. Image courtesy of Joe Kauffman |
With the offense finally recovering from injuries, and the defense just beginning to show up to a game, the Storm are poised to make a huge turn-around from their dismal and disappointing first eight games. With a bye-week coming up before a showdown with the Nashville Kats at home, the Storm should be fully healed and ready to work their way back up the standings in the remaining weeks of the season.
THUNDERCLAPS
Lucky number three - Well, lucky for some. When John Kaleo joined the Storm, the number 3 was available due to injury. Kicker Matt Huerkamp was placed on injured reserve after pulling his quad and groin in his kicking leg during a 41-26 loss to New England in Week One. Since taking over the starting role at QB in Week 4, Kaleo has gone 3-2, which accounts for all of the Storm`s 2000 season victories. He’s lost a one-point squeaker in Orlando and had a forgettable performance against Iowa on TNN. The number three turned up in a third role against the Bobcats, as Kaleo hit three different receivers for touchdowns. He actually only hit three different receivers all evening, making it possible for James Bowden to catch12 passes. The three brigade stopped marching when Huerkamp returned to the team, he donned number 16.
The Bowden and Bowden (and Samuels) Show - While James Bowden was named game MVP for his record breaking performance, Andre Bowden and Lawrence Samuels were named co-Ironmen of the Game. This makes Samuels fourth Ironman of the Game award of the season and eighth of his career. Earlier in the year, he was named Ironman of the Game for three consecutive weeks, a team record. Samuels clinched his half of the honor by intercepting a Clemente pass with one hand and returning it 30 yards untouched for a score. On offense he added four catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns. Andre Bowden earned his half by rushing four times for 17 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, he had two assists, a pass defensed and blocked a Joe O`Donnell field goal attempt in the second quarter. The AFL also named Andre Bowden Ironman of the Week for his remarkable play.
Joe Kauffman is President and Editor in Chief of Arenafan Online, having joined the staff in 2000. He graduated from Florida State University in 1998 with a degree in communications andbuilds ecommerce sites for a day job. Joe has enjoyed Arena Football since 1991 and has been a member of the Arena Football Internet community since 1995. Prior to Joining Arenafan, he was a co-founder and Technical Editor of the Storm Shelter, which covered the Tampa Bay Storm from 1996-99. Joe and his wife Erika live in Hackettstown, New Jersey with their two daughters.
