Storm Strike Valor Yet Again
Jon Stark
Sunday July 2, 2017
TAMPA BAY - The Washington Valor (1-9) couldn't walk out with a win, the Tampa Bay Storm (8-2) completed the season sweep at home inside of Amalie Arena in front of 9,913 fans. With their 55-51 win, the Storm secured a first round home playoff game in August.
Just a few points, that's all the Valor have needed in each of their meetings with the Storm this season, the last time out Tampa Bay won 58-57. Washington Quarterback Sean Brackett continues to impress, 21-for-31, 248 passing yards and five touchdowns, and he was voted Offensive Player of the Game. Spreading the ball to wide receivers TT Toliver, Greg Carr, Charles McClain and Roger Jackson was in his best interest. TT's first game back in nearly six weeks and he had both a rushing and receiving touchdown. Greg Carr broke the 100-yard receiving mark for the third time this season. Charles McClain steps it up every time out, returning a kickoff for a touchdown, racking up 174 all-purpose yards, oh, and he also caught a lateral pass from WR Roger Jackson near the goal line and ran it in for a score.
Washington defensive back Tracy Belton snagged his 50th career interception and also returned a fumble for a touchdown, he and the Valor defense also held the Storm off in the third quarter, snapping their long steak of 40 consecutive quarters with a score. Belton was also named Defensive Player of the Game. MVP of the Game and Tampa Bay WR Kendrick Ings showed off the jets early with a 56-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, stacking 277 all-purpose yards and three total TDs. Storm QB Randy Hippeard looked a little off, but that could have just been the Valor defense. Hippeard completed 64% of his passes and threw for 250 yards, five touchdowns and that one interception, he also ran one in mid-fourth quarter. Washington's final bye week is on the horizon, they'll get back to action in Philadelphia on July 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center. You can catch the game on CBS Sports Network.
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