Storm wins first installment of War on I-4, defeats the Orlando Predators 53-35

Saturday April 20, 2013

Orlando, FL – The Tampa Bay Storm (3-2, 1-1) defeated the Orlando Predators (0-4, 0-2) Saturday evening at the Amway Center by a score of 53-35. The Storm set the tone for the game with a De’Audra Dix interception of Predators quarterback Kyle Rowley on the opening drive of the game.

The Storm defense started the game fast and furious, and the offense took care of the rest. Storm quarterback Adrian McPherson completed 12-of-20 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns. He spread the ball around with Joe Hills, Greg Ellingson, and Michael Lindsey each catching four passes. Hills led the Storm receivers with 83 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. He has now increased his streak of multi-touchdown games to nine. Ellingson had 79 yards receiving and a touchdown, while Michael Lindsey had 61 with a touchdown as well. The team did damage on the ground with McPherson and fullback Nick Torresso each scoring rushing touchdowns.

The Storm defense had its way with the Predators. It started with a De’Audra Dix interception on the opening drive. He would fumble the ball, but it was picked up by Rashad Barksdale for the touchdown. Chris Smith had an interception, his third of the season. Defensive lineman Tank Tyler had a pair of sacks for 18 yards.

Former Storm wide receiver T.T. Toliver led the Predators’ receivers with 106 yards receiving on six receptions. He had a pair of touchdowns. The Predators saw a revolving door at the quarterback position. Kyle Rowley was removed in the first quarter for Chris Dixon. Dixon completed 17-of-21 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed five times for 60 yards and a touchdown.

The Tampa Bay Storm continues its road trip as the team heads to Spokane, WA to take on the Spokane Shock at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Saturday, April 27…Kickoff is set for 10:00 PM ET.