Storm’s win streak ended at five games, loses to Cleveland 41-48

Friday June 27, 2014

 CLEVELAND, OH – The Tampa Bay Storm (8-7, 4-3) was defeated by the Cleveland Gladiators (13-1, 7-1) on Friday evening by a score of 41-48. The loss ended the team’s win streak at five games.

The Storm defense was the story of the night, with defensive back Jean Fanor corralling his second interception of the season and jack linebacker Darian Payne recovering a fumble that would lead to the Storm tying the game 27-27. The Storm’s top tackler of the night was Fanor who finished the night with 11 tackles.

The Storm offense was led by Randy Hippeard who finished the night completing 21-of-34 passes for 252 yards and five touchdowns. He would also rush three times for 10 yards and a touchdown. His top target of the night was Joe Hills. Hills caught 11 passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns.

Cleveland’s offense was led by Shane Austin. Austin completed 29-of-37 passes for 311 yards and five touchdowns. Austin rushed seven times for 18 yards and a touchdown. His top target of the night was Dominick Goodman. Goodman caught 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. His 16 receptions tied for the most receptions allowed by the Storm in a single-game, surpassing Glen Fox who caught 16 on June 15, 2012.

UP NEXT – Following its final bye week of the 2014 season, the Storm will head to San Jose to take on the Sharks at the SAP Center on Friday, July 11. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. EST.