Harrell, Phillips Lead Storm Defense In 63-28 Rout Of Jacksonville

Saturday May 2, 2015

 TAMPA BAY, FL – James Harrell led a tenacious defense and T.T. Toliver added the scoring punch as Tampa Bay (3-3, 1-0) defeated in-state rival Jacksonville, 63-28, Saturday in an Arena Football League game at AMALIE Arena.

Harrell, in his third season, was named Riddell Defensive Player of the Game and J. Small Playmaker of the Game, for his three pass breakups, an interception and fumble recovery.

Tolliver collected four touchdown passes on nine total catches and a team-high 96 yards awarded him the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the game.

Quarterback Tommy Grady of Jacksonville (1-5, 0-2) was 20 of 36 for 235 yards and three scores. The Storm’s QB Jason Boltus countered that with 22 of 41, 240 yards and six TDs.

The Storm, with the second-best overall AFL defense, put the hammer down in the second quarter when interceptions by Alfred Phillips (4 total pass breakups) and Harrell led to scoring drives.

It was Rick-j Hill’s net recovery for a touchdown in the endzone with one minute left in the half gave Tampa Bay a 21-14 margin. Harrell’s fifth interception of the season with 34 seconds remaining led to a six-play, 12-yard touchdown drive as time ran out in the first half.

The Storm have a bye week before getting back in action on Saturday, May 16, at the Orlando Predators. Tampa Bay returns to Amalie Arena on Friday, May 22 (7:30 p.m.) against the Philadelphia Soul.