Storm Falls In Orlando In Final Minute; Lose To Predators 42-40
Friday May 13, 2016
Orlando, FL – The Tampa Bay Storm (0-6, 0-3) were defeated by the Orlando Predators (7-0, 3-0) by a score of 42-40 on Friday night at Amway Center. The night saw receiver T.T. Toliver become the first player in Arena Football League history to record over 5,000 yards and 400 receptions with two different teams, both teams being the Tampa Bay Storm and the Orlando Predators.
The Storm offense was led by quarterback Jason Boltus who made an immediate impact on the field, helping lead the team to its highest scoring output of the season. He completed 24-of-46 passes for 254 yards and four touchdowns. His top target of the night was receiver Phillip Barnett who caught 12 passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns.
The Storm defense continued to show why it is one of the best defenses in the League, holding the Orlando Predators to 42 points; 26.5 points off their season average (68.5). The playmaker of the game was Jimmy Gordon who had an ironman performance with two sacks and a rushing touchdown. Storm defensive back James Harrell reeled in his second interception of the season. He now has 15 career interceptions.
Former Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard led the Predators. Hippeard completed 16-of-26 passes for 220 yards and five touchdowns. His favorite receiver was Greg Carr who caught eight passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. The turning point of the game was a 57-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Predators kick returner Brandon Thompkins.
The Storm will host the Cleveland Gladiators on Military Appreciation Night on Monday, May 23rd at AMALIE Arena. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m.