Storm Victory, 58-57, Clinches Playoff Berth

Sunday June 11, 2017

 Franchise Becomes First in Arena Football League History to Surpass 3,000,000 in Attendance

TAMPA, FL – In a wild finish the Tampa Bay Storm (7-1) defeated the Washington Valor (1-7) to clinch a playoff berth. With 9,856 fans in attendance, the franchise became the first in Arena Football League history to eclipse the 3,000,000 mark in total attendance.

Down by two, with 2:20 remining in the game the Storm defense forced a safety on an intentional grounding call to tie the game 51-51. A quick strike by Randy Hippeard to Joe Hills gave the Storm a 58-51 lead with 1:45 remaining in the game.

The Valor responded with a touchdown with 0:09 seconds remaining in the game to bring the game within one point. Washington elected to go for two and the win. However, the Storm defense stood resolute and denied the scoring opportunity.

Hills, the MVP of the Game, finished the game with 13 receptions for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Kendrick Ings added nine catches for 114 yards and three scores.

Sean Brackett led the Valor with 306 yards of total offense, as he completed 26-of-36 passes for 299 yards and seven touchdowns. His top target of the evening was Charles McClain, who led all receivers with 137 yards on nine receptions. McClain added three touchdowns and had 78 kickoff return yards.

The Tampa Bay Storm travel to the City of Brotherly love to take on the Philadelphia Soul (8-0) Saturday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. Tampa Bay returns to AMALIE Arena Saturday, July 1 to host the Washington Valor at 7:00 p.m.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total

Washington Valor 12 20 12 13 57

Tampa Bay Storm 14 14 7 23 58

INDIVIDUAL STATS

Passing (C-A-INT-Yds-TD)

WAS – Sean Brackett (26-36-0-299-7)

TAM – Randy Hippeard (29-42-1-283-7)

Rushing: (Att-Yds-TD)

WAS – Sean Brackett (1-7-0), Will Corbin (1-6-1)

TAM – Randy Hippeard (1-7-1), Joe Hills (1-0-0), Dave Lefotu (1-2-0)

Receiving: (Rec-Yds-TD)

WAS – Charles McClain (9-137-3), Roger Jackson (9-64-0), Greg Carr (5-64-3), Josh Reese (3-34-1)

TAM – Joe Hills (13-124-3), Kendrick Ings (9-114-3), LaMark Brown (6-39-1), Justin Hilton (1-6-0)

KO Returns: (No.-Yds-TD)

WAS – Charles McClain (6-78-0).

TAM – Kendrick Ings (3-75-0), Michael Lindsey (3-43-0).

Offensive Player of the Game: WAS, Charles McClain

Defensive Player of the Game: WAS, Everett Dawkins

MVP OF THE GAME: TAM, Joe Hills