Storm drops thriller in Spokane, loses to Spokane 52-55

Tuesday July 22, 2014

The Tampa Bay Storm (8-9, 4-3) was defeated by the Spokane Shock (10-7, 3-2) on Monday night in front of 9,479 fans by a score of 52-55. The loss extended the team’s losing streak to three games. The Storm will face a must-win game next week versus the Cleveland Gladiators if it hopes to keep its playoff dreams alive.

The Storm started the game off sharp, scoring on its first two drives and controlling much of the game. Tampa Bay controlled the tempo for most of the game, but a Terrance Sanders interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter turned the tide.

Randy Hippeard led the Storm offense completed 20-of-41 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns. He found multiple receivers on the night. Storm fullback Byron Isom scored the first touchdown of his career on a 3-yard rush. The Storm’s top receiver was Joe Hills who caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

The Storm defense held strong earning a sack and interception on the night. Storm defensive lineman Tommy Duhart earned the first sack of his career. Defensive back Randall Burden made his first appearance in a Storm uniform, and reeled in the first interception of his professional career. The interception came at a pivotal time as it stopped a Spokane drive right before the end of the first half.

The Shock were led by reigning AFL MVP Erik Meyer. He would finish the night completing 21-of­-26 passes for 210 yards and five touchdowns. Meyer would also rush four times for 15 yards and a touchdown. The Shock’s standout of the night was Sanders. He would return a kick for 57 yards for the score and reeled in an interception, returning it for a touchdown to put the Shock up 48-45 in the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT – The team will take on the Cleveland Gladiators on “Fan Appreciation Night” at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Saturday, July 26. Fans will be able to catch all of the action on Bright House Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.