Valor Game Preview: The Start Of A Long Road Home
Jon Stark
Saturday June 10, 2017
The Washington Valor (1-6) kick off a string of away games starting with a visit to Florida for the second time in three weeks. They'll face the Tampa Bay Storm (6-1) inside of Amalie Arena at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10th. The game will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network. Tampa Bay leads the season series 2-0.
This will be the first time the Storm face Valor quarterback Sean Brackett. In his first two starts under center for Washington, Brackett was stellar against Philadelphia and then came back down to earth last weekend against Cleveland, losing 59-35. Note that this will be his first start on the road for Washington. Defensively Tampa leads the league in sacks and forced fumbles, the Valor offensive line will have to protect Brackett first and foremost, giving him time to connect with wide receiver Greg Carr.
Through seven games Carr is leading Washington in receiving yards (509), touchdowns (9), and receptions (41). Look for Roger Jackson and Josh Reese to step up again in the absence of Mike Washington and TT Toliver. Last week Josh Reese finished with 110 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions, he also became the first wide receiver in the league to throw a touchdown this season. Jackson is averaging 68 yards, seven receptions and one score per game, he's also second in receiving yards behind Carr with 344.
Washington's defense might have fits, Storm QB Randy Hippeard and WR Joe Hills could be competing for AFL MVP or Offensive Player of The Year. Hippeard leads the league in completion percentage, holds the highest QB rating at 126 through seven starts and is tied in several other categories with Soul QB Dan Raudabaugh. Hills leads in touchdowns with 20 and receptions with 70, he's also nearly hauling in three scores a game. His streak of consecutive games with a touchdown is still alive at 75. Oh and with a win over the Valor, the Storm would be the second team to clinch a postseason berth.
Jon studied Business Management at the University of Pittsburgh and is originally from Maryland. An avid DMV sports fan, he often attends Capitals, Orioles, Wizards and Redskins games. Now a Washington Valor season plan holder and columnist for ArenaFan, he`ll be at every home game covering the team. He spends his free time with friends and family and freelancing graphic design projects. You can follow Jon on Twitter @5FIFTY3
