Valor Struck By Storm Again
Jon Stark
Monday June 12, 2017
TAMPA BAY, FL - The Washington Valor (1-7) dropped their seventh straight, their third loss to the Tampa Bay Storm (7-1) in less than a month in front of 9,856 fans inside of Amalie Arena on Saturday night. Valor wide receiver Charles McClain set a new franchise record finishing with 215 all-purpose yards. With their 58-57 win, Tampa Bay became the second team to secure a playoff berth.
Bright flashes of greatness. A phrase I'd use to describe last nights performance by Washington, and there were more than a few. Quarterback Sean Brackett was lighting up the scoreboard, he completed 72% of his passes for 299 yards and seven touchdowns, it was a career high performance. WR Charles McClain torched the Storm secondary with 137 receiving yards (tying the franchise record) on nine receptions, hauling in three touchdowns in the process, enough to grab Offensive Player of the Game honors. The Valor defense showed up, Defensive end Everett Dawkins was voted Defensive Player of the Game, Dawk had a fumble recovery, one sack and two tackles. Dominic Addison also had a major play in the second quarter, intercepting Storm QB Randy Hippeard and returning it for a 43 yard TD.
Special teams, something that has hurt the Valor in the past, did in this game as well. A few missed PAT and two-point conversions were key, going for two with :09 left in the game for the win was how close Washington came to victory. Storm WR Joe Hills continues to prove why he is the leading candidate for league MVP. Hills finished with nine receptions, 124 receiving yards and three touchdowns, keeping his consecutive streak alive at 76 games and was voted MVP of the Game. WR Kendrick Ings was right there with him, three touchdowns and 189 all-purpose yards. Tampa Bay QB Randy Hippeard completed 29-of-42 through the air for 283 yards and seven touchdowns, he also added a seven yard rushing score in the fourth.
Washington will take their third bye week before continuing their road trip, they'll face the Baltimore Brigade at Royal Farms Arena on June 23rd at 7:00 p.m. This will be the second meeting between both teams, Washington holds a 1-0 series lead. You can catch the game on Monumental Sports Network.
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
