Storm Quarterback Jason Boltus started the scoring with an 18 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver TT Toliver. The Predator’s answered right back as Quarterback Randy Hippeard found wide receiver Greg Carr from 8 yards out to even the score.
After Boltus found wide receiver Phillip Barnett for a 23 yard score, Orlando’s Brandon Thompkins returned the kickoff 39 yards to the Tampa 20. But then, Storm db James Harrell intercept Hippeard ending the first quarter at 14-7 Tampa.
After the Predator defense forced a turn over on downs to start the 2nd quarter, Hippeard found Brandon Thompkins for a 21 yard touchdown to even the score. After a failed onside kick attempt, the Storm answered back with a 1-yard James Gordon rushing touchdown to regain the lead. However, that did not last long as Brandon Thompkins returned the kickoff 57 yards for his second score of the quarter drawing the Preds even with the Storm at 21.
Tampa regained the lead on their ensuing possession as Jason Boltus scored on a 1 yard rush, the kick was no good giving the Storm a 27-21 lead that held till the half.
Orlando started the third quarter scoring with a short pass which Kendal Thompkins turned into a 39 yard touchdown to regain the lead at 28-27. Then the defense stepped up, forcing another four and out, setting up another touchdown pass to Kendal Thompkins. This one came from 5 yards out, making it an 8-point Predator lead at 35-27.
Tampa answered with a 16 yard T.T. Toliver touchdown to shorten the lead to 35-33 to end the third quarter.
Both teams scored as the Preds Greg Carr scored on a 7 yard pass and the Storms Phillip Barnett from the four to make it a 42-40 game. Both defenses played physical on their final drives. Tampa forced a turn over on downs with 3:42 left giving themselves one more attempt for a come from behind victory and first win of the year only to have Predator db Kent Richardson intercept the ball to seal the victory for the undefeated Predators with :39 second left.
The Under Armor Offensive Player of the Game was Greg Carr with 8 passes for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Storm db Jimmy Gordon was the Defensive Player of the Game and J Lewis Small Playmaker Of The Game.
TT Toliver was the Highlight of the Game becoming the first player with 5,000 yards and 400 receptions with two different teams
Randy Hippeard was 16 for 26 for 220 yards with 5 touchdown passes and 1 int.
Kendal Thompkins caught 5 passes for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns
Brandon Thompkins caught 2 passes for 29 yards and 2 touchdowns