***Storm Press Release***
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm kicks off the 2014 season with its home opener versus South Division rival New Orleans VooDoo on Amalie Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum this Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. EST. The night’s matchup marks former Storm player and Arena Football League Hall of Famer, Lawrence Samuels’, first career game as a head coach in the AFL.
This will be the 17th meeting between the two teams, and ninth in Tampa. The Storm hold an overall record of 10-6 versus the VooDoo and a 7-1 record when it faces New Orleans on its home field.
The Storm started the 2013 season strong with a 7-4 record, but the team would lose eight straight games, including a heartbreaking last-minute defeat at the hands of the Jacksonville Sharks in the opening round of the AFL playoffs. This offseason former offensive coordinator, Samuels, was named the sixth head coach in franchise history. Joining Samuels on the sidelines will be assistant head coach Doug Kay and defensive coordinator Chris Hovan. Samuels also added offensive coordinator, Doug Miller, who spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons on New Orleans’ coaching staff.
Twelve players return to the Storm from the 2013 season. With the departure of quarterback Adrian McPherson to the Canadian Football League, coach Samuels will either look to quarterback Randy Hippeard or Tampa native Stephen Garcia. The quarterbacks will have multiple targets to throw to with new receivers Justin Hilton, Andrew Helmick and Samuel Tranks joining the potent receiving corps from last year. Michael Lindsey returns for his fourth season in a Storm uniform and Amarri Jackson returns after spending last season with the Orlando Predators and San Jose SaberCats.
Looking to improve the offensive line, the Storm brought in a new crop of players comprised of veterans and rookies. With the retirement of center Brad Serini, the Storm will turn to Raymond McNeil. McNeil spent last season with San Jose and was acquired in a trade in the offseason. Offensive lineman Alfred McCullough has returned to the team for his second season in the AFL and will be joined by newcomers Mario Henderson, Byron Isom, and Carl Johnson.
On the defensive side of the ball, only four members return from last year. Defensive backs Chris Smith and De’Audra Dix return for their second season. Smith led the team in interceptions in 2014 with eight, while Dix reeled in five. Joining them will be Smith’s twin brother, Donald Smith and rookie Rod Issac. Jean Fanor has also re-joined the team for his second season. Rodney Beamon is the lone member from last year’s defensive line and he will be joined by newcomers Richard Clebert, Uriah Grant, Matt Hardison, Jammie Kirlew, and two-way player Dexter Jackson.
The VooDoo are led by former Storm player Pat O’Hara who is entering his third season on the New Orleans sideline. O’Hara is a three-time ArenaBowl Champion, winning two with the Orlando Predators and one with the Storm in 2003.
Last season the VooDoo finished with a 5-13 record and missed the playoffs. The team is looking to have a bounce-back year. The VooDoo offense will be led by either Kurt Rocco or newcomer and former Louisiana State University quarterback Ryan Perrilloux. While the team lost receiver Donovan Morgan, who is now with the Los Angeles KISS, the team did bulk up on defense with the acquisition of defensive back Travis Coleman and the return of Jack linebacker, Alvin Ray Jackson.
The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 27th season in the Arena Football League. The 2014 season kicks off on Amalie Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.versus South Division rival, the New Orleans VooDoo. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visitingTampaBayStorm.com or by calling813.301.6600. For group sales fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.