Story by Trevon Purdie
Orlando FL- Orlando Predators vs. Tampa Bay Storm Saturday night the Orlando Predators faced off against the Tampa Bay Storm in the "War On I-4". Both teams hold a 3-2 record and this is the 2nd time the two have met this season. The Predators took home the win in the last meeting 56-52.
Saturday night was also Child Abuse Prevention Night. Fans were asked to wear blue, especially blue jeans, to the game. Kids House, an advocacy center for child abuse victims and families in Seminole County, handed out Predator themed apparel and postcards during the game.
The Predators put the first points on the board with Jason Boltus throwing a 34 yard pass to wideout Khalil Paden on the second play of the game. Orlando's defense fed off of that and stopped the Storm from scoring on their first drive. Boltus and the Preds scored again on a 22 yard pass to Kend Thompkins in just 3 plays, giving Orlando a 14-0 lead with 6 minutes left in the first quarter. Tampa Bay would score on a Randy Hippeard and Joe Hills connection for 31 yards, giving Orlando a one touchdown lead. The would end on a 30 yard Greg Carr touchdown reception, but Orlando missed the extra point, making the score 20-7 at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Storm showed that they're not going down without a fight. Led by Randy Hippeard, Tampa Bay scored 4 touchdowns. Former Predator's receiver T.T. Toliver scored twice and Joe Hills scored once, with Hippeard taking one in on the ground. The predators would score 3 touchdowns in the quarter, making the score at the half 41-32.
The second half would continue where the first half left off, with both quarterbacks continuing to lead their teams to the endzone. Boltus would go on to score 3 through the air and taking a 11 yard rush in for the score. Hippeard would throw for 5 in the air. A 42 yard kickoff return for the Preds late in the fourth gave the team a cushioned lead, but it was a Greg Carr interception return on a 2 point attempt, that solidified a 77-65 win.
This puts Orlando first in the American South division. "The best thing about this is it puts us in first," Predators coach Rob Keefe said. "I want to put the pedal to the metal. Our goal is first to win our division".
The Predators will host the New Orleans Voodoo next week in CFE Arena at 7:30pm est.
Tampa Bay will return home for a battle against the Spokane Shock Saturday April 26th at 7:30pm est.
Saturday night was also Child Abuse Prevention Night. Fans were asked to wear blue, especially blue jeans, to the game. Kids House, an advocacy center for child abuse victims and families in Seminole County, handed out Predator themed apparel and postcards during the game.
The Predators put the first points on the board with Jason Boltus throwing a 34 yard pass to wideout Khalil Paden on the second play of the game. Orlando's defense fed off of that and stopped the Storm from scoring on their first drive. Boltus and the Preds scored again on a 22 yard pass to Kend Thompkins in just 3 plays, giving Orlando a 14-0 lead with 6 minutes left in the first quarter. Tampa Bay would score on a Randy Hippeard and Joe Hills connection for 31 yards, giving Orlando a one touchdown lead. The would end on a 30 yard Greg Carr touchdown reception, but Orlando missed the extra point, making the score 20-7 at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Storm showed that they're not going down without a fight. Led by Randy Hippeard, Tampa Bay scored 4 touchdowns. Former Predator's receiver T.T. Toliver scored twice and Joe Hills scored once, with Hippeard taking one in on the ground. The predators would score 3 touchdowns in the quarter, making the score at the half 41-32.
The second half would continue where the first half left off, with both quarterbacks continuing to lead their teams to the endzone. Boltus would go on to score 3 through the air and taking a 11 yard rush in for the score. Hippeard would throw for 5 in the air. A 42 yard kickoff return for the Preds late in the fourth gave the team a cushioned lead, but it was a Greg Carr interception return on a 2 point attempt, that solidified a 77-65 win.
This puts Orlando first in the American South division. "The best thing about this is it puts us in first," Predators coach Rob Keefe said. "I want to put the pedal to the metal. Our goal is first to win our division".
The Predators will host the New Orleans Voodoo next week in CFE Arena at 7:30pm est.
Tampa Bay will return home for a battle against the Spokane Shock Saturday April 26th at 7:30pm est.