***Storm Press Release***
San Antonio, TX – The Tampa Bay Storm defeated the San Antonio Talons, Friday evening by a score of 48-45. The game saw the Storm mount a furious comeback in the second half that ended with a game-winning touchdown reception by Amarri Jackson with just four seconds left on the clock. The Storm has started the season off with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2008.
The Storm started off slow scoring only 14 points in the first half; but that would change starting in the third quarter with the team mounting a comeback. The second half was ignited by a Michael Lindsey kick return. He would finish the night with 140 kickoff return yards. This was Lindsey’s second 100+ kickoff return yard game of the season and 27th of his career.
The Storm clinched the game on a 12-yard reception by Amarri Jackson. He finished the game with 11 receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard engineered the final drive and would finish the game completing 21-of-38 passes for 265 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Storm’s defense was the story of the night, forcing San Antonio into several mistakes late in the game helping propel the team to a win. Storm defensive back Chris Smith collected two interceptions on the night. He now has three on the season and 11 for his career.
San Antonio got off to a quick start with a 35-yard touchdown reception by DJ Stephens. He would reel in five passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns. The team’s offense was led by quarterback Mitch Mustain. Mustain completed 13 passes for 138 yards and onetouchdown. He would split the time with Marcus Jackson who went 5-for-12 for 56 yards and one touchdown.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Total
Tampa Bay Storm 0 14 13 21 48
San Antonio Talons 14 10 7 14 45
1st Quarter
SAT – DJ Stephens 35-yard reception (Garrett Lindholm good)
SAT – Mitch Mustain 1-yard rush (Garrett Lindholm good)
2nd Quarter
TAM – Justin Hilton 26-yard reception (Carlos Lopez good)
SAT – Garrett Lindholm 23-yard field goal
TAM – Andrew Helmick 19-yard reception (Carlos Lopez good)
SAT – Mykel Benson 2-yard rush (Garrett Lindholm Good)
3rd Quarter
TAM – Andrew Helmick 7-yard reception (Carlos Lopez no good)
SAT – Jamar Ransom 19-yard interception return (Garrett Lindholm good)
TAM – Amarri Jackson 12-yard reception (Carlos Lopez good)
4th Quarter
TAM – Justin Hilton 29-yard reception (Carlos Lopez good)
TAM – Amarri Jackson 16-yard reception (Carlos Lopez good)
SAT – DJ Stephens 36-yard reception (Garrett Lindholm good)
SAT – Kelvin Rodgers 22-yard interception (Garrett Lindholm good)
TAM – Amarri Jackson 12-yard reception (Carlos Lopez good)
Statistical Leaders:
Passing (C-A-INT-Yds-TD)
TAM – Randy Hippeard (21-38-4-265-7)
SAT – Mitch Mustain (13-24-1-138-1); Marcus Jackson (5-12-1-56-1)
Rushing: (Att-Yds-TD)
TAM – Dexter Jackson (3-5-0)
SAT – Mykel Benson (6-14-1); Marcus Jackson (2-4-0); Mitch Mustain (1-1-1); PJ Berry (1-3-0)
Receiving: (Rec-Yds-TD)
TAM – Amarri Jackson (11-113-3); Justin Hilton (7-95-2); Andrew Helmick (3-57-2)
SAT – PJ Berry (9-66-0); D.J. Stephens (5-85-2); Robert Quiroga (4-43-0)
KO Returns: (No.-Yds-TD)
TAM – Michael Lindsey (6-140-0)
SAT – D.J. Stephens (3-39-0); Brent Holmes (2-25-0)
Post-Game Awards:
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Marcus Jackson, SAT
Riddell Defensive Player of The Game: Jamar Ransom, SAT
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of The Game: Justin Hilton, TAM
Cutters Catch of The Game: DJ Stephen’s 4th quarter touchdown, SAT
AFL Highlight of The Game: Kelvin Rodgers 4th quarter INT for touchdown, SAT