Storm-Preadtors, It's Still Huge
(July 3, 2000)

The "Enemy to the East" came to town to continue the "War on I-4" at the Ice Palace Saturday night. It was the twenty-fifth meeting in Arena Football's biggest rivalry and each team had won twelve of the previous encounters. The game, which ended with a 50-36 Storm victory, was everything the league's marquee match-up should be.

A rancorous crowd was treated to an exciting game. With the halftime score tied at 20, it setup a thrilling second half. The third quarter was a disaster for Tampa Bay. The home team gained just 7 yards and Orlando took a 29-20 advantage into the final period. Two John Kaleo touchdown passes later, the Storm was back in front 35-29. Orlando answered with the bomb and took a one point lead. Tampa Bay worked the clock and Andre Bowden plowed into the endzone with 56 ticks left, however, there was still time for Orlando to repeat the last minute victory they posted over the Storm in May. This time, Antoine Worthman got the Ice Palace rocking. Worthman returned an interception 18 yards for a score with 36 seconds left and it was game over. The Storm scored 30 points in the fourth quarter and posted an electrifying 50-36 victory.

The Orlando game typically draws the biggest crowd of the year and Saturday was no exception. The 14,047 in attendance, other than a spattering of Orlando fans, went home happy. Defeating Orlando is different than beating Florida, Iowa, or anyone else for that matter. By the sound of the horns blowing in the parking garage after the game, you would have thought Tampa Bay had just won the Arena Bowl. Storm flags, and the rally towels passed that night, were waved with jubilance. If you attend just one game a year, the Orlando game offers the complete entertainment package. Not to mention that victory makes it so sweet.

Before the game, the number 24 jersey of defensive specialist Tracey Perkins was retired. An original member of the Storm, Perkins is the team's all-time leader in interceptions. Jay Gruden, now the Predators head coach, is the only other Storm player to have his jersey retired. Most would agree that Stevie Thomas should be the next recipient of this distinction.

A week ago, the Storm posted its first road victory of the season. John Kaleo tied Jay Gruden's record with eight touchdown passes as Tampa Bay won 74-54 in Grand Rapids. James Bowden had three touchdown receptions, while Lawrence Samuels and Wayne Walker caught two each. The Storm scored on its first twelve possessions with the first ten being touchdowns. This game was originally scheduled for television, but when it was switched from Friday to Saturday, Sunshine Network had other commitments. While Sunshine has been good to the Storm, and Arena football in general, it would be nice to get a contract to televise all the team's road games.

Despite starting 0-3, then 1-4, the Storm is now on track to host a playoff game. The Orlando victory was the team's fourth straight and the Storm is now above .500 at 6-5. This Saturday, July 8, the regular season home schedule concludes with the Milwaukee Mustangs. After games at Nashville and Carolina, there is a good chance we will congregate at the Ice Palace for the first round of the playoffs.