Storm Pick Up Steam
(March 24, 2003)

Four weeks ago when we wrote about the Tampa Bay Storm, the key word was inconsistent. It was thought then that the 2-2 team "could be undefeated" and "the Storm needs to get a winning streak going." Well, the Storm is currently on a five game winning streak and tied with Orlando and Georgia for first in the AFL Southern Division. Four weeks ago we wrote, "This still could be a pretty good football team." It is beginning to look that way.

At the mid point of the Arena league season, the Storm are one of five teams with a league best 6-2 record. Two of those teams are in Tampa Bay's division, so it should be a real fight over the second half of the year. The offense is clicking and the defense has allowed a league low 41.25 points per game. There is plenty of potential in this year's team.

The last four weeks the team has exchanged inconsistent for consistent. Against Detroit the Storm got off to a big early lead, then had to hang on for a 62-60 victory. The last three weeks the team has been dominating. They scored the game's first twenty-six points against Buffalo, lead 39-6 at the half and cruised to a 52-27 victory. The War on I-4 saw Tampa Bay handle Orlando after their rival had won the first encounter. The Storm easily defeated the Predator 52-32. Yesterday, the Storm scored thirty-one unanswered points to take a 38-7 lead at Indiana and defeated the Firebirds 41-20.

John Kaleo has plenty of targets to throw to. Freddie Solomon, Lawrence Samuels, Clif Dell and David Saunders have had huge efforts in the passing game. The Storm have been able to run the ball with Basil Proctor and David White leading the rushing attack. Lead by Al Lucas, Corey Sawyer, Omarr Smith and Bj Kohen, the defense has been intercepting passes, recording sacks and scoring safeties.

It has been an interesting season for the AFL. There is a tie for first in all four divisions and only a couple of teams would appear to be out of the hunt. Attendance is up about 25 percent and the Storm have drawn in excess of 15,000 for each of the last three home games. The NBC television coverage has helped with exposure, but the Storm have been on TV only three times over the first eight weeks. Let's hope that changes over the next eight weeks.

After the early frustrations, it has been fun to follow this team over the last month. The team plays at home this Friday night against Arizona and again the following week in the first of two remaining games with Georgia. Big crowds, lopsided victories and more games on TV. As the second half of the season begins, we'll see if the Storm can keep the momentum going.