It’s billed as the war on I-4. The Orlando Predators take on their in state rival the Tampa Bay Storm in a game where winner takes bragging rights and loser takes…Well the loser just goes back home.
Orlando entered tonight’s match-up with the Storm on a two game losing streak, dropping games to the Spokane Shock and the Jacksonville Sharks. When I say drop I mean the Predators got rocked in both losses, son.
Spokane shocked Orlando 70-58 and the Sharks took a bite out of the Predators 76-55. Orlando’s defense went by way of a milk carton for two consecutive weeks and last week against Jacksonville, the squad gave up 29 unanswered points in the 2nd half.
Giving up over 140 points in two weeks is something the Magic would do in two nights against the Hawks. Wait—Too soon?
Sometimes in the arena league your best defense is a potent offense and the Predators got lost in the jungle I guess.
Tonight they were able to gain some of their mojo back against a Tampa team that has struggled and so far has failed to respond to it. The Storm entered the war with a 2 – 5 record on the year and left the Amway Center another loss down.
The Predators staved off a late charge by the Storm to take back bragging rights in a wild and crazy 63 – 61 win. Quarterback Nick Hill finished up with eight total touchdowns and one interception as Orlando improved to 5 – 3 on the season.
The Predators took control of the contest in the 2nd quarter as they scored 21 points behind a strong defensive showing and because of T.T. Toliver’s hands. The Predators stretched their lead to 28 – 14 at one point but the Storm were able to shrink the Predators lead to 7 points during one section of the 2nd quarter.
Orlando seemed to have a pretty strong grasp of the game until they eased up off of the gas in the 4th quarter. After a key turnover and a few Tampa touchdowns the Storm clawed their way back into the contest to come to within 2 points of the Predators.
But the Predators were able to protect their part of the jungle and barely hold on for a key division win.
Next week the Predators continue their home stand as they host the Cleveland Gladiators.
By Jason Henry
