A Fun Storm Season
(August 25, 2010)

It was great having the Tampa Bay Storm back in action. After the year off, it was like old times. Big crowds, the rivalry with Orlando and a trip to the Arena Bowl. It was fun.

Things did not start out that great. An opening loss to Tulsa was the beginning of a 2-3 start. Things turned around in a big way, as the Storm went on an eight game winning streak, including a win at Orlando. Losses at eventual division champion Jacksonville and at home to Orlando were part of the Storm losing two of its last three regular season games.

The Storm had nothing to play for in that regular season finale at the St. Pete Times Forum and it showed. The only excitement was when two Predators players went into the stands and mixed it up with the Storm faithful. There were conflicting stories on the incident. After an Orlando touchdown, the ball was tossed into the stands for Julius Wilson’s father. Apparently, some fan knocked the ball of his hands and there was a confrontation. Bobby Sippio and Wilson went into the stands. Both players were ejected from the game and ten fans were escorted out of the building. Obviously, players should never enter the crowd and it was an ugly incident in the rivalry. A rivalry which is likely the most intense in the history of Tampa Bay sports.

The playoffs opened where the season did and this time the Storm were ready for Tulsa. A convincing win set-up a conference final against Orlando for a trip to the Arena Bowl. It had to be Tampa-Bay-Orlando with everything on the line. The Storm had a big lead, but let it evaporate and it took a missed field goal by Orlando as time expired for the Storm to win a trip to Arena Bowl XXIII.

The title game at Spokane was not as close as the 69-57 score may indicate. The Storm fell behind early, battled back, but could not seal the deal. Quarterback Brett Dietz has some problems with consistency during the season and his three turnovers could not be overcome.

In the end it was fun. Tim Marcum was yelling at the officials. Hank Edwards, Tyrone Timmons and DeAndrew Rubin were catching TD passes. Terrence Royal was running for scores and Tim McGill was tormenting opposing Qbs. More chapters were written in the Orlando rivalry. Tampa Bay made another trip to the Arena Bowl, even if they could not win a sixth title.

Can’t wait ‘til next year!