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Storm faces Philadelphia trying to forget tough loss

 
Published May 23, 2015

TAMPA — Tampa Bay dominated Orlando in every fashion for 50 minutes last weekend. But those last 10 minutes proved the Storm's undoing as Tampa Bay blew a 21-point fourth-quarter lead and lost in overtime to the rival Predators 63-62 in a game that will go down as one of the War on I-4's most entertaining.

Up next, first-place Philadelphia.

The Storm (3-4) tries to put last week in the rearview mirror at 7:30 tonight when it hosts the American Conference-leading Soul (7-1) at Amalie Arena.

"The focus on this week will be finishing," Storm coach Lawrence Samuels said. "That's something we obviously didn't do (against Orlando)."

Terrence Moore took a tipped pass back 26 yards for a score to cut the Storm lead to 55-47 with just over a minute to play to give the Predators hope. But Phillip Barnett went up high to snag the onside kick and it appeared the Storm would run out the clock for the win.

"We missed some opportunities to put the game away," Samuels said.

On first and goal, QB Jason Boltus gained 2 yards and Orlando called a timeout. But on the next two plays, Boltus didn't get past the line of scrimmage and if the ball isn't advanced in the final minute of a half, the clock stops.

"I never really second guess myself," Samuels said of the series of play calls. "It all comes down to execution."

On fourth and goal, Craig Peterson missed left on a 20-yard field goal attempt and Orlando took over with 28 seconds to play. The Predators drove down the field, scored and converted the two-pointer to tie it at 55 with five seconds to play. Tampa Bay scored first in the overtime but the Predators answered with a touchdown and a two-point conversion for the win.

"We'll learn from this," Samuels said. "The guys seemed to get over it pretty quick. They understand what happened."

Hovan update: Storm defensive coordinator and former Bucs defensive lineman Chris Hovan has been placed on suspension following his arrest last week in Odessa on a misdemeanor charge of driving while under the influence.

"Coach Hovan has been suspended from his coaching duties by the team, which is supported by the league," media relations manager Ben Shotten said. "He and his family are handling this matter privately."

The team and the league refused to comment on the length of Hovan's suspension. Hovan, 37, was not on the sideline last week against Orlando. Samuels, the team's offensive coordinator, said he will also handle the defensive calls moving forward.

Toliver climbs: Lost in last week's loss was a milestone for T.T. Toliver. The veteran wideout caught 10 balls for 104 yards and four touchdowns, moving past Samuels into second place on the AFL's all-time receptions list with 1,036. Damian Harrell holds the career reception mark at 1,164.