RIGGS TO PARTICIPATE AT HUNGRY HEARTS EVENT
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - Sioux Falls Storm Head Coach Kurtiss Riggs will be doing the Dunk Tank at the Hungry Hearts event from 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 24th.
For so many children in the Sioux Falls Area School Districts, their school lunch is the one consistent meal they can
count on receiving each day. The number of kids right here in our community whose families are unable to pay for this basic necessity is surprisingly high. When parents cannot pay, the school district has to step in with an already limited budget. Funding is tight & our community’s kiddos are at risk of losing access to the one meal that consistently nourishes their little bodies. Hungry Hearts looks to help by giving Sioux Falls area children a hot meal every school day.
You can help by attending the Hungry Hearts Day at The Barrel House on August 24, 2019 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM. There will be a live auction, raffle door prizes, a bake sale and many more activities. You can also donate online at Hungry-Hearts.org, at any Great Western Bank or at The Barrel House.
For more information please visit the Hungry Hearts Facebook page.
DUKE CITY GLADIATORS JOIN IFL
Gladiators To Commence IFL Play In 2020
The Indoor Football League (IFL) is proud to announce the addition and partnership of the league’s newest team, the Duke City Gladiators.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of the Duke City Gladiators to the IFL,” stated IFL Commissioner Michael Allshouse. “The Gladiators bring a strong winning tradition to the IFL while solidifying our geographic footprint. We look forward to the intense southwestern rivalries the Gladiators will bring to the IFL and to a long and productive partnership with the team and city.”
The 2018 and 2019 CIF champions will compete as new members in the IFL’s 2020 season. The team will compete in the Tingley Coliseum.
Additional news and expansion team announcements will be revealed in the coming weeks.
STORM WIN 2019 UNITED BOWL
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm claimed their 11th National Championship after defeating the Arizona Rattlers last night in the 2019 United Bowl. The Storm won 56-53.
The Storm would strike first after a seven-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Damian Ford to take an early
7-0 lead. The Rattlers responded by scoring back to back touchdowns to take a 7-14 lead; the first was a three-yard rushing touchdown by Jarrod Harrington and then a two-yard rushing touchdown by Jamal Miles. The quarter would end with a score of 14-14 after a 40-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Brandon Sheperd.
The second quarter was a back and forth battle where the Rattlers would take a 14-21 lead after a one-yard rushing touchdown by Drew Powell. The Storm tied it up after a 11-yard rushing touchdown by Brandon Sheperd. The Rattlers would take a 21-28 lead after a 29-yard touchdown pass by Drew Powell to Anthony Amos. The Storm tied the game after a six-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown. The Rattlers would end the half with a score of 28-31 after a 31-yard field goal by Jimmy Camacho.
The Rattlers would be the first to strike in the third quarter and take a 28-38 lead after a eight-yard touchdown pass by Drew Powell to Jamal Miles. The Storm would score back to back touchdowns to take a 42-38 lead; the first was a three-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Kent Shelby and then a two-yard rushing touchdown by Calen Campbell. The Rattlers would end the quarter with a score of 42-45 after a 58-yard kickoff return Jarrod Harrington.
The Storm opened the fourth quarter by scoring back to back touchdowns to take a 56-45 lead; the first touchdown was a 26-yard pass by Lorenzo Brown to Calen Campbell and then a nine-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Kent Shelby. The Rattlers would end the game with a 11-yard rushing touchdown by Drew Powell but failed the two point conversion, bringing the final score to 56-53.
Quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed 15 passes for 200 yards and five touchdowns, he also had 19 rushing yards and one touchdown. Running back Calen Campbell had 28 yards and one touchdown, he also had 28 receiving yards and one touchdown. Wide receivers Brandon Sheperd accumulated 115 receiving yards for one touchdown and 21 rushing yards and one touchdown, Damian Ford had 38 yards and one touchdown, Kent Shelby had 19 receiving yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 30 yards. Kicker Parker Douglass was perfect on the night after hitting all eight extra points. Linebacker T.J. Neal led the Thunder Defense with eight tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one pass break-up. Defensive backs Lorenzo White had one tackle for loss while Jermaine Robinson had one pass break-up. Defensive linemen Charles Williams had 1.5 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery while Claude Davis had .5 tackle for loss.
The Sioux Falls Storm finished the 2019 season with a record of 14-3 and were also crowned the United Conference Champions. Thank you Storm Nation for a great 2019 season.
STORM LOOK TO RECLAIM UNITED BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm will travel to face the undefeated Arizona Rattlers in the 2019 United Bowl. The game will be on Saturday, July 13 with a 8:00 PM kickoff.
The Storm look to hoist the trophy for the 11th time while the Rattlers hope to hoist the trophy for the seventh time. These teams have a storied rivalry over the past three years, facing each other six times and one of those being the 2017 United Bowl. In that game the Storm lost to the Rattlers 41-50, ending the Storm’s run of six consecutive championships.
The Storm have played the Rattlers twice this season losing both games. They last played on April 27 where the Storm lost 50-63. In that game, quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed 13 passes for 208 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Running back Calen Campbell 13 yards and one touchdown. Wide receivers Damian Ford had 88 yards and three touchdowns, Brandon Sheperd had 34 yards and one touchdown and Kent Shelby had 48 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Parker Douglass made one field goal and five extra points. Defensive lineman Claude Davis lead the Thunder Defense with eight tackles and one pass break-up. Defensive backs Joseph Blount and Trey Wafford each had one pass break-up. Defensive linemen Malcolm Goines had one sack.
Thanks to Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital you can watch the Storm’s United Bowl broadcast with Rich Roste’s play-by-play by watching online through siouxfallsstorm.com and through the IFL’s Youtube channel. The live viewing party at Eastway Lounge will also have the Storm broadcast going so you can watch live with Storm Nation. The game can be heard on KELO FM 1320 AM/107.9 FM.
WATCH THE 2019 UNITED BOWL W/ RICH ROSTE ON THE CALL SAT!
2019 UNITED BOWL MEDIA DAY ANNOUNCED
Media Day To Be Held On Friday, July 12 at 4:00 PM MST/PT
The Indoor Football League (IFL) in conjunction with the Arizona Rattlers and Sioux Falls Storm, will be holding a
joint media day at 4:00 PM MST on Friday, July 12 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel and Spa regarding the 2019 United Bowl Championship game.
Coaches and select players from the Arizona Rattlers (15-0) and the Sioux Falls Storm (13-3) will be available to issue statements about the upcoming championship game and answer questions.
In addition, IFL Commissioner Michael Allshouse will be present to give opening remarks and to answer questions regarding the game.
The 2019 United Bowl presents a match-up of the top remaining seeds in the Indoor Football League playoffs as the Arizona Rattlers and the Sioux Falls Storm will face off for the IFL championship. The Arizona Rattlers will be looking to complete an undefeated season and earn their second-ever IFL championship, while the Sioux Falls Storm look to capture their seventh league title.
The United Bowl Media Day is open to all members of the media and general public.The 2019 United Bowl Championship game is scheduled for Saturday, July 13 at 6:00 PM MST in the Gila River Arena and can be watched on Fox Sports Arizona Plus and the IFL's YouTube channel.
2019 TEAM AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Arizona Rattlers Named Franchise of the Year
The Indoor Football League (IFL) is proud to announce the 2019 Team Awards for out-standing achievements during the IFL regular season.
Franchise of the Year: Arizona Rattlers
The Arizona Rattlers have been named the IFL Franchise of the Year. Selected by their peers, factors considered for achieving this award consisted of attendance, sales, public relations, marketing, on-field performance, community involvement and overall representation of the IFL.
“It all starts at the top with (Owner) Ron Shurts,” said Rattlers President Chris Presson. “Ron has set the tone throughout the organization from the outset. Kevin (Guy) and I have tried to continue to build on that and carry forward what we know he expects. Our staff on both the business side and the football side come together daily to do what’s best for the organization.”
Presson added, “Special thanks as well to the Phoenix Suns and Talking Stick Resort Arena for helping to continue to drive our business forward. Thank you as well to the In-door Football League and our partners who strive everyday to get better.”
The Rattlers organization continues to build a sterling example of success on and off the field. This season the Rattlers averaged about 15,000 fans per game and will advance to their second United Bowl championship in three years.
Executive of the Year: Jeff Lamberti – Iowa Barnstormers
Iowa Barnstormers Owner Jeff Lamberti has been named the 2019 IFL Executive of the Year.
“I am honored to receive this award given all the outstanding owners and business executives we have in this league,” said Lamberti. I am pleased we are in a position to grow the league and make this the premier indoor football league in the country.”
Lamberti helped guide the Barnstormers to their first-ever championship last season and a third consecutive United Conference Championship this season. Under Lamberti’s lead-ership the the Iowa Barnstormers continue to be a beacon of success on and off the field.
Best Fan Base: Arizona Rattlers
For a third consecutive season, the Arizona Rattlers have the IFL's Best Fan Base. The award is given to the team with the fans that show the most enthusiasm, energy, and over-all appreciation for their team. Fans at the "Snake Pit" show up and create a raucous environment for each and every home game.
Best Game Operations: Green Bay Blizzard
The Green Bay Blizzard have been awarded Best Game Day Operations. The Blizzard pride themselves in putting on a great show for their home fans, constantly creating the most interactive and innovative on-field promotions. This season, the Blizzard held a variety of theme and giveaway nights and even held a post-game laser show to help make the Resch Center one of the most entertaining venues in the IFL.
Best Cheerleader/Dance Team: Arizona Rattlers
The Arizona Rattlers have earned the Best Cheerleader/Dance Team award in 2019. The "Sidewinders" continue to establish themselves as one of the preeminent dance teams in all of indoor football. The award is based on talent, attractiveness, uniforms and crowd interaction.
Community Relations Award: Quad City Steamwheelers
The Community Relations award is presented to the team that best exemplifies outstanding service to their community. The Quad City Steamwheelers continue to distinguish themselves as leaders in the Quad City area with their support of a variety of community programs.
Hospitality Award: Sioux Falls Storm
The Sioux Falls Storm have earned the Hospitality Award in 2019. The hospitality award is given to the team that provided the best overall experience for the visiting team while on the road. The Storm earned the award as the team was judged to have the best host hotel, pre- and post-game meals and other accommodations that exceeded expectations.
Best Website/Social Media: Cedar Rapids River Kings
The Cedar Rapids River Kings have been awarded Best Website/Social Media in 2019. After rebranding in the offseason, the River Kings earn the award based on a variety of factors such as aesthetics, ease of use, up-to-date information, content and fan interaction.
Best Mascot: Green Bay Blizzard
The Best Mascot of the 2019 season goes to the Green Bay Blizzard. No stranger to this award, Bruiser along with his nephews Blizz and Bling bring an unbridled excitement to every home game as well as the community. The Green Bay mascots were named the most creative, energetic and talented mascots in the IFL.
Best Media Relations: Tucson Sugar Skulls
The Tucson Sugar Skulls have been awarded Best Media Relations. A first-year organization, the Sugar Skulls earned this distinction based on their media involvement, press releases, game notes, articles, media guides and overall content.
Best Game Broadcast: Iowa Barnstormers
The Iowa Barnstormers have been awarded Best Game Broadcast. The Barnstormers earned the designation based on their game direction, graphics, in-game commentators, storylines and appearance.
The 2019 United Bowl Championship kicks off on Saturday, July 13 at 6:00 PM MST/PT at the Gila River Arena between the Sioux Falls Storm and the Arizona Rattlers. The 2019 United Bowl can be viewed live on the IFL's YouTube channel!
2019 ALL-IFL TEAMS ANNOUNCED
Arizona Rattlers Lead Way with Nine Selections
The Indoor Football League (IFL) is proud to announce the 2019 All-IFL First andSecond Team Selections.
The Arizona Rattlers lead the way with nine selections to the All-IFL list followed by the Iowa Barnstormers with six selections.
The Arizona Rattlers finished the 2019 regular season with an undefeated 14-0 record and have advanced to the 2019 United Bowl championship. After a distinguished season, Arizona has a league-high nine players were selected with All-IFL recognition. OL La-mar Mady and C Steven Gurrola paved the way for the Arizona Rattlers to lead the IFL in rushing yards and have been named First Team All-IFL Selections. On defense, DL Nikolaus D’Avanzo, DB Davontae Merriweather and DB Allen Chapman were honored with First-Team accolades. K Jimmy Camacho was named the First-Team All-IFL Kicker. WR Jarrod Harrington, DL Lance McDowdell, DB Dillion Winfrey were named to the Second Team All-IFL list.
A year after being named IFL Champions, the Iowa Barnstormers finished this season’s campaign with a 12-2 record and a third consecutive United Conference championship appearance. The deadly combination of QB Daquan Neal and WR Ryan Balentine helped both earn First Team All-IFL recognition. DB Tyrell Pearson tied for the league lead in interceptions and also earned First Team recognition. OL Demarious Loving, C Oliver Lumpkin, and LB Treyvon Williams were named as Second Team selections.
After advancing to their seventh consecutive Intense Conference Championship, the Ne-braska Danger had four players named to the All-IFL list. After leading the IFL in sacks in 2019, DL Chris Martin earned First Team recognition. RB Davonte Sapp-Lynch, DL D’Vonn Brown and DB Brandon Roe were named to the Second Team.
In their first season of IFL play, the Quad City Steamwheelers had one of the most exciting offenses in the league. WR Quinton Pedroza and WR Keyvan Rudd become the first wide receiver duo in IFL history to both earn First Team honors. The duo combined for 1,842 receiving yards and 42 touchdowns this season. QB E.J Hilliard and DB Danzel McDaniel earned Second Team honors.
Four teams each placed three players on the All-IFL teams this season.
In a season where the Green Bay Blizzard returned to the playoffs for the first time in seven years, DL Silverberry Mouhon and DB Bakari Triggs earned First Team recognition. OL Vincent Calhoun was named to the Second Team. The Sioux Falls Storm had incredibly consistent play from several members this season as the team advances to their tenth United Bowl. OL Forrrestal Hickman anchored the Storm’s vaunted offensive line and earned First Team recognition. WR Brandon Sheperd and DL Claude Davis were named Second Team selections.
The IFL’s two first-year teams in the San Diego Strike Force and the Tucson Sugar Skulls each earned three selections. After rushing for 711 yards and 21 touchdowns, Tuc-son RB Mike Jones was named as a First Team selection. Defensively, LB Zach Allen was also named a First Team selection for the Sugar Skulls while DB Dee Maggitt Jr. was named to the Second Team. After leading the IFL in all-purpose yards, San Diego WR/KR Marques Rodgers was named as the First Team Kick Returner. Rodgers was also named to the Second Team as a Wide Receiver. K Ernesto Lacayo was named as the Sec-ond Team selection at Kicker.
Bismarck Bucks KR William Gibbs was named as the Second Team All-IFL selection at Kick Returner.
FULL LIST OF FIRST AND SECOND TEAM ALL-IFL PLAYERS BELOW
First Team All-IFL Offense
Quarterback : Daquan Neal (Iowa)
Running Back : Mike Jones (Tucson)
Wide Receiver : Ryan Balentine (Iowa)
Wide Receiver : Quinton Pedroza (Quad City)
Wide Receiver : Keyvan Rudd (Quad City)
Offensive Line : Lamar Mady (Arizona)
Center : Steven Gurrola (Arizona)
Offensive Line : Forrestal Hickman (Sioux Falls)
First Team All-IFL Defense
Defensive Line : Chris Martin (Nebraska)
Defensive Line : Nikolaus D’Avanzo (Arizona)
Defensive Line : Silverberry Mouhon (Green Bay)
Linebacker : Zach Allen (Tucson)
Defensive Back : Davontae Merriweather (Arizona)
Defensive Back : Tyrell Pearson (Iowa)
Defensive Back : Allen Chapman (Arizona)
Defensive Back : Bakari Triggs (Green Bay)
First Team All-IFL Special Teams
Kicker : Jimmy Camacho (Arizona)
Kick Returner : Marques Rodgers (San Diego)
Second Team All-IFL Offense
Quarterback : E.J Hilliard (Quad City)
Running Back : Davonte Sapp-Lynch (Nebraska)
Wide Receiver : Brandon Sheperd (Sioux Falls)
Wide Receiver : Jarrod Harrington (Arizona)
Wide Receiver : Marques Rodgers (San Diego)
Offensive Line : Demarious Loving (Iowa)
Center : Oliver Lumpkin (Iowa)
Offensive Line : Vincent Calhoun (Green Bay)
Second Team All-IFL Defense
Defensive Line : Claude Davis (Sioux Falls)
Defensive Line : Lance McDowdell (Arizona)
Defensive Line : D’Vonn Brown (Nebraska)
Linebacker : Treyvon Williams (Iowa)
Defensive Back : Brandon Roe (Nebraska)
Defensive Back : Dillion Winfrey (Arizona)
Defensive Back : Dee Maggitt Jr. (Tucson)
Defensive Back : Danzel McDaniel (Quad City)
Second Team All-IFL Special Teams
Kicker : Ernesto Lacayo (San Diego)
Kick Returner : William Gibbs (Bismarck)
STORM TAKE DOWN REIGNING CHAMPIONS
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm played the Indoor Football League’s reigning champions Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday, June 29 in the United Conference Championship. The Storm won their 15th Conference Championship after defeating the Iowa Barnstormers 52-50.
The Barnstormers would be the first to score after a 18-yard touchdown pass by Daquan Neal to Jazeric Peterson to take a 0-6 lead. The Storm would tie up the game after a one-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown. The Barnstormers would end the quarter with a 6-13 lead after a five-yard rushing touchdown by Malik Brown.
The Barnstormers would extend their lead to 6-20 after a 13-yard touchdown pass by Daquan Neal to Malik Brown. The Storm answered with a five-yard touchdown by Lorenzo Brown to Kent Shelby to cut the lead to 13-20. The Barnstormers came back to extend their lead 13-27 after a three-yard rushing touchdown by Ryan Balentine. The Storm answered with a 22-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Damond Powell to bring the score to 19-27. The Barnstormers answered with a 16-yard touchdown pass by Daquan Neal to Jazeric Peterson to take a 19-34 lead. The Storm ended the quarter with a 25-34 deficit after a two-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown.
The Storm would cut the lead to 31-34 after a three-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown to start the third quarter. The Barnstormers ended the quarter with a 31-41 lead after a four-yard rushing touchdown by Daquan Neal.
The Barnstormers extended their lead to 31-44 after a 20-yard field goal by Nathan Criswell to start the fourth quarter. The Storm scored back-to-back-to-back touchdowns to take a 52-44 lead; the first touchdown was a 39-yard pass by Lorenzo Brown to Damian Ford, next a 11-yard pass by Lorenzo Brown to Brandon Sheperd and then a 31-yard pass by Lorenzo Brown to Damian Ford. The Barnstormers would end the game after a one-yard touchdown pass by Ryan Balentine to Connor Hollenbeck and a failed two-point conversion, bringing the score to 52-50.
Quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed 15 passes for 208 yards and five touchdowns. He also had three rushing touchdowns. Wide receivers Damian Ford tallied 144 yards for two touchdowns, Kent Shelby had 22 yards and one touchdown, Damond Powell had 22 yards and one touchdown and Brandon Sheperd had 11 yards for one touchdown. Kicker Parker Douglass made four extra points. Defensive back Trey Wafford led the Thunder Defense with 10 tackles and one pass break-up. Defensive lineman Charles Williams had one pass break-up. Defensive back Joseph Blount had one fumble recovery.
The Sioux Falls Storm advance to their 10th consecutive United Bowl where they will face the undefeated Arizona Rattlers on Saturday, July 13. Kickoff is set for 8:05 PM.
STORM LOOK TO DEFEAT REIGNING CHAMPIONS
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The #3 seeded Sioux Falls Storm will travel to face the #2 seeded Iowa Barnstormers in the
second round of playoffs on Saturday, June 29. Kickoff is set for 7:05 PM.
The Storm look to reach the United Bowl for a tenth consecutive season but the road goes through the Indoor Football League’s reigning champions, the Iowa Barnstormers.
The Storm have played the Barnstormers twice this season with each team taking one win on their home turf. They last played on June 8 where the Storm lost 45-55. In that game, quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed 13 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown along with two interceptions. Brown also had 110 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Running back Calen Campbell had six rushing yards for one touchdown and 15 receiving yards. Wide receivers Damian Ford had 62 yards and one touchdown, Kent Shelby had 44 yards and Brandon Sheperd had 30 yards. Kicker Parker Douglass made one field goal and four extra points. Defensive lineman Charles Williams lead the Thunder Defense with nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass break-up. Defensive back Trey Wafford had eight tackles and one tackle for loss. Linebacker T.J. Neal had seven tackles.
You can cheer for the Storm by watching online through siouxfallsstorm.com, listening to Rich Roste on KELO - 1320 AM/107.9 FM or by going to the live viewing party at Eastway Lounge.
STORM FANS GET YOUR TICKETS FOR IOWA GAME
Saturday, June 29th
7:05pm @ Iowa Barnstormers
Storm Fans can purchase tickets in the Storm section by clicking here
STORM SURVIVE SUGAR SKULLS
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm moved to 12-3 after defeating the Tucson Sugar Skulls 50-47 on Sunday, June 23.
The Sugar Skulls would be the first to score to take an early 0-6 lead after Jake Medlock Shaquan Curenton for a 14-yard touchdown. The Storm answered with a two-yard rushing touchdown by Calen Campbell and a successful extra point by Parker Douglass, giving the Storm a 7-6 lead.
The Storm would be the first to score in the second quarter after a two-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown, giving the Storm a 13-7 lead. The Sugar Skulls take a 13-14 lead after a 31-yard touchdown pass by Jake Medlock to Jarid Brown and then a one-point rouge after stopping the Storm from getting the kickoff out of the end zone. The Storm would re-take a 20-14 lead after a five-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown. The Sugar Skulls would end the half with all 20-21 lead after an eight-yard touchdown pass by Jake Medlock to Jarid Brown.
The Storm took an early 23-21 lead in the third quarter after a 28-yard field goal by Parker Douglass.The Sugar Skulls would re-take a 23-28 lead after a 30-yard touchdown pass by Jake Medlock to Jeremiah Harris. The Storm would score on back to back drives to take a 36-28 lead at the end of the quarter; the first score was a 12-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Damian Ford and then a one-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown.
The Sugar Skulls would be the first to score in the fourth quarter after a six-yard touchdown pass by Jake Medlock to Jeremiah Harris to bring the score to 36-34. The Storm answered with a six-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown to put the Storm up 43-34. The Sugar Skulls would respond with a 12-yard touchdown pass by Jake Medlock Shaquan Curenton to bring the score to 43-41. The Storm answered with a seven-yard rushing touchdown by Calen Campbell to give the Storm a 50-41 lead. The Sugar Skulls would end the game with a two-yard rushing touchdown by Matt Behrendt and an unsuccessful two-point conversion to bring the final score to 50-47.
Quarterback Lorenzo Brown had 107 yards and one touchdown. He also had 52 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Running back Calen Campbell had 35 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Damian Ford had 43 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Parker Douglass made one field goal and five extra points. Linebacker T.J. Neal led the Thunder Defense with 10 tackles and one block. Defensive linemen Charles Williams had one sack and Malcolm Goines had 2.5 tackles for loss and one block.
The Sioux Falls Storm advance to the second round of playoffs after defeating the Tucson Sugar Skulls. The Storm will face the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday, June 29 in Des Moines for a 7:05 PM kickoff.
STORM HOST TUCSON IN FIRST ROUND OF PLAYOFFS
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The #3 seeded Sioux Falls Storm (11-3) will host the #6 seeded Tucson Sugar Skulls (7-7) in the first round of playoffs this Sunday, June 23. Kickoff is set for 3:05 PM at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. The show will start at 2:45 PM. Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital and Orthopedic Institute will serve as the presenting sponsor of the game.
The Storm will make their 18th appearance in the playoffs while trying to bring home an 11th championship. The
Storm last played the Bismarck Bucks in the 2019 regular season finale where the Storm won 65-54. In that game, quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed 12 passes for 179 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He also had 28 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Running back Nolan Saraceni had 75 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Brandon Sheperd had 71 yards and one touchdown, Damian Ford had 55 yards and two touchdowns and Kent Shelby had 41 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Parker Douglass made one field goal and eight extra points. Linebacker T.J. Neal lead the Thunder Defense with seven tackles. Defensive back Tre Dickerson had one tackle for loss, Rick Rumph had one interception and two pass break-ups, Lorenzo White had one interception and three pass break-ups and Trey Wafford had one interception. Defensive Linemen Kevin Thompson and Charles Williams had .5 sack.
The Sugar Skulls last played the Quad City Steamwheelers in the 2019 regular season finale where the Sugar Skulls won 55-50, to secure their spot in the playoffs in their inaugural season. In that game, quarterback Matt Behrendt completed 8 of 11 passes for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Behrendt and running back Mike Jones combined for 169 rushing yards with 116 coming from Jones. Wide receiver Rico Brown had 55 yards and two touchdowns. The Sugar Skulls defense had 46 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and three pass break-ups.
Individual Storm game tickets are on sale at the Premier Center Box Office or online through www.ticketmaster.com.
STORM ANNOUNCE PLAYOFF HALFTIME SHOW
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm is excited to announce the halftime show for Sunday’s playoffs game will be a concert by Denham.
Denham is a South Dakota grown pop musician that's been making some racket in the Midwest. Living in an area where Country and Rock are the predominant genres, Denham's versatility and unique sound has landed him on some of the largest stages our area has to offer. Coming off his first tour last November, Denham has seen a decent level of success despite his late start in his music career. Denham has played over 200 shows in eight different states and had his music played over half of a million times across all platforms.
“Denham is an incredible musician and showman with a growing reach and fanbase. All of which will be on display at halftime on Sunday,” said GameDay Operations Director Eric Van Beek. “We're really excited to have him as part of our team.”
See Denham live at the Sioux Falls Storm game by purchasing tickets though the Premier Center Box Office or online through www.ticketmaster.com.
STORM WIN REGULAR SEASON FINALE
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm improved to 11-3 after defeating the Bismarck Bucks 65-54 on Saturday,
June 15 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
The Storm would score first with a three-yard rushing touchdown by Nolan Saraceni to put the Storm on top 7-0. The Bucks responded with a 47-yard touchdown pass by Tasleem Wilson to Eric Lauderdale to tie the game. The Storm ended the first quarter with a 14-7 lead after Lorenzo Brown found Damian Ford for a nine-yard touchdown.
The Storm would extend their lead to 21-7 to start the second quarter after a 16-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Kent Shelby. The Bucks would cut the lead to 21-20 after scoring back to back touchdowns; first a 12-yard touchdown pass by Tasleem Wilson to Fredrick Abraham and then a one-yard rushing touchdown by Tasleem Wilson. The Storm ended the half with a 35-20 lead after scoring back to back touchdowns; first a nine-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Brandon Sheperd and then a five-yard rushing touchdown by Nolan Saraceni.
The third quarter was a back and forth battle. The Bucks were the first to strike with a 15-yard touchdown pass by Tasleem Wilson to Eric Lauderdale, cutting the lead to 35-27. The Storm answered with a 31-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Damian Ford, putting the Storm on top 42-27. The Bucks answered with a two-yard rushing touchdown by Fredrick Abraham, bringing the game to 42-33. The Storm extended their lead to 49-33 after a three-yard rushing touchdown by Nolan Saraceni. The Bucks would end the quarter with a 49-40 deficit after a 45-yard touchdown pass by Tasleem Wilson to William Gibbs.
The Storm would score on back to back drives to take a 59-40 lead to begin the fourth quarter; first a 22-yard field goal by Parker Douglass and then a two-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown. The Bucks would cut the lead to 59-46 after a 50-yard kickoff return by Fredrick Abraham. The Storm extended the lead to 65-46 after a one-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenzo Brown. The Bucks would end the game after a 50-yard kickoff return by William Gibbs, bringing the score to 65-54.
Quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed 12 passes for 179 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He also had 28 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Running back Nolan Saraceni had 75 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Brandon Sheperd had 71 yards and one touchdown, Damian Ford had 55 yards and two touchdowns and Kent Shelby had 41 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Parker Douglass made one field goal and eight extra points. Linebacker T.J. Neal lead the Thunder Defense with seven tackles. Defensive back Tre Dickerson had one tackle for loss, Rick Rumph had one interception and two pass break-ups, Lorenzo White had one interception and three pass break-ups and Trey Wafford had one interception. Defensive Linemen Kevin Thompson and Charles Williams had .5 sack.
The Sioux Falls Storm will be the #3 seed in the IFL playoffs and will host the #6 seed the Tucson Sugar Skulls on Sunday, June 23. Kickoff is set for 3:05 PM at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
STORM PREP FOR 2019 REGULAR SEASON FINALE
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media Relations
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm (10-3) will host the Bismarck Bucks (1-11) at the Denny Sanford Premier Center for a 7:05 PM kickoff on Saturday, June 15. The show will start at 6:45 PM.
Mitchell Roofing & Siding will serve as the presenting sponsor of the game. The Storm will host a Hometown Heroes Night to honor all the local first responders of our community. All first responders can receive a free ticket by going to the Premier Center Box office.
Also, thanks to A & B Business Solutions, the first 350 father’s to stop at the Fan Information Table will receive a FREE Storm Cap.
Storm kids, don’t forget to bring all of your trading cards to the fan information table on Saturday for your chance to win a Minnesota Vikings weekend getaway. Show all 7 cards and your name will be entered in to the drawing.
The Storm look to go undefeated against the Bucks this season. They last faced each other on April 6 where the Storm won 64-31. In that game, quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed nine passes for 213 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Calen Campbell tallied 110 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receivers Kent Shelby had 88 yards for two touchdowns, Brandon Sheperd had 75 yards and one touchdown while Damian Ford had 64 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive back Rick Rumph had one interception.
Tickets are still available to see the Sioux Falls Storm. Pick up your tickets at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Box Office or at ticketmaster.com.
