Fargo, ND - The Sioux Falls Storm (0-5) faced a formidable challenge in the inaugural Fargo Gridiron Classic against the Massachusetts Pirates (5-1) on Saturday night, delivering an intense matchup inside Scheels Arena. Despite a valiant effort, the Storm fell short against the Pirates with a final score of 43-38.
 
Storm quarterback Billy Hall led the offensive charge, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities, finishing the night 9-for-16 passing for 85 yards and three touchdowns. Hall finished the night as the leading rusher with 78 yards on 17 carries, including two rushing scores. Wide Receiver Kentrez Bell proved instrumental in the Storm's offensive efforts, hauling in four catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns.
 
However, adversity struck early for the Storm as running back Xavier Jackson left the game in the 1st quarter due to a lower leg injury. In his absence, Bryson Denley stepped up admirably, contributing 29 rushing yards on eight carries.
 
On the defensive side, linebacker Amin Black returned to the Storm lineup with authority, leading the team with 10 total tackles, including one tackle for loss. Defensive backs Kendricks Gladney Jr. and Cedrick Williams showcased their ball-hawking skills, each securing an interception for the Storm defense.
 
Despite their resilient performance, penalties continued to plague the Storm, totaling 12 penalties for 76 yards, hindering their momentum throughout the game.
 
The Massachusetts Pirates capitalized on their opportunities despite missing key starters. Backup quarterback Connor Degenhardt stepped in admirably for Alejandro Benifield, delivering a solid performance with 163 passing yards and four touchdowns. Running back Jimmie Robinson led the Pirates' ground game with 44 yards and two touchdowns, while Thomas Owens and Teo Redding contributed significantly to the Pirates' offensive firepower.
 
Defensively, the Pirates' relentless pursuit resulted in four sacks on Storm quarterback Billy Hall. Calvin Bundage led the charge with 10 tackles, while Julius Turner recorded two sacks, contributing to a dominant defensive performance.
 
The Pirates also faced challenges with penalties, committing 19 penalties for 126 yards, highlighting areas for improvement for both teams.
 
Looking ahead, the Sioux Falls Storm will return to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on Friday, May 3rd, to battle the Green Bay Blizzard at 7:05 PM CT.
 
In partnership with Lucasfilm and presented by Levo Credit Union, the Storm proudly announced the launch of a special auction featuring Star Wars-themed jerseys to benefit Operation Hope & Caring. These unique jerseys will be worn by the Storm players during their May 3rd game, with all net proceeds going directly to Operation Hope & Caring, an organization dedicated to enriching experiences for students in the Sioux Falls School District.
 
Fans can bid on these one-of-a-kind jerseys through the DASH auction platform until the end of the 3rd quarter of the May 3rd game. Additionally, fans have the option to purchase a Storm Star Wars Jersey at a "Buy It Now" price of $400 until 9:00 PM CT on Thursday, May 2nd.
 
Tickets for Operation Hope & Caring Night presented by Levo Credit Union on May 3rd, 2024, are available for purchase at the KELOLAND Box Office inside the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center or online at Ticketmaster.com.
 
For more information about Operation Hope & Caring or to make a charitable donation, please visit Operation Hope & Caring.