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Storm to start Stafford

He gets the nod at quarterback over Scott Milanovich for tonight's game against San Jose.

By FRANK PASTOR
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 27, 2002

TAMPA -- When Shane Stafford replaced John Kaleo as the Storm's starting quarterback late last season, it was with the understanding that Kaleo would get the job back when he returned from a shoulder injury.

This time, it's Stafford's to keep.

For now, anyway.

Coach Tim Marcum on Friday named Stafford the starter for tonight's game against San Jose. He again replaces Kaleo, who sustained a season-ending knee injury in last Saturday's 51-37 loss to Toronto.

"We knew last year that when John was going to be healthy, he was definitely coming back for the playoffs and I knew my role was going to be the backup role," Stafford said.

"Now, it's changed a little bit. It's going to be more of a leadership role, it's going to be more of a starting role, and I'm going to have to step up to the challenge."

Stafford threw 13 touchdowns in three games, including two starts, after Kaleo separated his right shoulder late last season. Marcum said that experience gave Stafford an advantage over former Buc Scott Milanovich in the weeklong battle to start.

"I tried to evaluate as best I could the snaps Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and the understanding of how we're trying to implement the game plan," Marcum said. "Both of them had good practices. I just felt like Shane, with that little bit of starting experience, might have the edge."

Marcum named Milanovich the No. 2 quarterback entering the season after Stafford missed much of camp trying out for NFL Europe. But Stafford, who has a strong arm and good touch on deep passes, made important strides the past few weeks.

"I'm getting back into it," Stafford said. "I had a few snaps in Orlando in the preseason, and it was good to get that and get used to the speed of the game again."

Marcum told Milanovich about his decision after Friday's team meetings.

"I wasn't real surprised," Milanovich said. "I knew Shane had some experience, and I completely know where Coach Marcum is coming from. I've coached, and when you have a guy who has played in the league versus a guy who hasn't and you've been successful with that other guy, there's a comfort level there."

Milanovich has played in the NFL, XFL and NFL Europe but is new to the Arena League.

He turned his right ankle last week in practice and popped it again Wednesday. But he said he didn't think the injury was a factor in Marcum's decision.

"I think it was the right decision," Milanovich said. "It's a long season. There's 14 games, the playoffs, and it gives me more time to watch and learn from the sidelines and then, if I do get a chance on down the road, hopefully I'll be better prepared for it."

Marcum said his decision is not written in stone.

"We're in football, and if you stink up the place you're probably not going to be the starter next week," he said. "I think that's understood."

Stafford won't have time to get comfortable against San Jose. The SaberCats rank fifth in the league in pass defense and total defense.

"This is like throwing them straight into the fire," Marcum said. "Nobody has a better pass rush than the San Jose SaberCats. Nobody in this league."

Marcum said there are more issues to address than who plays quarterback, starting with five turnovers committed against Toronto.

"It ain't all about just the one position," Marcum said. "It's the fullback not fumbling the ball, the guys running the right routes. We've still got some guys that are making real foolish mistakes running the routes out here in practice. We've got to get that cleaned up."

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