Storm regains top spot

With 59-45 win over New York, Tampa Bay moves to 10-3, the best record in the AFL.

By TIM PARRY
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 28, 2003

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UNIONDALE, N.Y. - The Dragons played Sunday without star quarterback Aaron Garcia. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, New York could not activate Kurt Warner from its exempt list.

The two-time NFL MVP was in the broadcast booth for the third quarter of the nationally televised game, which proved a safer place.

Ironman of the game BJ Cohen sacked rookie starter Brent Petrus twice, Omarr Smith had an interception and game MVP Lawrence Samuels recovered a fumble to help the Storm win 59-45.

The victory, coupled with Dallas' 60-57 win over Los Angeles, put the Storm back in the lead for the the No.1 seed in the playoffs. Tampa Bay is 10-3, followed by Los Angeles, San Jose and division-rival Orlando at 9-4.

Garcia, the league's top-rated passer, was injured in an Easter car crash. Newsday reported Friday that Garcia was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Garcia had a blow to the head and bruises and was put on injured reserve.

"We heard through rumors late this week that Aaron might not play," Storm quarterback John Kaleo said. "It would have been a more back-and-forth game had he played. Petrus did pretty well, but obviously Aaron is the heart and soul of the team."

Kaleo threw 226 yards and six touchdowns, but his interception in the third quarter almost turned the game New York's way.

Corey Johnson picked off Kaleo in the flat and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. Though Tampa Bay dominated the first half, Johnson's touchdown shrunk the lead to 32-24.

Freddie Solomon returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to halt the rally. Because Colorado rallied to beat the Storm April 20, coach Tim Marcum said the shift was a concern: "When they returned that touchdown I was thinking, "Here we go again.' We had total control up to that point and we were able to answer."

"We had an opportunity there, but we gave up an easy touchdown," coach Todd Shell said.

Samuels returned an onside kick for a touchdown and caught five passes for 118 yards and a TD.

Tampa Bay also was aided by good field position. The Storm had drives start on the New York 17-, 14-, 5- and 6-yard line.

- Information from Times wires was used in this report.

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