By FRANK PASTOR, Times Staff Writer
Published April 12, 2006
TAMPA - Coach Tim Marcum doesn't want to hear about the Storm's fourth-place standing in the Southern Division or its four road trips in its final five games.
He isn't interested in the team's 15-season playoff streak, which it kept alive with 6-0 and 6-2 finishes the past two seasons.
Entering Saturday's game against Austin, which is tied with Orlando and Georgia (all 7-4) for first in the South, all Marcum cares about is beating the Wranglers.
"We've just got to do the old, "It's one at a time,' " Marcum said. "It always has been, but it's never been more important than right now."
If the season ended today, the Storm (6-5) would earn the sixth and final playoff spot in the National Conference thanks to a head-to-head tiebreaker over New York (6-5).
But Marcum knows the Storm threw away a chance to solidify its standing when it blew an eight-point lead in the final six minutes of a 52-43 loss to San Jose on Friday.
Marcum said SaberCats defensive back Omarr Smith interfered with Freddie Solomon when Smith intercepted the pass he returned 16 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 3 minutes, 23 seconds remaining.
But special teams breakdowns were equally significant, which is why the Storm worked on its kick coverage and kick returns for 15 minutes during practice on Tuesday.
By getting out of its lanes and missing tackles, the Storm allowed 116 yards on six returns, shortening the field for San Jose, which tied a league record with six rushing touchdowns.
Insufficient blocking and Demetris Bendross' east-west running combined to limit Tampa Bay to 87 yards on seven returns.
"I'm just so disappointed," Marcum said. "The rest of the league has given us an opportunity if we take care of our business to be in the position Dallas (which can clinch a playoff spot this weekend) is in. We're just not doing it."
HERE TO STAY? Peter C. "Woody" Kern will lose all control once he sells the team, but it appears likely the Storm will stay in Tampa no matter who buys it.
While it remains open to inquiries, Carr & Associates, the Tampa firm that serves as Kern's business and asset manager, has identified two potential buyers from numerous local inquiries.
"We've been assured the people are solid, sound and football people who want to keep it here," Larry Carr said. "They are the only ones we're dealing with."
Carr would not identify the interested parties, citing confidentiality.
Kern, who has owned the Storm for 12 seasons, is seeking a local buyer so he can spend more time with his family in Pilot Point, Texas.
The Bucs and Palace Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Lightning, said they are not interested in purchasing the Storm.
SIPPIO UPDATE: Coach Mike Hohensee addressed Bobby Sippio's refusal to report to Chicago during a Web chat late last week. The talented but troubled receiver/linebacker was awarded to the Rush after the Storm waived him on March 28.
"He has a young child that he needs to care for in Tampa," Hohensee said via the Web chat. "He is a single father and is concerned about moving his child up to Chicago without the proper support group to care for him. We understand the importance of family and will be as patient as possible with Bobby while he works out his situation."
HIS TIME IS NOW: Former Bucs defensive end Steve White has recovered from a lower leg cramp and is expected to make his Storm debut against Austin. He will replace Buck Gurley, who reinjured his rotator cuff.
Leroy Smith, formerly of Florida State, will replace Alphonso Roundtree at receiver/defensive back.
