by Two of the three new UFL Franchises did battle Friday night as the Orlando Storm defeated to visiting Columbus Aviators 23-16. Jack Plummer, the former Carolina Panther led the Storm to victory by throwing for 245 yards with a nice 128 QB rating. This was part of a 361 total yard night for the Storm as they were led in rushing by Jashaun Corbin with 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Their top threat in the air was Elijhah Badger who led all receivers with 132 yards on four receptions.
The Storm wasted no time getting on the board on their opening drive when Jashaun Corbin broke several tackles on his way to a 15 yard touchdown rumble. The score was set up earlier with a nice gain from Elijhah Badger after a rocket pass from Plummer connected.
Columbus then caught a break when the point after attempt failed as the Storm went for two. Toa Taua was the driving forced on the first Aviator possession on the night but they had to settle for a field goal from Ryan Coe from 35 yards out to cut the Storm lead in half. After a turnover on down, the Aviators remained hot and took advantage with another scoring drive. This one resulting in a 37 yard boot from Coe that tied the game at 6 apiece. The Aviators had a chance to take their first lead on the very next possession but met with disappointment at the goal line as the Storm came up with a big stop.
Plummer led the Storm on a blazing fast two minute drive to close out the half as Michael Lantz hit one of the longest kicks in league history, a mammoth 55 yarder to send the game into the break with the Storm now up 9-6.
The Storm came out of the lock room on fire and promptly marched on a seven-play, 81-yard drive with a 13-yard rushing touchdown from Corbin. His second score of the game extended the Storm lead to double digits for the first time all night. A little while later, the Storm would seemingly put the game out of reach at 23-6 when Plummer found a streaking Rowland for a 24 yard passing touchdown.
A Columbus comeback that featured another Coe field followed by a White touchdown scamper, capping off a 65 yard drive, but it was too little too late as the Storm hung on for the 23-16 victory.
Columbus will look for their first win in franchise history this Friday night as they host the DC Defenders. Plenty of tickets are still available for the game at historic Crew Stadium, or you can watch on TV on FOX.
