One of the fiercest rivalries in the history of the Arena Football League, the War on I-4 between the Tampa Bay Storm and the Orlando Predators, is set for the first cross-state matchup of the season this Saturday, March 29, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida.

Both the Predators and the Storm are seated at the top of the American Conference with a 2-0 record.

The last game for both organizations proved to be a test of will and perseverance with both teams coming out victorious after being down in the first half.

Orlando quarterback Jason Boltus threw for 285 yards scoring six touchdowns, and running it in for three more.

Boltus also holds the teams only rushing touchdowns with 52 yards for 5 scores on the ground.

Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard also played a good game completing 21-of-38 passes for 265 yards and seven touchdowns last week.

The War on I-4 started in 1991 with the Predators coming out on top 51-38. Since then the teams have 52 all-time meetings with the record at a stalemate of 26-26.

Orlando won the last matchup between the two teams during the 2013 season 55-48.

“I think if we can get this rivalry back on track,” Said Predators head coach Rob Keefe. “I think it would do wonders for the national circuit and I think it would do wonders for the league.

“I think coach Samuels and Derick Brooks are doing an excellent job putting a team together so this is the first of many, I hope we come out victorious but there are steps to take. The War on I-4 is gonna mean a lot more this year because both teams are gonna be damn good.”

Kickoff at the Tampa Bay Times Forum is set for 7 p.m. this Saturday March 29.

(Taken from March 26, 2014 issue)