Storm Douses Columbus Fire

NASHVILLE- Preseason games are usually no more than an exercise for teams to get ready for their season. In semi-pro football, the preseason is a time for teams to play outside of their leagues for bragging rights but more importantly for rankings across the country.

This past Saturday, the nation’s top ranked semi-pro team the Columbus Fire traveled to Nashville to take on perennial powerhouse and the sixth ranked Nashville Storm. The game was the showcase game of the week which brought attention from teams and fans from across the country. The Storm of the Gridiron Developmental Football League defeated the Fire 39-27 in a game that whichever side you were on was either closer than the score indicated or was not as close.

“We made a lot of mistakes and kept them in the game,” said Storm head coach Charles Hunter. “They jumped out on us quick but we responded. Penalties, turnovers and missed extra points kept it close. Columbus came back on us but I never felt we lost control of the game. They gave us problems with their speed. For our first game I am happy to get out of here with the win. We have a lot of work to do though.”

One thing Nashville did find was a quarterback. After winning with two rookies last year, Hunter has now turned to former Nashville Venom of indoor football QB/WR George Murray. Murray threw for six touchdowns in his first outdoor action in 10 years. The University of Cincinnati alum Murray was pressed into service because of the two quarterbacks from last season deciding not to play less than a week before this huge game. Former Storm quarterback Zach Ducker, a teammate of Murray with the Venom, helped him get up to speed.

“To be honest I didn’t think I was ready,” said Murray. “Having the receivers and the running game that we have here made it easier. Zach was a lot of help as well. In practice he was in my ear and that made me feel comfortable. I see why this team wins a lot. This is fun.”

The Fire came in with a collection of former NFL players including former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Gary Russell. Their talent on paper and them having already played a game, gave them the edge in the eyes of prognosticators. What couldn’t be measured on paper was the physicality and heart that Nashville brought to the game.

“We saw the clippings and heard the talk,” said Storm running back Keon Bohannon who rushed for over 100 yards. “Our defense took it as a challenge. We won but they are mad that the team scored 27 points. The offense is mad because we didn’t break 40 points. Heck, our kicker (Tim Brecht) is mad because we struggled on extra points. Nobody is satisfied with this win and that makes it interesting for our upcoming season.”