The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

STINGRAYS running back Jamaal Storr was the subject of many offseason rumours, but he eventually returned to suit up for V-8 Fusion and led the team to a win in their season debut.

Storr rushed for 176 yards on 20 carries and one touchdown in the Stingrays’ 26-14 win over the BaOilCo Jets at the DW Davis playing field on Saturday.

Storr’s 40-yard touchdown run with just under four minutes left to play in the third quarter gave the Stingrays an 18-14 lead, their first lead since the opening quarter.

After a stagnant offensive start for both teams, the Stingrays were able to capitalise on one of three Jets turnovers on the day.

Jets’ cornerback Theo Knowles stalled a Stingrays drive with an interception in the redzone, but running back Dandron Wilson would give the ball away on a fumble two plays later.

The Stingrays would reach the scoreboard first on a quarterback sneak by Eldrith Smith for a 6-0 lead.

The Jets would respond on the ensuing possession when Philmon Rolle connected with Theran Evans on a 30-yard touchdown reception on fourth down to even the score at 6.

It was the second time in as many weeks the pair connected on a deep pass play of more than 30 yards for a score.

A high scoring opening quarter ended when fullback Jervon Culmer gave the Stingrays a 12-6 lead with a three-yard touchdown run.

Wilson’s second quarter touchdown run and following conversion gave the Jets a 14-12 lead midway through the second quarter.

The game featured three ties and three lead changes before the Stingrays were able to pull away late.

The Jets reached the redzone two drives later, and got as close as the three-yard line, but were unable to punch it in for the go ahead score.

Storr sealed the win when he broke through by the line of scrimmage for a 60-yard run, before he was stopped short at the goal line and his second score.

Smith again scored on a quarterback sneak for the game’s final touchdown.

Rolle, the Jets’ dual threat quarterback, finished 5-22 for 69 yards passing with one touchdown. He also rushed seven times for 53 yards.

Next week’s matchup is expected to feature a rematch of the 2013 Boil Fish Bowl between the Stingrays and defending champion Orry J Sands Pros scheduled for 1:30pm November 9 at DW Davis.

The Pros won the last meeting between the two (30-12) to regain the league championship.

After a dominating CAFL run of seven titles, the Pros were dethroned by the Stingrays in the 2012 Boil Fish Bowl, 24-14.

The rivalry between the two teams has intensified over the past few seasons as the Stingrays have gone 12-0 in the regular season, but the teams have split the last two championship games.

The Pros hold a 2-1 advantage over the Stingrays in the three times the teams have met in the title game in recent years.