VooDoo and Tampa Bay Storm Battle on Net 10 NFL Network Game of the Week Friday

The New Orleans VooDoo (1-2) will host the Tampa Bay Storm (2-1) this Friday, April 6, in the Graveyard at 7:00 p.m., as they look to build on to end the curse in The Graveyard. The game will be televised nationally by NFL Network as the NET 10 Game of the Week.
The VooDoo collected their first victory of the season on Saturday, as they defeated the Utah Blaze on the road, 72-57. Kurt Rocco set new career and franchise records with his 373 yards passing and 9 touchdowns. Rocco has now passed for over 300 yards in all three games this season.
Greg Ellingson's breakout season continued, as he hauled in 11 catches for 167 yards and four touchdowns - all new career marks.
"Last week was a good win and confidence builder for our team," said O'Hara. "Our opponent this week (Tampa Bay) is another really good and disciplined team. It is also a rivalry game and will be on NFL Network, which makes the stakes even higher."
The VooDoo trailed 44-40 midway through the 3rd quarter when an 8-yard touchdown pass from Rocco to Ellingson put the team up for good. The Blaze cut the lead to 60-57 early in the fourth quarter, but Utah's final three drives ended with VooDoo interceptions.
In all, the VooDoo turned the Blaze over 7 times, with 5 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles. Linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson hauled in 3 of those errant passes, and was subsequently named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, the League office announced on Tuesday.
As the VooDoo return home this Friday looking to end a 12-game home losing streak, Rocco, Ellingson and the New Orleans aerial attack will have their work cut out for them, as the Storm come to New Orleans boasting the league's fourth best pass defense, allowing an average of just 244 yards passing per game.
The VooDoo counters the Storm with the league's top-ranked offense and second ranked passing attack. All eyes will certainly be glued to the field when Tampa's defense attempts to slow the VooDoo offense, which has steadily improved each week.
"We have steadily gotten better, but we are not where we need to be," added O'Hara. "Our team has prepped all week knowing that Tampa Bay is a tough divisional opponent, and we are going to need another strong performance from our team."

AFL Strike Update: Pittsburgh, Orlando Fire Players Before Kickoff

Players for the Pittsburgh Power reportedly got the news during their pre-game meal Friday: they were all fired mere hours before the season kickoff against the Orlando Predators.
Players for the Predators were also fired, as the league took preemptive action to the threat of a strike by the AFL players union.
Current Pittsburgh Power kicker Taylor Rowan, confirmed the news on his Facebook wall:
"PITTSBURGH POWER OWNER JUST CAME IN AND FIRED EVERY PLAYER DURING PREGAME MEAL! THEY THOUGHT WE WERE GONNA STRIKE! AFL players union... you know what to do! Good luck AFL! Fans I hope you have our back!"
Bright House Sports Network in Central Florida reported the league's opening game at the Amway Center, which was scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. on NFL Network, would go on with replacement players.
The players union officially went on strike at 3 p.m. (ET), two-and-a-half hours before kickoff.
The AFL players union is asking the league for more money for its players. Currently, the players make $400 per game, with an added $50 if they win. The union asked for $1,000 per game, but reportedly was willing to take $850.
The league has kept silent during the negotiation. Most front offices released the following statement Friday:
"The Arena Football League is choosing not to discuss labor matters publicly at this time in the hopes that we can come to an accord with the union. We will continue delivering the same exciting brand of football action that we have for the last 24 seasons and we hope that the union allows the players to do the same."

AFLi Returns to "Net10 Arena Football Friday" Broadcasts

Arena Football fans will once again have the opportunity to have their questions answered by players and coaches live during "NET10 Arena Football Friday" broadcasts on NFL Network, as AFLi will return for its second season, the League office announced today.
"The 25th season of the Arena Football League is the 'Year of the Fan,''' NFL Network personality and AFL Vice President of Broadcasting, Communications and Branding said. "Last season, we received an extremely positive response from fans interacting with players and coaches during NFL Network broadcasts. We are excited to bring this feature back for the 2012 season."
When the AFLi logo appears during each NFL Network broadcast of "NET10 Arena Football Friday," fans may submit questions for players and coaches to the League's twitter handle, @AFLarenaball, using the hashtag #AFLi, or via the Official Arena Football League's Facebook page.
AFLi kicks off the 2012 season on Friday, March 9 at the Hall of Fame game in Orlando, Florida, where the Predators play host to the Pittsburgh Power, live on NFL Network's "NET10 Arena Football Friday." Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET with pregame coverage beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network.