Rematch in the ‘Ville: Storm and Kings Kick Off Week 3
by Ethan Berch
ARLINGTON, TX – April 7, 2026 – After clashing just six days prior, the Storm and Kings are set to kick off Week Three on Friday night. Orlando took round one in a defensive battle, 19-9.
Storylines to Watch:
The biggest storyline for the Louisville Kings through two weeks has been their inability to run the football. They have averaged just 36 rushing yards per game so far.
That lack of a run game has created a ripple effect across the offense. There’s no balance, no ability to stay ahead of the chains, and no real way to protect the quarterback. If that doesn’t change, Orlando can sit back in coverage and let the pass rush eat, which consistently generated pressure with just four rushers in the first meeting.
Head coach Anthony Becht and the Storm did a great job dictating the pace. They controlled 33:29 of the clock and ran 62 plays compared to Louisville’s 50. They sustained drives and kept the Kings’ offense off the field.
If Louisville wants their revenge, they have to extend drives, flip the possession margin, and avoid three-and-outs. They converted just 3-of-12 third downs in the first matchup.
Despite Orlando controlling most of the game, Louisville’s defense held up in key moments. The Storm went just 4-of-14 on third down and 1-of-4 on fourth, keeping the game within reach. The difference, however, was Orlando’s ability to create explosive plays.
Quarterback Jack Plummer connected with KJ Hamler on a deep touchdown and hit Elijah Bader for another, the difference in a tight game. Orlando generated explosive plays, while Louisville had nothing over the top all night.
For the Kings, that has to change. They need at least two or three explosive plays, otherwise they’re stuck trying to grind out drives, which they haven’t shown they can do consistently.
It will also be worth watching what Louisville does at quarterback. After Jason Bean took every snap in Week One, Bean and Chandler Rogers split time last week.
Rogers looked solid, going 13-of-20 for 152 yards, but threw an interception. Bean, meanwhile, went 4-of-15 for just 49 yards. Neither quarterback was able to find a rhythm, and it showed in a stalled offense.
Louisville also came up empty in the red zone, another area that has to improve in what figures to be a low-possession game.
Lastly, the discipline gap mattered more than it may have appeared. Louisville committed nine penalties in the contest. In a game like this, that’s a significant hit. Cleaning that up alone could swing things by 3-7 points.
X-Factor:
Last week’s contest wasn’t a fluky 10-point win, it was structural control by Orlando.
For Louisville, it starts with finding any level of consistency on the ground to bring balance back to the offense as they search for their first victory. For Orlando, it’s about repeating the formula while tightening up in late-down situations en route to a 3-0 start.