The Utah Warriors ended their NIFL playoff campaign almost as quickly as it began with a 65-41 loss at the hands of the Sioux Falls Storm. Utah could not find a way to beat the Storm in front of a sellout crowd in Sioux Falls on Saturday.
Everything that went right for the Warriors in their first-round playoff win against the Tri-City Diesel went wrong in the loss against the Storm.
The Warriors proved ineffective at their passing game, one of the only redeeming factors Utah had against the high-power Storm offense.
Quarterback Doug Smith struggled to find a rhythm against the Storm defense, one of the best in the league, throwing several interceptions, including one in the end zone during the second quarter.
The Storm, having won 11 of their last 12 games, dominated the Warriors on defense, pressuring the quarterback even with the loss of their leading pass rusher, Nate Fluit, out with an infected leg.
Turnovers proved to be the difference between the two squads, with Utah giving up the ball three times to the Storm's one turnover.
The Warriors made it a close game in the second quarter, coming to within 11 of the Storm during a rally led by running back Emmett White.
Sioux Falls, however, pulled away after the half.
Justin Bivins, the Storm's starting running back, played well against the Warriors' defense, racking up more than 50 yards, including a 20-yard gallop in the second quarter for a touchdown.
Rich Fuentes, starting quarterback for the Storm, exited the game early with an unspecified injury. Ryan Williams entered after the half for the Storm and was just as effective as Fuentes, finishing with two touchdowns on the ground.
The Warriors finish the season 7-9, a game short of the Pacific Conference crown it held only a year ago.