The Jacksonville Sharks defeated the Spokane Shock, 49-64 tonight before a sold-out crowd in Florida. Friday night's loss is only Spokane's third of the season and its first on the road. After receiving the opening kickoff, Sharks QB Aaron Garcia engineered a Jacksonville drive down to Spokane's seven yard line. The drive came to an abrupt halt when Spokane's Jeremy Geathers stripped the ball loose from Garcia that was recovered by DB William Mulder.
Spokane QB Kyle Rowley capitalized on the turnover when he connected with WR Markee White for a 22-yard touchdown strike to take an early 7-0 lead.
Garcia and the Sharks quickly recovered and tied the game with a four-play 25-yard drive that was capped off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to WR Jason Willis.
Jacksonville and Spokane continued to exchange scores until the Sharks' defense came up with a turnover of their own. With Jacksonville leading 21-14, the Sharks' defense forced a fumble that DL Jeff Littlejohn recovered and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown.
The Sharks' top-rated defense forced three more Spokane turnovers and that proved to be the difference in Friday night's contest.
Rowley, who was relieved after three quarters, finished the game with 275 yards and four touchdowns. He finished the season with 100 touchdowns passes, the most of any Shock QB in team history.
QB Brian Zbydniewski saw his first action of the season and made the most of it with 119 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Spokane's offense was highlighted by the receiving corps. WR Huey Whittaker led the team in receptions (11) while White led the team in touchdown receptions (5). Whittaker and White combined for 349 receiving yards.
Spokane finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, the best in the league. Next week, Spokane will host either the Arizona Rattlers or the Chicago Rush. If Arizona defeats Iowa tonight, Spokane will host Chicago next weekend. If Arizona losses, they will travel to Spokane for a first-round matchup.
Tickets for the game are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.
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Arena Football League Stories from July 30, 2010
• Yard Dawgz Fall To The Talons - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz• Jacksonville defeats Spokane 49-64 - Spokane Shock
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