Shock Dominate Kiss 68-46
May 9, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane Shock vs. LA KISS
(Spokane Shock, Credit: Gary Peterson)
SPOKANE, Washington - The Shock (2-4, 0-1) returned to Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena for Week 7 Arena Football League action to host the Los Angeles KISS (0-7, 0-3) for the first time in the franchise's history on Friday, coming away with the 68-46 win in front of 7,906 fans.
The Los Angeles Kiss received the opening kickoff. After a near interception by Shock defensive back Sam Pope, the Kiss faced a third-and-nine when quarterback Matt Bassuener was able to complete a 31-yard touchdown pass to receiver Donovan Morgan to take the 7-0 lead. The Shock answered right back as Sergio Gilliam returned LA's kickoff for 52-yards to tie the game 7-7. A couple of catches for Morgan set up a two-yard rushing touchdown from Kiss Bassuener. Seven plays and 35-yards later, Shock quarterback Warren Smith connected with receiver Mike Washington for a five-yard touchdown pass, but defensive end Dominie Pittman was able to block the PAT to keep the Kiss lead at 14-13. On the ensuing Shock kickoff, receiver Nick Truesdell recovered a bar-ball on the eight-yard line and took it in for the Shock to put Spokane on top 20-14.
After ending the first quarter with a four-play drive, the LA Kiss would come back at the start of the second quarter with second- and-goal on the Shock six-yard line, but Shock defensive end James Ruffin would come up with a fumble recovery to give the ball back to the Shock. Just two plays later Smith would connect with Truesdell for 33-yards and his second touchdown of the game extending the lead to 27-14. On third-and-sixteen, Bassuener found Tom Gilson for 15-yards but would come up short of the first down. On a crucial fourth-and-one Bassneuer connected with Morgan once again for a 33-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 27-20 after a missed PAT. Following a 19-yard Smith touchdown pass to Washington, the Shock's defense would again make a big play. James Ruffin and Bryson Kelley would both take down the Kiss quarterback for a sack and forced fumble in the end zone as Micha King would recover for the score extending the Shock lead at 41-20. With 5:25 left in the half the Kiss would use the clock and drive down the field 47-yards where Bassenuer completed a pass to Thyron Lewis on third-and-six from nine-yards out to bring the Kiss back within two touchdowns at 41-27 with 35 seconds left to play in the half.
In his rookie debut, Shock quarterback Warren Smith completed 10-of-13 passes for 134 yards and three touchdowns.
Spokane would continue their strong performance as they opened the third quarter with a seven- play drive where Smith would rush in a touchdown from one-yard out. Bassuener responded, connecting with receiver Morgan for a 13-yard score to reduce the deficit to 48-33. On their own eight-yard line, Smith would complete a pass to Washington on fourth-and-twelve for a 25-yard touchdown pass, adding to the Shock lead.
With the last quarter of the game underway, Kiss quarterback Bassuener hit Gilson for a 15-yard touchdown pass while still trailing 55-40. Facing third-and-eight from their own four-yard line, Smith continued his dominant performance making a completion to Rashaad Carter for a 46-yard touchdown pass. Backup quarterback Joe Clancy entered the game for the Kiss, and after a delay of game penalty, would be faced with a fourth-and-goal on the Shock 12-yard line. Clancy was unable to put the Kiss on the board, turning the ball over on downs to the Shock. Smith took advantage of the turnover and led his team 38-eight yards to the end zone finding Washington from 12-yards out securing Spokane's lead 68-40 with two minutes left. On second-and-goal with four seconds left Clancy connected with Thyron Lewis for a 14-yard touchdown pass. The late score wouldn't be enough as time would expire and the Shock would close out the 68-46 victory.
Shock quarterback Warren Smith completed 23-of-29 pass attempts with 313 yards and seven total touchdowns. Mike Washington led the Shock receiving effort with 13 receptions for 129 yards and four touchdowns, while Rashaad Carter added six receptions for 100 yards and one score. The Spokane offense was perfect in the red zone, converting on all four attempts. The Shock special teams scored twice on the night, while the defense added an additional touchdown in the Shock win.
Kiss quarterback Matt Bassuener finished the night completing 25-of-39 for 307 yards and five touchdowns. Backup quarterback Joe Clancy who entered the game in the fourth quarter completed 4-of-10 passes for 60 yards and one score. Receiver Donovan Morgan led the Kiss receivers, hauling in 11 receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
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 Spokane Shock vs. LA KISS (Gary Peterson) |
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