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Thunder Head to Spokane in Control of Destiny

July 22, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


PORTLAND - Following an uplifting outing against the AFL's best, the Portland Thunder (4-11, 1-4) travel to Spokane this Saturday, taking on the northwest rival Shock (5-10, 1-4) for the third and final time in 2015. Kickoff is set for 7:00PM from the Spokane Arena. Fans can listen on Freedom 970 AM starting at 6:30pm, and also watch live on CSNNW, or stream via ESPN3.

The Thunder came closer than nearly every other team in the AFL to knocking off the 15-1 San Jose SaberCats last week, falling 55-49 in an overtime thriller. The franchise' first ever OT was set up through a Frank Trotter field goal block with 00:01 remaining in the fourth quarter to keep things knotted a 49. The Thunder led by 20 at two different points of the first half, and were the first team to shut out San Jose in the first quarter all season.

"We probably played better against San Jose than we did in the win against Jacksonville," head coach Mike Hohensee said, when asked about the Thunder's recent form. "You have to play near perfect to beat a team like (San Jose), and we came close. This team is getting better."

Last time out, Thunder QB Kyle Rowley threw for 225 yards and five scores coming off the bench, but the surge was not enough for Portland to overcome a 21 point first quarter deficit, as they lost to Spokane in 69 to 54 decision at Moda Center on 6/21/15.

In the time since Rowley's prolific relief appearance, the Thunder offense has become a much steadier and solidified unit, averaging 270.5 yards of total offense over that four game stretch, nearly a 23 yard increase over their current season average.

The implications of this game will more than likely determine the playoff fates of both teams. At 5-10, the Shock sit one game ahead of the Thunder for the third spot in the National Conference Playoff picture. With the season series tied at one game apiece, a win for either provides the critical tiebreaker should both teams finish with the same record. The Thunder could still make the playoffs with a loss, but would need help. Portland would have to secure a win against Las Vegas in Week 19 and hope for an LA KISS or Outlaws loss at some other point in these last three weeks.

"This is a must win," Hohensee continued. "We've discussed that as a team, but we won't discuss it any further. We don't want to put any undue pressure on the team. We'll continue to prepare the same way we have prepared over the last several weeks."

The Shock enter the night riding high as well, following an upset of the three-time defending ArenaBowl champion Arizona Rattlers. Led by the play of recently activated QB Arvell Nelson, who completed 22-of-34 pass attempts for 259 yards, and four touchdowns, while adding two more rushing, combined with four turnovers from their defense, Spokane pulled out a 52-45 win over the Rattlers.

Record Watch

Thunder WR/KR Duane Brooks still sits on the verge of tying the single season kick return touchdown record. Kept out of the end-zone each of the last three games, Duane still leads the league in both return yardage and return touchdowns, with 1747 yards and six scores respectively.

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