Empire Escape Danger in 25-23 Road Victory
June 11, 2016 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Spokane Empire News Release
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Empire (12-2) went on the road in Week 17 of the 2016 Indoor Football League regular season and defeated the Nebraska Danger (5-9) by a final score of 25-23 at Eihusen Arena in Grand Island.
While the Spokane offense struggled throughout the night, the defense flourished in their fifth meeting with quarterback Hunter Wanket. The Empire limited Nebraska to 182 total yards of offense while causing four turnovers on the night by the way of three interceptions and one forced fumble.
The Empire were stopped on their opening possession of the game on fourth down in the red zone but responded with their first defensive stop just two players later as linebacker Nick Haag tipped a Danger pass over the middle that would then be intercepted by defensive back Adrian James. Spokane went on to convert on a 17-yard field goal before holding Nebraska to a 38-yard attempt, which they would miss. One play later, Empire quarterback Charles Dowdell and receiver Carl Sims would hook up for the first time on the night on a 45-yard touchdown pass to give Spokane the 9-0 lead in the first quarter.
The second quarter belonged to the Danger as quarterback Hunter Wanket accounted for two touchdowns (pass to Thomas, two-yard rush). The teams traded 31-yard field goals during the quarter, but the Nebraska run would give them the 16-12 lead going into the half.
Nebraska failed to convert on a 39-yard field goal attempt on their opening possession of the third quarter but was aided by their defense after recovering a Spokane fumble. One play later, Empire defensive back Tyree Robinson recorded his first of two interceptions on the night to retake possession and set up a seven-yard touchdown pass from Dowdell to receiver Diondre Borel to give Spokane the 19-16 lead.
The Danger took the lead once again with just over five minutes remaining as running back Lyle McCombs scampered 15-yards into the end zone on a screen pass. Spokane then responded as Carl Sims would haul in his second receiving touchdown on the night before defensive lineman Ben Perry would cause the final turnover of the guy via a forced fumble to allow the Empire to run out the clock and seal the 25-23 road win.
Spokane quarterback Charles Dowdell completed 19-of-32 passes on the night for 205 yards and three touchdowns. He also added eight carries for 56 yards. Carl Sims led the Empire receiving effort with six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Indoor Football League Stories from June 11, 2016
- Barnstormers Lose Road Game - Iowa Barnstormers
- Fever Slows Down After Fast Start - Tri-Cities Fever
- Empire Escape Danger in 25-23 Road Victory - Spokane Empire
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