Empire Falls to Wolves 35-21
June 25, 2016 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Spokane Empire News Release
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Empire (12-4) went on the road for their final regular season game of the 2016 Indoor Football League season and defeated the Billings Wolves (8-8) at Rimrock Auto Arena at Metra Park by a final score of 35-21.
The Empire struck first as they converted on a 37-yard field goal by kicker Pat Clarke, but would fall behind by two scores in the first quarter. The Wolves found the end zone on their opening possession via a short touchdown run by quarterback Cory Murphy and then defensive lineman B.J. Butler returned an interception 30-yards to give Billings a 13-3 advantage.
Spokane battled back in the second quarter, but three additional turnovers left them trailing 19-16 at the half.
Billings found the end zone just one minute into the third quarter as Cory Murphy connected with wide receiver Joe Morrow from 29-yards out, but the Empire blocked the point-after-attempt and returned it for two points to keep the game within one score at 25-18.
In the final quarter of play two missed field goal attempts by Spokane and their fifth turnover of the game, which was a forced fumble and 30-yard return for a score by Billings defensive back Michael Green, would be enough for the Wolves to close out the 35-21 victory.
Empire quarterback Charles Dowdell completed 14-of-29 passes for 127 yards and added four rush attempts for eleven yards. Linebackers Pasquale Vacchio and Nick Haag each took reps at running back this week and recorded rushing scores. Defensive back turned wide receiver Adrian James led the Empire receiving effort with four receptions for 42 yards.
Defensively, Tyree Robinson led Spokane with nine total tackles (six solo) while Robert Brown recorded one interception.
Billings quarterback Cory Murphy completed 10-of-17 pass attempts for 135 yards and one touchdown. He also led the Wolves rushing attack with 15 carries for 29 yards and one score. Joe Morrow led the Billings receivers with two receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown.
The Wolves defense was stellar throughout the night as they limited the Spokane offense to 1-of-10 on third down attempts and 139 yards of total offense. They also recorded three interceptions (one returned for a score) and two fumble recoveries (returned one for a touchdown).
As the regular season has come to an end, Spokane will now have two weeks off before hosting the Intense Conference Championship game on Sunday, July 17 at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena with a 4:00 p.m. PT kickoff. They will face the winner of the first round game between the Billings Wolves and Nebraska Danger. Tickets are currently on sale via TicketsWest box office locations, by phone at 800-325-SEAT (7328), and online via www.ticketswest.com.
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Indoor Football League Stories from June 25, 2016
- Empire Falls to Wolves 35-21 - Spokane Empire
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