Empire Improves to 5-1 with 54-34 Win over Iowa
Published on April 18, 2016 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Spokane Empire News Release
SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Empire (5-1, 2-1) defeated the Iowa Barnstormers (3-4, 1-2) in Week 9 Indoor Football League action by a final score of 54-34 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.
The first half of play was dominated by the defensive side of the ball as each team failed to produce points on their opening possessions.
The Barnstormers would hold Spokane on fourth down to open the game, but then a blocked field goal by the Empire would lead to the first score of the game coming near the six-minute mark as Spokane quarterback Charles Dowdell found Carl Sims up the sideline for a 32-yard touchdown.
Through the remainder of the half the two teams traded interceptions but would also find the end zone twice to bring the game within one score as the Empire led 19-14.
Spokane would go on to post 35-points in the second half of play which included four touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
With just over two-minutes remaining in the game the Barnstormers brought the game within one score at 34-41, but on the ensuing kickoff Empire running back Trevor Kennedy would field the kick and return it 43-yards for the score. On Iowa's next possession, Spokane defensive back Tyree Robinson jumped a hitch route on the goal line to set up a 37-yard touchdown pass from Dowdell to Samuel Charles with 35 seconds left to seal the Empire victory at 54-34.
Spokane quarterback Charles Dowdell completed 15-of-20 passes for 207 yards and five touchdowns with one interception on the night. The Empire receiving effort was led by Carl Sims who finished the night with five receptions for 70 yards and three total touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing). Justin Helwege and Samuel Charles each added receiving scores (2, 1). Trevor Kennedy rushed the ball 13 times for 21 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, Nick Haag led the Empire in tackles with 12 total tackles (8 solo) and 2.0 tackles for loss. Defensive backs Tyree Robinson and Josh Ferguson each recorded interceptions.
Iowa quarterback Donovan Porterie finished the night completing 26-of-37 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. He also added one rushing score. Lucas Hefty recorded 13 rush attempts for 56 yards and also hauled in eight receptions for 47 yards and two scores. Leman Casimier led Iowa receivers with 80 yards on eight catches for one score.
Spokane will go on the road again next week to take on the Tri-Cities Fever at the Toyota Center in Kennewick on Saturday, April 23rd with a 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff. Next weekend's game will be available live on AM 700 ESPN radio Spokane and online via IFLLive.TV.
Indoor Football League Stories from April 18, 2016
- Empire Improves to 5-1 with 54-34 Win over Iowa - Spokane Empire
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
