Game Preview: Shock Face Crucial Pacific Division Matchup at SaberCats
June 11, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (June 11, 2014) - The Spokane Shock (6-6, 3-1) travel to California to take on the San Jose SaberCats (8-4, 4-1) on Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. PDT in a nationally televised game on CBS Sports Network.
With the season-long series between the two clubs knotted up at 1-1, this third and decisive matchup could be the deciding factor in the Pacific Division title race. In the most recent matchup in Spokane last month the SaberCats managed a 52-34 victory, while earlier in the season the Shock claimed a road victory in San Jose 73-62.
The Shock are coming off a 34-28 road loss to the Jacksonville Sharks, ultimately done in by an incomplete pass in the end zone on the final play of the game. Shock quarterback Brian Zbydniewski finished the afternoon with 234 yards and three touchdowns. Spokane's impressive defense performance held Sharks quarterback R.J. Archer to only 16 completions on 38 pass attempts and two touchdowns with one interception. As a team, the Sharks went 1-6 on fourth down against the staunch Shock defensive squad.
Last week the SaberCats took down the LA KISS 63-35 behind a 25-37, 280 yard performance from starting quarterback Nathan Stanley. Russ Michna, who had the league's third highest passer rating prior to suffering an injury, was placed on San Jose's injured reserve late last week.
The 34 points allowed by the Spokane defense last week are tied for the second lowest total allowed in a single game in franchise history. The only better performance came against the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2012 when the Shock allowed a mere 26 points.
The shutdown of Jacksonville's offense was led by linebacker Terence Moore, who recorded 6.0 tackles, one forced fumble, and two passes defensed. Fellow linebacker Derrick Summers racked up 3.0 sacks in the game, marking the second time this season he has accomplished the feat and tying a franchise single-game record. Summers now has 9.0 sacks this season, the fourth highest total in the league and only 0.5 sacks behind Spokane's sack leader James Ruffin.
The Shock have allowed only 46.8 points per game this season, fourth best in the league and down three points per game from 2013. The team's 30 sacks and 20 interceptions rank first and third in the league respectively.
Zbydniewski and wide receiver Mike Washington lead the Spokane offense, contributing 33 total touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Rookie wide receiver Rashaad Carter has proved himself more than ready for the AFL this season with the Shock, recording 44 receptions for 440 yards and 6 touchdowns while adding five touchdowns on the ground.
In place of an injured Michna will again be Stanley, who has completed 60 percent of his passes for 1088 yards and 25 touchdowns with eight interceptions in nine games.
The duo of Rod Harper and Reggie Gray highlight the SaberCats receiving corps, with the two combining for 141 receptions, 1521 yards, and 34 touchdowns.
Defensive back Ken Fontenette anchors the San Jose defense, which has only given up 41 points per game this season. Fontenette has racked up 72.0 tackles, two interceptions, and 19 pass break ups in his 12 games played.
National coverage of the game can be found on CBS Sports Network while radio coverage in Spokane can be found on 700 ESPN Radio.
The Shock return to Spokane to take on the San Antonio Talons on Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m. PDT and tickets to the matchup can be purchased for as low as $14 by visiting SpokaneShock.com .
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