Game Preview: Shock Face Unbeaten Gladiators on Saturday
April 16, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (April 16, 2014) - The Spokane Shock face off against the unbeaten Cleveland Gladiators this Saturday, Apr. 19 at 7 p.m. PDT in Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
This will be the fifth time the two clubs have met since the Shock joined the AFL in 2010, with the all-time series tied at 2-2. The Shock won the most recent meeting in March of 2013 when they took down the Gladiators on the road 67-41.
The matchup is the second against an East Division opponent this season for the Shock, who previously beat the Iowa Barnstormers in week one 64-35.
The Shock are coming off a 55-27 divisional win over the Portland Thunder, who remain winless.
After putting up 20 points and shutting out the Thunder in the first quarter the Shock were themselves shut out in the second quarter while allowing 14 points to Portland. Finding themselves trailing 21-20 early in the third quarter, the Shock responded with 35 unanswered points to put the game away.
Spokane quarterback Erik Meyer completed 20 of 37 pass attempts for 166 yards and four touchdowns, leaving him only 15 touchdown passes shy of the franchise career record currently held by Kyle Rowley. Meyer has completed 63.5 percent of his passes this season for 959 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Meyer's receiving group has been led by the duo of Adron Tennell and Mike Washington, who have combined for 531 yards and 14 touchdowns. Washington has averaged 112 receiving yards per game and is currently second in the AFL in yards per catch, averaging 15.3 yards.
Defensive back Terrance Sanders heads the Spokane defense, currently leading the team in tackles (20.0) and in interceptions (3). Sanders' pick-six against Portland provided the spark for the Shock's comeback and was the second defensive touchdown of the night for Spokane.
Special teams remains a big key to the Shock's success, already having scored two special teams touchdowns through four games. Spokane also ranks fourth in the league in average kickoff return (18.6 yds) and is third in extra point percentage (.941).
Cleveland at has already equaled their win total from the 2013 season, in large part due to their improved defense. The 4-0 start for the Gladiators is the best record through four games in franchise history. After giving up over 58 points per game last season, the Gladiators' defense has stiffened, holding opponents to only 39 points per game through their four games this year.
Behind center for Cleveland will be Shane Austin, who has completed 56 of his 87 pass attempts this year for 684 yards and 14 touchdowns and leads the league in passer efficiency (128.1). Eight of his scores through the air have gone to wide receiver Thyron Lewis, who has hauled in 26 receptions for 399 yards.
As a team the Gladiators have picked off opposing quarterbacks six times, five times by defensive back Marrio Norman who also has contributed 23.5 tackles and six pass break-ups.
The game will be broadcast locally on SWX, online at ESPN3.com, and on the radio at 700 ESPN.
Tickets for the game are still available and start as low as $14. They can be purchased by visiting SpokaneShock.com or by calling (800) 325-SEAT.
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