Game Preview: Shock Host Thunder for Second 2014 Meeting
May 28, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (May 28, 2014) - The Spokane Shock (5-5) continue Pacific Division play with a matchup against the Portland Thunder (3-7) this Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m. PDT in Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the Shock having won week five in Spokane handily by a score of 55-27. A win for the Shock would keep the division title within close reach and strengthen their playoff chances.
Spokane enters the game coming off a 52-34 loss to the San Jose SaberCats, which tied the season series between the two west coast powerhouses at 1-1. Starting his first game of the 2014 season for the Shock was quarterback Brian Zbydniewski, who finished the game 24-42 for 303 yards and two touchdowns; he also added eight rushes for 12 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
The Thunder are fresh off their first home victory in franchise history, pulling their record to 3-7 and keeping them in the race for playoff contention. The 55-40 win over the San Antonio Talons was led by quarterback Danny Southwick, who went 20-30 for 280 yards and five touchdowns while adding 12 yards and one touchdown rushing.
In a league known for its offense, the Shock and Thunder both bring with them formidable defenses. Spokane has allowed only 48 points per game and has recorded 16 interceptions and 22 sacks, the second best sack total in the league.
The leader of the Spokane defense through ten games has been linebacker Terence Moore, who has brought in 52.0 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. Moore has turned his takeaways into points, scoring touchdowns on an interception and a fumble recovery thus far.
However, the Shock secondary that has recorded nine interceptions will have to step up with the loss of Paul Stephens, who has moved on to play with the BC Lions of the CFL.
Zbydniewski leads the Shock offense for the second week and will be looking to wide receiver Mike Washington to help shoulder the load. Washington has hauled in 50 receptions for a team-leading 654 yards and 13 touchdowns.
A balanced Thunder receiving corps is led by former Shock receiver Jeffrey Solomon who has tallied 44 receptions for 613 yards and nine touchdowns since returning to the team after being traded to Orlando earlier in the year. Douglas McNeil III has added 36 receptions for 521 yards and eight touchdowns.
The game can be seen on TV in the Spokane region on SWX, online at ESPN3.com, and through the WatchESPN app. Radio coverage of the game can be found on 700 ESPN Radio.
Tickets to the game are still available and for as low as $14. Purchase tickets by visiting SpokaneShock.com or calling 800-325-SEAT.
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