Game Preview: Spokane Shock (4-2) at LA KISS (2-4)
April 30, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (April 30, 2014)- The Spokane Shock (4-2) head into California for the second time this season, this time to take on the LA KISS (2-4) at 4:00 p.m. PDT in the Honda Center; the game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.
The Shock and the KISS, an expansion team that joined the league this year, have never matched up before. This will be the first of two meetings between the two clubs this season, with both being played in LA.
Spokane is fresh off a 53-41 road victory over the Tampa Bay Storm that kept Spokane in the driver's seat in the Pacific Division.
The Shock took control of the back-and-forth game in the fourth quarter with two touchdown passes from Erik Meyer to Brandon Thompkins. In a game featuring nine lead changes, the Shock found themselves trailing at the end of the third quarter, making it only the sixth time in franchise history the Shock pulled out a win when behind after three quarters.
Meyer completed 21 of 31 passes for 244 yards and six touchdowns, putting him only four touchdowns shy of the Shock career passing touchdown record of 178 currently held by Kyle Rowley. His two rushing touchdowns gave him eight total scores for the game and put him in contention for AFL MVP of the Week.
Thompkins and Adron Tennell led the Shock receiving corps, combining for 206 yards on 17 receptions for five touchdowns. Mike Washington, returning to play after sitting for two weeks, hauled in four receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown.
Defensive back Paul Stephens led the Shock in tackles with 6.5, while Mac linebacker Derrick Summers tacked on six tackles and three sacks. Summers' three sacks tied the franchise single-game record and earned him Riddell Defensive Player of the Week honors. The impressive defensive performance was rounded out by defensive back Bryant Nnabuife's 5.5 tackles and one interception.
J.J. Raterink leads the KISS offense from behind center, completing 136 of his 233 attempts this season for 1,416 yards and 21 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
Raterink's favorite target is Donovan Morgan, who has hauled in 46 receptions for 594 yards and 12 touchdowns and is averaging 99 yards per game. Filling in behind Morgan is former Shock receiver Markee White and Samie Parker, who have combined for nine touchdowns and 755 yards on 78 receptions.
Former Shock linebacker Beau Bell has had a successful start to his season anchoring the KISS defense, racking up 29.5 tackles and a league-leading nine sacks.
The KISS offense that has scored 37.0 points per game (14thin the league) may have a hard time keeping up with Spokane's high-octane unit that has put up 57.3 points per game (3rdin the league).
The game can be found on TV on ESPN2 and online at ESPN3.com and on the WatchESPN app.
The Shock return home for the first of three home games in the month of May for a matchup against the Pittsburgh Power on Friday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. PDT. Tickets to the game can be purchased by visitingSpokaneShock.com.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from April 30, 2014
- Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with the Storm - Tampa Bay Storm
- Christian Hip Hop Artist Trip Lee to Perform After Gladiators Game - Cleveland Gladiators
- Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers at San Antonio Talons - Iowa Barnstormers
- Game Preview: Spokane Shock (4-2) at LA KISS (2-4) - Spokane Shock
- Sharks to Introduce Vince Neil on Friday - Jacksonville Sharks
- Rattlers Remain No. 1 in Latest Coaches' Poll - AFL
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.
