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Game Preview: Week 3: Thunder Close Out Opening Home Stand Against Spokane Shock

April 6, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


Portland Thunder Wide Receiver Jamar Howard
Portland Thunder Wide Receiver Jamar Howard
(Portland Thunder)

PORTLAND - The Portland Thunder will conclude its three game season opening home stand this Thursday evening, April 9th, against the Spokane Shock, from Moda Center at 7:00pm PDT. Fans can listen to the game on 750 THE GAME or watch live on the WatchESPN app.

This will be the fourth meeting between the clubs, with the Shock holding a 3-0 record over the Thunder. Portland was outmatched by a veteran laden Spokane side in their first meeting last season, but progressed in each of their following two meetings against the Washington club.

The Thunder are looking to get back into the win column following a frustrating 54-48 loss last Friday to the Tampa Bay Storm. In a game that saw six different lead changes, the Thunder found themselves trailing late in the fourth quarter, but only down six and in possession with what could have been the game's final drive. Storm DB James Harrell made the most important play of the night, however, four plays into that drive, jumping WR Jamar Howard's route and intercepting a pass from QB Kyle Rowley to seal the win for Tampa Bay.

It was no coincidence that Rowley was looking to Howard for yardage on that final drive. The tandem have combined 23 times over the first two games, for 335 yards and seven touchdowns. Howard has set himself apart from all other receivers in the AFL over these first two weeks, leading the league in both receiving yardage and touchdowns, while breaking the Thunder's single game receiving yard record against the Storm with a 221 yard performance, eclipsing his own record of 161 from a season ago.

Also immerging to league wide recognition is Thunder DB Andre' Martin. The rookie and former NDSU Bison is leads the AFL in tackles with 16.5 over the first two weeks, and is adjusting well to the indoor game. He led all defensive backs with two pass break ups in last Friday's game.

The Shock come to Portland 0-2 for the first time since 2011, after losses to both Arizona and Philadelphia. Starting QB Carson Coffman was injured in their Week 1 loss to Arizona, leaving a sizeable hole in the Shock offense.

Backups Jarrett Brown and Matt Bassuener have been lackluster in Coffman's absence, with the pair combining for just 18 completions from 37 attempts, 222 yards, and three TD's, with three interceptions in six quarters of action.

Transactions: The Thunder were assigned K Zach Ramirez last Friday after the team reassigned Brady Beeson. Ramirez did play in the Week 2 loss to Tampa Bay, hitting six of seven extra point attempts, and setting up DB Osagie Odiase's net recovery touchdown with a kickoff that careened off the bar.

The Thunder will practice two more times this week, in the lead up to the game against Spokane:

Tuesday - 4/7/15

Oregon Soccer Center

9:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Wednesday - 4/8/15

Oregon Soccer Center

10:00AM - 11:00 AM

Thursday - 4/9/15

WK3 vs. SPO, Moda Cen.

7:00pm




Images from this story

Portland Thunder Wide Receiver Jamar Howard Makes a Catch
Portland Thunder Wide Receiver Jamar Howard Makes a Catch
 Portland Thunder Wide Receiver Jamar Howard
Portland Thunder Wide Receiver Jamar Howard
  



Arena Football League Stories from April 6, 2015


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