Jacksonville defeats Spokane 75-56
July 23, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
The Spokane Shock (9-9) were defeated in Jacksonville by the Sharks (14-4) Friday night 56-75. While both teams had already secured spots in the postseason, they came out of the gates with their guns blazing.
Jacksonville scored on the first play of the game with a 57-yard kick return by WR/KR Jeff Hughley. Spokane quickly regrouped and scored on its first possession with an 11-yard strike from QB Kyle Rowley to Randy Hymes. Head Coach Rob Keefe elected to go for a two-point drop kick that K Taylor Rowan converted, the first in team history, and gave Spokane an early one-point lead. The Shock's offense continued to stay hot scoring on its next four possessions. Jacksonville kept pace matching each of those scores with touchdowns from QB Aaron Garcia.
Jacksonville's defense cooled Spokane's offense by producing two consecutive stops on the final drive of the first half (interception) and the Shock's first drive of the second half (turnover on downs).
Garcia was pulled after the first half and finished the night with 117 yards (12/20) and four touchdowns. The AFL's highest scoring offense continued to roll in the second half behind back-up QB Omar Jacobs who made the most of his time recording four touchdown passes on just eight pass attempts in the final two quarters.
Rowley, who was pulled in the third quarter, finished the contest after he completed 64% (23/36) for 251 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Rookie QB Steven Sheffield filled in admirably for Rowley completing 69% (11/16) of his passes with three touchdowns.
Spokane's offense, which had five receivers on the active roster Friday night, spread the wealth with four receivers recording at least one touchdown. Hymes led the Shock receiving corps receptions (13) and added 92 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. WR Greg Orton, who re-joined the team this week, picked things up right where he left off in week 15 leading Spokane in receiving yards (119) and touchdown receptions (3). Rookies Adron Tennell and Brandon Thompkins combined for seven receptions and 87 yards. OL Chris Pino contributed with three receptions for 50 yards and added a touchdown.
Next week, the defending champion Shock will travel to Arizona to take on the top-seeded Rattlers for the first round of the playoffs. It will be the first playoff game on the road in franchise history for the Shock. Kickoff is set for Friday night at 7 PM.
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