Meyer, Shock Return to LA to Take on KISS
June 25, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (June 25, 2014) - The Spokane Shock (7-7) make their second trip of the year to the Honda Center to take on the LA KISS (3-10) this Saturday, June 28 in a nationally televised game on ESPN2.
Spokane controls its postseason destiny and could clinch a playoff berth with a win over the KISS this weekend. The Shock recorded a decisive 70-21 road victory in the first-ever matchup between the two clubs on May 4.
The Shock and quarterback Erik Meyer come into the matchup hot, having just picked apart the San Antonio Talons to the tune of a 70-30 victory at home. Making his first start since being injured during the May 4 game against the KISS, Meyer completed 16 of 23 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing the ball three times for 20 yards and three touchdowns.
Spokane linebacker Terence Moore was named Riddell Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against the Talons. Moore totaled 4.0 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and two touchdowns in the win.
The KISS come into the game having just suffered an 83-47 divisional loss to the Arizona Rattlers and have dropped nine of their last 10 games. Despite sitting at only 3-10, their 69-61 victory over the Portland Thunder two weeks ago has the KISS sitting as the fourth seed in the National Conference playoff race.
The Shock will field one of the league's best defenses against the KISS that has only allowed 45.6 points and 258.1 yards per game. The unit's 11 fumble recoveries and 32 sacks both lead the league, while their 25 interceptions come in third.
While Moore leads the defense up the middle, defensive back Paul Stephens leads the secondary with 2.17 pass break ups per game (3rd in the AFL) and defensive end James Ruffin puts relentless pressure on the opposing signal caller with his league-leading 11.5 sacks.
The return of Meyer behind center sparked an onslaught of production for the Spokane offense against the Talons. In his nine games this season Meyer has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 1803 yards and 37 touchdowns with only five interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 113.79.
Mike Washington and rookie Rashaad Carter provide the highlights in the Shock receiving corps, totaling 134 receptions for 1585 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The KISS are led by veteran quarterback Aaron Garcia and wide receiver Donovan Morgan, who have accounted for a combined 44 touchdowns. Despite the recent production of Garcia, the KISS still rank dead last in the league in scoring offense, only putting up 37.5 points per game.
Defense remains the strongest aspect for the KISS, allowing only 54.0 points and 287.6 yards per game despite the lack of production from the KISS offense to date. Defensive linemen and brothers Beau and B.J. Bell have accounted for 60.0 tackles and 14.5 sacks while defensive back J.C. Neal has racked up 20 pass break ups and one interception.
The game can be found on ESPN2, ESPN3.com and the WatchESPN application at 7 p.m. PDT.
The Shock return home after a bye week to take on the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m. PDT.
Spokane Shock 2015 Season Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased or renewed by calling (509) 242-7462 or by visiting SpokaneShock.com.
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Arena Football League Stories from June 25, 2014
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- Sharks to Show USA-Germany Match on Jumbotron at Sea Best Field - Jacksonville Sharks
- Meyer, Shock Return to LA to Take on KISS - Spokane Shock
- Iowa Barnstormers/Miracle League Game Tonight - Iowa Barnstormers
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