Shock Batten Down the Hatches as Storm Roll into Town
July 16, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, Wash. (July 16, 2014) - The Spokane Shock (9-7) host the Tampa Bay Storm (8-8) for a nationally televised game on ESPN2 this Monday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. PDT at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
The Shock have secured the No. 3 seed in the National Conference playoffs but are looking to maintain momentum gained from their comeback victory over the Arizona Rattlers (14-2) last week.
Spokane scored 73 points in three quarters after being blanked in the first to upset the Rattlers 73-66 last week, giving Arizona their second consecutive loss. Quarterback Erik Meyer completed 25 of 38 passes for 292 yards and six touchdowns while adding two touchdowns on the ground.
Following strong performances in the comeback victory Shock defensive end James Ruffin and wide receiver Rashaad Carter garnered league honors. Ruffin was named Riddell Defensive Player of the Week after racking up 2.5 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one sack that resulted in a safety. Carter's game-winning 27-yard touchdown catch with 10 seconds left earned him AFL Highlight of the Week honors.
This will be the second meeting between the two clubs this year, with the Shock leading the series 1-0 after grabbing a 53-41 victory in Tampa Bay in late April.
Tampa Bay is currently the No. 4 seed in the American Conference playoffs, but have not yet clinched their spot in the postseason.
The Storm are coming off their second straight loss, having most recently fallen on the road to the San Jose SaberCats 52-43. Storm signal caller Randy Hippeard went 18-31 with 234 yards and six touchdowns in the loss.
Through 16 games Ruffin has recorded 13.5 sacks, the highest single-season mark in franchise history and only 2.5 behind the AFL single-season record of 16.0 held by Joe Sykes. Ruffin has recorded one sack in each of Spokane's last four games and brought down Hippeard one time in their last matchup.
Since Meyer's return from injury the Shock have gone 3-0 and are 8-2 overall in games in which he starts. Meyer has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 2,309 yards and 49 touchdowns with only eight interceptions, good enough for a passer rating of 133.2.
Mike Washington continues to lead the Shock receiving corps in receptions (96), yards (1,232), yards per catch (12.8), and touchdowns (20). Rookie Rashaad Carter continues to make big contributions, having hauled in 62 receptions for 644 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In addition to a threatening defensive line, Spokane's linebacker corps and secondary also play host to a wealth of talent. Terence Moore leads the second level with a team-high 81.5 tackles, six interceptions, seven fumble recoveries, and five defensive touchdowns. In the secondary, Paul Stephens has racked up 67.5 tackles, two interceptions, and 26 pass break ups.
As a unit the Shock defense has only allowed 46.9 points and 269.3 yards per game, good enough for fourth and sixth best in the AFL, respectively. Their 28 interceptions give them the fourth highest mark in the league and their league-best pass rush has created 39 sacks.
Tampa Bay's offense has put up 50.2 points per game, mostly through the arm of Hippeard, who has completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,902 yards and 85 touchdowns. However, his 21 interceptions have dragged his passer rating down to 106.1, just outside the top-ten in the league.
Defensive back Jean Fanor leads a Storm defense that has surrendered 52.6 points and a league-worst 310 yards per game. Fanor has tallied a league-leading 116.0 (100 solo) tackles and two interceptions in his 16 games.
Television coverage of the game can be found on ESPN2 with an accompanying Internet feed on WatchESPN.com and the WatchESPN app while the radio call will be provided by 700 ESPN.
Tickets to the game are still available and can be purchased for as low as $14 by visiting SpokaneShock.com.
2015 Season Tickets for the Shock's 10th Anniversary Season are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting SpokaneShock.com or calling (509) 242-7462.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from July 16, 2014
- 7.16.14 Thunder Take on Teaching Roles - Portland Thunder
- Shock Batten Down the Hatches as Storm Roll into Town - Spokane Shock
- Thunder Acquire USC Lineman Martinez - Portland Thunder
- Top-Ranked Rattlers Cling to Narrow Lead in Latest AFL Coaches' Poll - AFL
- Gladiators to Host First Round Playoff Game on CBS Sports Network - AFL
- Barnstormers Host 2nd Annual Bacon Bowl - Iowa Barnstormers
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.
