Shock Burn Boise, 60-28
June 23, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock returned home to a sell-out crowd (10,565) and defeated division-rival the Boise Burn for the second time this season, 60-28.
Tonight's game marked the return of WR Raul Vijil who was inserted into the starting line-up after sitting out last week's loss in Tri-Cities due to injury. Vijil made the most of his return, breaking the Shock's single game record for TD receptions in a game with six. (The record was previously held by Antwone Savage and Charles Frederick who each had five in separate games last season.) Vijil also accounted for 122 yards with 13 total catches.
"Records come when you play well and they (records) are meant to be broken!" Vijil explained. "It feels good coming out of a win, because without a win, records mean nothing."
Vijil and starting QB Andrico Hines formed a special chemistry early in the season and that chemistry returned tonight. Hines turned in a commanding performance completing 71% of his passes (24/34) for 255 yards with all six of his touchdown passes thrown to Vijil.
"When we protect Andrico Hines, he is the best QB in the league," Head Coach Adam Shackleford said.
WR Kelvin Dickens also had one of his best games of the season, accounting for 10 receptions with 125 yards to lead the team in reception yardage.
The Shock's defense was led by Defensive Player of the Game Nygel Rogers. Rogers led the team in total tackles (5.5), pass break-ups (4) and also led the team in interceptions (2 - returned for 60 yards total) including one that he returned for a touchdown. Alex Teems also turned in an award-winning performance earning the Cutter's Catch of the Game by making a diving interception in the end zone. DS Rob Keefe also got into the action coming up with a 4th Quarter interception that sealed the victory for the Shock. Teems, Keefe, and Rogers each had two interceptions each. This tied the record that Keefe set last season, for most receptions in a game.
"The defense played great tonight," Shackleford said. "I'm very proud of them." Shackleford also credited his Coaching staff for preparing the defense all week and making "smart decisions" during the game.
The Shock's victory secures their first place standing atop of the Western Division with a ½ game lead. The Shock will hit the road next weekend as they travel to Fresno, CA to play the Central Valley. The Coyotes are currently tied for second in the division with Tri-Cities. Tri-Cities is hosting the Coyotes this weekend.
NOTES - DB Rob Keefe's 4th Qtr. interception was given to a very special person. His mother and father were in attendance (from West Virginia) tonight and Keefe gave the ball to his mother who ran down to the bottom of the stairs in section 118. After giving the ball to his mother the two exchanged a kiss...WR Antwone Savage sat out tonight's game to rest a nagging leg injury but is expected to return next week...The Shock defense shut out the Burn's offense for the entire second half after they scored 21 unanswered points in the second quarter.
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