Shock lose in a heart breaker 68-72
May 2, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock lost their second game of the season Saturday night, 68-72, falling just short against the Cleveland Gladiators.
In a game that saw eight lead changes, it only seemed fitting that it came down to the final 30-seconds.
Cleveland's QB John Dutton connected with WR Ben Nelson for a 27-yard touchdown to give the Gladiators a 61-65 lead with 35.3 seconds left.
Spokane fired right back with a five-play, 45-yard drive that was capped off by a four-yard touchdown pass from QB Kyle Rowley to WR Raul Vijil. K Taylor Rowan converted the extra point to give Spokane a 68-65 lead with only 8.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Cleveland's KR Brent Holmes returned the ensuing kick off 56 yards to give the lead back to the Gladiators, 72-68, with only 1.6 seconds left in the game.
The final kick-off was recovered by WR Eddie Thompson as the clock expired. But, thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Cleveland (on the previous touchdown) Spokane was given one last chance. Rowley dropped back to pass and fired a bullet to WR Markee White that fell incomplete, despite the crowd's protest of pass interference, and the game was over.
Rowley, who was selected as the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game, ended the night with a season-high 375 passing yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. WR Huey Whittaker led the Shock in receptions (11), receiving yards (149) and touchdowns (three).
The Gladiators were led offensively by WR Ben Nelson who had seven receptions - including four touchdowns - for 129 yards. Dutton finished with 285 passing yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. Spokane's Travis Williams, who was selected as the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game, picked off both of Dutton's passes.
The Shock hit the road this week as they travel to Arizona to face the Rattlers this Friday. The Rattlers, who lost to the Tampa Bay Storm 61-62 tonight, are currently tied with the Shock at the top of the Western Division with a 2-2 record.
Arena Football League Stories from May 2, 2010
- Storm Stand Up Rattlers, 62-61 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Tampa Bay Storm Head Coach Tim Marcum Earns 200th Win - AFL
- Shock lose in a heart breaker 68-72 - Spokane Shock
- Sharks Clip Talons' Wings In Waining Seconds - Jacksonville Sharks
- Vipers knock off unbeaten Milwaukee 75-67 at VBC - Alabama Vipers
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