Shock, Rattlers Face off in Second 2014 Meeting
Published on May 14, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA (May 14, 2014) - The Spokane Shock (5-3, 2-0) head south to take on the Arizona Rattlers (8-0, 1-0) for the second time this season on Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m. PDT in the US Airways Center.
The Rattlers are 1-0 against the Shock this season and 7-5 in the all-time series dating back to 2010. Most recently, Spokane lost in Arizona 68-49 during week two of this season. Shock quarterback Erik Meyer went 27-44 for a season-high 352 yards and six touchdowns while Rattlers signal caller Nick Davila finished 22-27 for 225 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Shock are coming off a 52-41 home loss to the Pittsburgh Power, Spokane's first game without Erik Meyer behind center this season. In his place was Donovan Porterie, who finished the night 17-37 for 185 yards and five touchdowns.
The undefeated Rattlers continue to roll and are fresh off 61-32 victory over the Portland Thunder, with Davila completing 16 of 23 pass attempts for 221 yards and eight touchdowns.
Through eight games, the Spokane offense has managed to put up an average of 56.9 points per game, while a stellar defense has held opposing offensive units to only 44.8 points per game, third best in the league.
That strong defensive performance has been led by linebacker Terence Moore, who has recorded a team-high 39.5 tackles while also contributing three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. The Shock secondary headlined by Paul Stephens, Terrance Sanders, and rookie Bryant Nnabuife has hauled in a total of nine interceptions and tallied 30 pass break ups.
The Shock offense is strong as well, currently fourth in the league in scoring, and led by the electric receiving duo of Brandon Thompkins and Mike Washington. Thompkins has reeled in 48 receptions for 528 yards and 11 touchdowns while Washington has added 32 receptions of his own for 443 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Spokane will have to stop Arizona's league-leading offense if they want to grab their first victory in Phoenix since week six of 2010. Davila has completed 70 percent of his passes this year for 2287 yards and 65 touchdowns. Of those 65 touchdowns, 21 have gone to the team's leading receiver, Maurice Purify, who has recorded 55 receptions for 775 yards.
The game will be broadcast on Cox7 in Arizona and simulcast on SWX in the Spokane area. It can also be found online at ESPN3.com and the WatchESPN app.
Spokane returns home for a matchup with the divisional rival San Jose SaberCats on Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. PDT. Tickets to the matchup in Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena can be purchased for as low as $14 by visiting SpokaneShock.com.
Arena Football League Stories from May 14, 2014
- Shock, Rattlers Face off in Second 2014 Meeting - Spokane Shock
- Soul Acquire Markee White in Trade with Los Angeles - Philadelphia Soul
- Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers vs. Cleveland Gladiators - Iowa Barnstormers
- SaberCats Continue to Climb in Latest Coaches' Poll - AFL
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.
