Shock Return Home to Face Portland Thunder
April 10, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA - The Spokane Shock (2-1) return home after two weeks on the road to face the Portland Thunder (0-3) on Saturday, Apr. 12 at 7:00 p.m. PDT in Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in a Pacific Division matchup.
This will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs and the first of three scheduled for this season. The Thunder, an expansion franchise, joined the AFL for the 2014 season along with the LA KISS.
The Shock return to Spokane coming off a 73-62 divisional win over the San Jose SaberCats; with the win moved the Shock into first place in the Pacific Division.
The biggest first half of the season for Spokane, scoring 49, propelled them to the 11-point victory. The first half was capped by Shock return man Terrance Sanders' first kickoff return for a touchdown of the season. With the Shock lead shrunk to seven after consecutive San Jose touchdown drives, Sanders took the ball off the net and 55 yards downfield for the score assisted by two crucial blocks by Brandon Thompkins.
Spokane quarterback Erik Meyer's performance was the driving force behind the win at San Jose, throwing for 258 yards and four touchdowns while adding 31 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The four rushing touchdowns set a Shock franchise record for a single game. The record-breaking effort was enough to earn Meyer the AFL Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Hauling in eight of Meyer's 15 touchdown passes this season is Mike Washington, the Shock's leading receiver through three games. Washington has accumulated 22 receptions for 336 yards with an average of 112.0 yards per game, putting him second in the league.
Jack linebacker Terence Moore has bolstered Spokane's defense, recording 10.5 tackles on the year and snagging two interceptions in the win over San Jose. He has been aided over the top by rookie defensive back Bryant Nnabuife and Sanders, who have combined for 27 tackles and four pass break ups.
Portland's quarterback situation continues to be murky, especially with the arrival of AFL veteran Danny Southwick only a few days prior to their game against the LA KISS. Replacing starter Darron Thomas in the first quarter, Southwick went 21-19 for 270 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. Last week.
Regardless of who is behind center, the Thunder's receiver group is led by former Shock player Jeffrey Solomon. Solomon has recorded 26 catches this season for 321 yards and four touchdowns.
The game can be found on TV on SWX, on the radio at 700 ESPN, and online at ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app.
Tickets to the game start as low as $14 and can be purchased online by going to SpokaneShock.com or by calling (800) 325-SEAT.
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