Shock Steal Road Win in Final Seconds 49-48
July 14, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
KANSAS CITY, MO - This week, the Spokane Shock (9-8) took on the Kansas City Command (3-14) in a week 19 AFL match up setting the stage for the teams' second meeting of the season. The Shock came away with a last second victory on a missed field goal by the Command by a final score of 49-48.
The recently struggling Kansas City offense would prove to continue to have issues, opening the game with a turnover on downs, giving way to a six yard touchdown reception by Shock WR Adron Tennell. After then missing on a field goal attempt on their second drive, the Shock would go 46 yards in 8 plays and score again on a Tennell reception. The quarter would close with Spokane leading 14-0.
A Shock fumble in the second quarter would create an opportunity for Kansas City to regain a possession. After the fumble, the Command would respond with a one play, 39 yard touchdown pass on their way to a 21 point second quarter, going into the half only down one score at 28-21.
In a tough fought third quarter, Shock FB Andrew Nierman recovered a kick return that hit upper slack net bar and was sent bouncing into the air that was nearly recovered by Kansas City. On the following drive, Kyle threw a dump pass to Nierman in the right flat that he would take 17 yards into the end zone for the touchdown. That would be Nierman's third reception of the season, two of which have gone for touchdowns. The 17 yard reception tonight marks his longest gain of the season.
As the final quarter continued to show scoring by both teams, a missed PAT attempt by Spokane would open a late opportunity for Kansas City to sneak their way back into the game. Command QB Matt Guiterrez hit a streak of 7 straight passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions as Kansas City went on to take a one point lead over Spokane with just over six minutes remaining in the game.
With two minutes and 42 seconds left, the Shock failed to convert a 4th down conversion and Kansas City took over on downs at the Spokane 16 yard line, giving the Command a chance to add to their one point lead. Kansas City proceeded to wisely use the clock and worked their way down field to score with 53 seconds remaining. After a missed PAT, Spokane would trail by 7 points.
After the Shock received with 53 seconds remaining in the game, they would begin their drive and pick their way down the field setting up their final chance to put the game away. A pass interference against Kansas City on the goal line would give Spokane a first and goal with 16 seconds remaining. QB Kyle Rowley found WR Jeffrey Solomon in the back of the end zone for his first touchdown of the game. Trailing by one, the Shock elected for go for the two point conversion to seal the game. Rowley connected again with Jeffrey Solomon on a comeback route in the front left corner of the end zone to take the lead 49-48 with 12 seconds left. Spokane would hold Kansas City to a field goal attempt from 47 yards that would hit the upright and bounce into the Shock's hands to end the contest by a final score of 49-48.
For Spokane, QB Kyle Rowley would complete 32 of 52 attempts for 320 yards and 7 TDs. Adron Tennell would lead the Shock in receiving with 11 receptions for 101 yards and 3 TDs. With Tennell's performance this week he set a new franchise record for Single Season Receptions, Single Season Receiving Yards, and tied the Single Season Receiving TD record currently held by former Shock WR Huey Whittaker. Patrick Stoudamire led defensively with 7 total tackles as Paul Stephens added 4 total tackles and one INT. Kenny Spencer would also have a record night for the most PAT's made in a Single Season.
Kansas City QB Matt Gutierrez completed 21 of 30 attempts for 239 yards, four TDs with one INT. Armand Robinson led the Command receivers with 9 receptions for 106 yards and 2 TDs. FB Lee Bryant added two scores on the ground. Defensively, Kansas City was led by DB Rashad Barksdale who recorded 15 total tackles (14 unassisted, 2 assisted) and one fumble recovery.
Next week, the Shock will take on the Tampa Bay Storm (8-9) for their final game of the 2012 season at the Spokane Arena on Saturday, July 21st with a 7pm kickoff. The first 5,000 fans receive a 2012 Shock Team Poster.
Arena Football League Stories from July 14, 2012
- Command Come up Short against Shock - Kansas City Command
- Shock Steal Road Win in Final Seconds 49-48 - Spokane Shock
- Storm Outlast VooDoo in Overtime - New Orleans VooDoo
- Tampa Bay Storm Win Thrilling, 78-77, Overtime Game - Tampa Bay Storm
- Sharks Clinch Playoff Berth with 48-30 Win over Predators - Jacksonville Sharks
- Command Come up Short against Shock - Kansas City Command
- Balanced Attack Leads Pittsburgh to Big Win - Pittsburgh Power
- Orlando Predators Fall on the Road to Jacksonville Sharks, 30-48 - Orlando Predators
- Tonight's Game - What You Need to Know - Jacksonville Sharks
- Utah Conquers Cleveland Gladiators - Utah Blaze
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