Shock to Face Dangerous Rattlers

Published on June 27, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release


SPOKANE, WA (June 27, 2012) - This week, the Spokane Shock (8-6) will host the number one overall and West Division leading Arizona Rattlers (11-3) on Friday, June 29th with an 8pm kickoff at the Spokane Arena.

In route to the Shock posting the most points ever against the San Jose SaberCats' franchise last week (90), Kyle broke the AFL Single Game TD record as he threw 12 total TDs in the contest. As he gets ready to measure up to the Rattler's 3rd ranked passing offense, he will face their 15th ranked passing defense that hasn't given up more than 48 points in five of their last six games. So far this season in the 11 games Kyle has played, he has completed 271 of his 411 attempts (65.9%) for 3,160 yards and 71 touchdowns.

Adron has offered veteran leadership and production in the 13 games he has played in this season, racking up 112 receptions for 1,330 yards and 27 TDs. Leading a young group of AFL wide receivers into Week 17 against the Arizona Rattlers, Adron will need to step up and continue to produce numbers similar to last week in order to gain the Rattler's attention and open up his teammates. Last week, Adron snagged 13 receptions for 164 yards and 5 TDs against a beat up San Jose secondary.

Spokane enters Week 17 of the AFL season still ranked fourth in the West Division despite having an overall record of 8-6 and being ranked 6th overall in the AFL Power Rankings. Playoff scenarios are dwindling as the Shock need to win all their remaining games and hope that the late season push by their inter-Conference opponents fall short, opening a window for Spokane to snag the fourth spot in the National Conference Standings.

In Arizona's week 16 match-up against Milwaukee, Davila completed 25 of his 35 pass attempts for 320 yards and 3 TDs, but two costly interceptions kept the Mustangs in the game. Nick has completed 68.2% of his passes for 4,261 yards and 92 TDs with only 12 interceptions in 14 games this season. A key matchup for the Rattler's offense and Davila this week will be against Spokane's hungry defense after forcing seven (7) turnovers last week against San Jose and returning Jeremy Geathers to the active roster on the defensive line.

Arizona's offense struggled to make ends meet last week but was supported by Virgil Gray in the defensive backfield who recorded two (2) interceptions against the Mustangs. So far this season, Virgil is second on the team in total tackles (53 unassisted, 18 assisted) with 21 pass break ups and 4 interceptions. With the Shock Offense coming off a red hot game in San Jose, expect Virgil and the Arizona defense to have to make big plays and cause turnovers to alter the outcome of the contest.

The Rattlers are ranked first in the West Division going into Week 17 and first overall in the Power Rankings for the sixth consecutive week. Having defeated Spokane by a final score of 57-53 on April 6th in Phoenix, the Shock have to defeat Arizona to split the series and inter-Division rivalry to maintain Playoff hopes. The Rattlers can clinch a playoff berth with a win against Spokane and a San Jose loss against the Chicago Rush.

Join the Shock this Friday with an 8pm kickoff for 'Dollar Night'. All hot dogs, popcorn, and small drinks will only be $1 each.

This week's Game Night Sponsor is Dishman Dodge Chrysler hosting a Diaper Drive. Donate a pack of diapers and receive a Game Night T-Shirt while supplies last.

The game will be broadcast LIVE on SWX, covered by 700 ESPN Radio, and available for viewing on the Shock's Ustream page (www.ustream.tv/spokaneshock). Live updates will also be available on the Shock's Facebook page throughout the game and Twitter (@TheSpokaneShock).

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