Shock vs. Rattlers - Game Preview
Published on June 12, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
SPOKANE, WA - The Spokane Shock will trek to the desert to take on the Arizona Rattlers in a monumental West Division showdown this Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (PST) at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
Saturdays game is crucial for the second-placed Shock (9-3, 3-1) as they must replicate their April 12th performance, a 66-49 win over Arizona (11-1, 3-1) in Spokane, to keep alive any hope of catching the first-placed Rattlers who are winners of eight straight games and are looking to avenge their only loss of the season.
The first matchup between the two AFL goliaths featured plenty of offensive firepower, as there were no defensive stops in the game until 3:45 left in the fourth quarter when Spokane held the Rattlers to a four-and-out.
Shock quarterback Erik Meyer tore apart the Rattlers secondary completing 27-of-43 passes for 351 yards and eight touchdowns in the victory. He connected with wide receiver Adron Tennell 10 times for 138 yards and four touchdowns while Duane Brooks had nine catches for 117 yards and a touchdown and Kamar Jorden chipped in eight catches for 95 yards and three scores.
Former Shock quarterback and current Rattlers starter Nick Davila went 18-of-33 for 341 yards and five touchdowns in a losing effort. Wide receiver Rod Windsor had seven catches for 135 yards and three touchdowns while Kerry Reed had six catches for 117 yards and a score for Arizona.
Spokane appears to be clicking on all cylinders at exactly the right time as they won their fourth straight game in dominating fashion last Saturday, dismantling the Jacksonville Sharks (8-4), 76-41, in front of 8,463 fans at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
The Shock once again used a stifling defensive effort forcing six turnovers, including two interceptions from defensive back Terrance Sanders, one which he returned 39-yards for a touchdown. Meyer was solid completing 15-of-21 passes for 218 yards and six touchdowns before being replaced by backup quarterback Arvell Nelson in the blowout. Tennell led all Shock receivers with eight receptions for 84 yards and three touchdowns while Jorden and Brandon Thompkins each had two receiving touchdowns.
As impressive as Spokane has been in 2013, Arizona is the team enjoying a historic season. With their eighth straight win last Saturday, a 70-21 blowout in which they held the San Antonio Talons (5-6) to their lowest point total of the season, the Rattlers tied their best start in franchise history which was initially set in 1996.
The Rattlers secondary overwhelmed San Antonio quarterback Nick Fanuzzi collecting six interceptions on the night, including three from defensive back Arkeith Brown and two from "jack" linebacker Jeremy Kellem.
Davila led the Rattlers offense throwing for 290 yards and five touchdowns while wide receiver's Jared Perry and Windsor had three touchdown catches each with Reed adding in two scores of his own.
It will be a tall task for Spokane who will not only have to pull off the upset in front of a hostile away arena, but will also be facing a Rattlers organization that sits atop or close to the top of nearly every AFL statistical category.
Arizona is currently tied with Spokane for first in scoring offense, putting up 67.8 points per game, they are first in the league in turnover margin, second in the league in passing offense, second in total offense, second in pass efficiency, first in first downs, first in third down conversions and also first in fourth down conversions.
And as proficient as the Rattlers offense has been this season, their defense isn't far behind.
Although they rank 13th in the league in pass defense and total defense giving up 306.9 yards per game (one spot above No. 14 Spokane, 340.6 yds. /game) they boast a bend but don't break mentality allowing a league low 45.4 points per game. They are second in the AFL in rushing defense, first in pass defense efficiency, first in opponent fourth down conversions and second in red zone defense. And after his three-interception night last Saturday, Brown is currently tied with Shock defensive back Paul Stephens for the AFL lead with eight interceptions.
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m. (PST) at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Ariz. and will be broadcast live on SWX-TV, streaming online at shock.arenafootball.com/allaccess, and available on 700AM ESPN radio. The Shock will return to Spokane to play the Utah Blaze Friday, June 21st.
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