Shock win 51-35
March 31, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock's Cinderella story continues as the 2006 ArenaCup Champions defeated the Stockton Lightning on opening night, 51-35.
Head Coach Adam Shackleford stuck to his game plan, distributing the ball to a wealth of receivers with short, quick passes to avoid the penetrating pass rush of the Lightning. Three receivers (Antwone Savage, Chico Mackey, and Raul Vijil) had multiple catches combining for 162 yards and 18 receptions. Shock Quarterback Andrico Hines was honored as the Offensive Player of the Game after passing for three touchdowns and 168 yards with only one interception.
Defensively, the Shock made a statement and produced three key turnovers (with three fumbles and two interceptions). The defense seemed to take the wind out of the Lightning's sails with 13:59 left to go in the third quarter. After advancing the ball to the one yard line, the Shock stuffed the Lightning's offense on four straight goal-line attempts.
Stockton's offense was led by former Shock Quarterback Derrick Crudup. Crudup accounted for five touchdowns and passed for 255 yards. Kenyatte Morgan and former Idaho State standout Sale' Key contributed 233 yards of the Lightning's 253 total yards.
In his post game press conference Shackleford seemed relieved, but not yet satisfied. "I'm just happy for my guys; they battled through injuries, and they stepped up to the plate," Shackleford said. "However, we are nowhere close to where we need to be. Our goal now is to look forward to game two against Quad Cities. They are a very good football team and we will have our work cut out for us."
Tickets for next week's game against the Quad City Steamwheelers are still available and can be purchased by calling 325-SEAT.
NOTES - WR Chico Mackey left the game in the second quarter after rolling his ankle and did not return to action tonight. LB Kelvin Morris was also injured tonight and did not return to action. Early reports indicate that neither player will return to the line-up next week.
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