Storm Defeat Shock 51-42 to Even the All-Time Series
May 21, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock News Release
Spokane, Wash: The defending American Conference Champion Tampa Bay Storm defeated the defending National Conference Champion Spokane Shock Friday night, 42-51.
QB Casey Hansen made his first AFL start of his career and passed for 244 yards, four touchdowns with only one interception. Hansen connected with 2009 ArenaCup Champion teammate WR Raul Vijil for a team-high 14 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Vijil's second touchdown of the game, his 150th of his Shock career, came in the fourth quarter and pulled the Shock within four (34-38) with just over three minutes left in the contest.
Tampa Bay fired back on the ensuing drive with a 10-yard strike from Storm QB Brian Zbydniewski to WR Amarii Jackson. After a failed PAT attempt by Storm K Kyle Chilton, Tampa Bay had a 10-point 34-44 lead.
The Shock offense set up shop on the two yard line. After a 10-yard completion to Vijil, Spokane's second pass attempt of the drive was intercepted by DB Michael Hawthorne who returned it 17 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.
Zbydniewski finished the night with 223 yards and six touchdowns but was under heavy pressure from Spokane's aggressive pass rush that was led by Khreem Smith, who recorded two sacks. Tonight's performance marked Smith's second consecutive multiple sack game. (Last week he recorded 1.5 in Spokane's win over Dallas.) Zbydniewski also threw an interception that fell into the hands of Shock DB Terrance Sanders. Sanders interception earned the Cutter's Catch of the Game.
The Storm's receiving corps was led by former Shock WR Huey Whittaker who recorded 11 receptions for 123 yards with three touchdowns.
Spokane hits the road next week to take on the Kansas City Command on Saturday May 28th. After a bye the following week, the Shock will return to Spokane to host the Philadelphia Soul on June 10th which will be aired nationally on the NFL Network. Tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.
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