06/05/2012 11:21 AM -
SPOKANE, WA (June 5th, 2012) – This week, the Spokane Shock (6-5) begin a two-game home stint as they host the Kansas City Command (2-9) at Spokane Arena with a 7:00pm PST kickoff on Saturday, June 9th, 2012.
The Shock begin week 14 coming off a loss to Chicago which ended their three-game winning streak. Having three turnovers in the game, the Shock were unable to match the hot hand of Rush QB Russ Michna who threw for over 400 yards and 9 TDs last week. Kyle Rowley threw for a season high of 402 yards with 8 TDs, but two costly interceptions allowed Chicago to maintain their lead and hold on to an 11-point victory with a final score of 73-62.
Arizona (9-3) remains atop the West Division as well as the AFL Power Rankings for their third consecutive week and with Utah Blaze (7-5) winning last week against Kansas City, the Shock have slipped to the fourth spot within the Division and face an uphill battle to get back into the playoff race. Spokane will play all three West Division opponents in the month of June, hosting Arizona and Utah in Spokane while traveling to San Jose (8-4).
Kansas City’s offense (ranked 16th in Passing and 11th in Rushing) will arrive in Spokane lead by QB Matt Gutierrez who has played 7 games this season throwing for 1,788 yards, 30 TDs and 11 interceptions. WR Syvelle Newton has recorded 42 receptions for 413 yards and 9 TDs, followed by Bret Smith with 37 receptions for 485 yards and 8 TDs. Defensively (ranked 5th in Opp Passing and 1st in Opp Rushing), Kansas City has given up 2,890 yards in the air and 62 TDs this season.
Spokane’s offense (ranked 12th in Passing and 14th in Rushing) have posted no less than 62 points in each of their last five games led by QB Kyle Rowley who has thrown for 2,193 yards, 46 TDs and 12 INTs. WR Adron Tennell leads the team through ten games with 85 receptions, 1,029 yards and 20 TDs while being accompanied by Brandon Thompkins with 74 receptions, 884 yards, and 26 TDs. Defense (ranked 16th in Opp Passing and 11th in Opp Rushing) will enter this week’s match-up with a healthy secondary led by DB and KR Specialist Terrance Sanders who not only leads the league in Tackles (76 solo, 13 assisted ) but has recorded seven INTs, four KR TDs, and one missed FG attempt that he returned for a TD as well.
Returning to Spokane to begin a two-game home stint, Coach Andy Olson recognizes the need to perform strongly against Kansas City. “We are never going to look beyond a team or count a team like Kansas City out, they have as much as we do to prove each week and are hungry for a win. We need to use this game as an opportunity to get better and do everything we can to get a win before we compete against our West Division rivals in the weeks to come.”
Join the Spokane Shock as they take on the Kansas City Command this Saturday June 9th at the Spokane Arena with a 7pm kickoff. The first 5,000 fans will receive Rockstar Dance Team Posters.
This week’s game against Kansas City will be broadcasted live on SWX and online via the Shock’s Ustream page (www.ustream.tv/spokaneshock). Radio coverage for the game will also be available on 700ESPN with regular updates coming through on the Shock’s Facebook and Twitter (@thespokaneshock) pages.
ABOUT THE SPOKANE SHOCK
The Spokane Shock is a professional arena football team of the Arena Football League from Spokane, Washington, USA. They play their home games at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. The Shock played their first four seasons in the former af2, winning division titles in all four seasons and ArenaCups in 2006 and 2009 before joining the AFL and winning ArenaBowl XXIII in their first season. Tickets and Sponsorships are available for the 2013 Season. For more information visit our website at spokaneshock.com or call 509-242-7462. You can also follow the Shock on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
