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Terrance Sanders, who was selected as the JLS Ironman of game, recorded this interception and returned a kick 57 yards for a touchdown. PHOTO BY ARRON ANASTASIA |
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May 7, 2011 – The Spokane Shock’s two-game winning streak was snapped Saturday night by the Power in Pittsburgh, 41-51.
Going into halftime, Spokane held a 13-point lead but Pittsburgh came roaring back in the second half and scored on all but one possession in the final two quarters. The Power’s final possession of the game, started with only :32 seconds left with Pittsburgh clinging on to a seven-point lead. Pittsburgh Head Coach Chris Siegfried attempted to milk the clock and drew up three rushing plays for his multi-dimensional QB Bernard Morris. Spokane’s defense held firm and gave up only two rushing yards, bringing up fourth and eight for Pittsburgh from its own 21-yard line.
Siegfried called on his kicker Paul Edinger, who had converted only 33% of his field goal attempts coming into tonight, to ice the game. Edinger, whose longest field goal of the year was 35-yards, converted the 45-yard field goal attempt to put the Power up by 10 and sealed the victory.
Pittsburgh’s defense slowed Spokane’s offense down by producing six stops, including four in the second half. Spokane’s defense kept pace with Pittsburgh and yielded four stops, including two turnovers on downs. The Shock offense capitalized on those stops and turned them into 21 points.
Spokane's DL Khreem Smith turned in another stellar performance with 1.5 sacks; one forced fumble, and blocked a kick for the second consecutive week.
KR/DB Terrance Sanders got things started for Spokane returning the opening kick-off of the game 57 yards for his second touchdown off of a kick return this season. Later in the first quarter, Sanders picked off Morris for his first interception of the season. Two plays later, Shock QB Kyle Rowley connected with WR Raul Vijil for an eight-yard touchdown.
Rowley finished with 244 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Vijil led the team with two touchdown receptions and added 61 yards. WR Emery Sammons led the team with six total receptions for 62 yards. WR Shaun Kauleinamoku and WR Greg Orton each chipped in with a touchdown a piece.
The Shock return to Spokane next week for two consecutive home games on May 14th, against the Dallas Vigilantes, and on May 20th for a re-match of ArenaBowl XXIII against the Tampa Bay Storm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.
