Arizona defeats Spokane 46-68
Sunday July 3, 2011
July 2, 2011 – The Spokane Shock lost tonight to the Arizona Rattlers, 46-68. Arizona’s victory is the first in the history of the five-game series.
After both teams scored on every drive in the first half, Arizona’s defense made a critical stop on Spokane’s first drive of the third quarter. On second and goal from the four-yard line, Spokane QB Erik Meyer’s pass bounced out of the hands of the intended receiver and into the hands of Arizona LB Jason Geathers.
Arizona’s offense made the most of the turnover on the ensuing drive, scoring on a 13-yard pass from QB Nick Davila to WR Rod Windsor. The touchdown pushed Arizona’s led to eleven points, 30-41.
On Spokane’s following drive, QB Erik Meyer had to leave the game with an injury and was relieved by Kyle Rowley. Arizona’s defense stopped the Shock’s offense once again with its second turnover of the game. Arizona, who leads the league in the turnover margin at +26, capitalized on the turnover with a five-yard TD run by FB Odie Armstrong.
Arizona’s defense added three more stops to its second half total that proved to be the difference in the game.
In just over two quarters of play, QB Meyer finished the night completing 70% of his passes for 243 yards with four touchdown passes. Meyer also added a rushing touchdown. Rowley accounted for 109 yards of passing offense, including a 16-yard TD pass to WR Emery Sammons.
WR Chas Gessner led the team in receptions (12), while WR Adron Tennell led the team in receiving yards (160) and touchdown receptions (3).
Next week, the Shock return to Spokane to host the Utah Blaze for the Joe Albi Stadium Summer Classic, the first-ever regular season outdoor Arena Football game. Currently, Spokane and Utah each has a 7-8 record and are tied for the fourth and final playoff spot. Utah currently holds the tiebreaker with a win against Spokane earlier this year which makes a win next weekend critical for the Shock.
Tickets for the Joe Albi Stadium Summer Classic are still available and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.
