Shock lose heart-breaker

Wednesday March 14, 2012

 March 12, 2012 – Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock opened the 2012 season with a heart-breaker falling to the Iowa Barnstormers, 63-69 in overtime.

Early in the fourth quarter, Iowa extended their lead to 56-42 after a failed on-side kick attempt was recovered by LB John Mohring, who scampered into the endzone on a six-yard return.

Mohring was later ejected from the game after a viscous-hit that he laid on Spokane QB Erik Meyer. Meyer’s back-up QB Adam Froman was inserted in the game and was able to engineer a quick scoring drive capped off by a five-yard touchdown pass to WR Justin Ore.

On the ensuing drive, Spokane’s defense held firm and forced Iowa to attempt a field-goal. After Iowa’s K Craig Camay field goal missed, Spokane’s Terrance Sanders returned the kick 54-yards for a touchdown to tie the game and send it into overtime.

After Iowa won the coin flip, they deferred and Spokane started the extra period with the ball. On the third play of Spokane’s overtime drive, Froman’s pass was intercepted by DB Jason Simpson. This turnover set up Iowa’s game-winning drive that was capped off by a 35-yard touchdown pass from QB JJ Raterink to WR Marco Thomas.

While there is no initial word on Meyer’s injury, he finished the game with 294 passing yards and six passing touchdowns. Froman finished the game completing 60% of his passes with one touchdown. Spokane’s receiving corps was led by Ore who hauled in ten receptions for 131 yards. WR Brandon Thompkins led the team in scoring with four touchdown receptions.
Iowa’s Raterink, who was selected as the Offensive Player of the Game, finished the night with seven touchdowns and 284 yards. Jesse Schmidt, who was selected as the Playmaker of the Game, hauled in a team leading 12 receptions – including four touchdowns – for 157 yards.

Spokane will hit the road for a short week playing the San Antonio Talons this Friday the 17th at 5 PM. Catch the game on 700 ESPN with Dennis Patchin and Keith Osso. Shock fans can also watch the game over the web at www.ustream.tv/spokaneshock. The Shock will return to the Spokane Arena on March 30th hosting the San Jose SaberCats for the NFL Network’s Arena Game of the Week. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.


JLS Ironman of the Game: SPOKANE – DB/KR Terrance Sanders
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: IOWA QB JJ Raterink
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Game winning 35-yard pass from Raterink to Thomas.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: IOWA DB Cameron McGlenn
AFL Playmaker of the Game: IOWA WR Jesse Schmidt
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: IOWA’s Game winner by WR Marco Thomas
National Guard MVP: IOWA WR Jesse Schmidt
Attendance: 8,891