Shock flyby Barnstormers in 68-62 victory

Friday May 25, 2012

 DB Paul Stephens answers call with one INT and KR for TD

SPOKANE, WA (May, 25th, 2012) – The Shock (6-4) traveled to Des Moines, IA to take on the Iowa Barnstormers (4-7) at Wells Fargo Arena in a Week 12 AFL match-up, resulting in their fifth victory in the last six games led by DB Paul Stephens with one interception and a kick return for a touchdown.

After a slow first quarter ending with the Iowa leading 7-3 over Spokane, the Shock posted a 28 point second quarter effort led by Kyle Rowley connecting on 13 of 19 passing for 133 yards and 3 TDs. Adron Tennell led the Shock receiving effort as he brought in 8 receptions for 73 yards and 2 TDs, followed by Brandon Thompkins with two touchdowns (one in the air and one on the ground).

While Iowa QB J.J. Raterink was able to complete 10 of 18 pass attempts for 136 yards and 3 TDs in the first half, his inability to convert on a fourth down early in the first quarter and interception late in the second quarter by Paul Stephens enabled the Shock to capitalize and create separation in the first half, finishing with a score of 31-20.

As second half action would resume, Brandon Thompkins would pull in another TD reception from Kyle Rowley from 6-yds out in attempt to hold off Barnstormers WR Jessie Schmidt who scored twice in the third quarter on passes from QB J.J. Raterink. Shock DB Paul Stephens would respond with a kick return for a touchdown off a bar-ball for 46 yards to cap off the third quarter action and a Shock lead of 48-34.

In the final quarter of play, Spokane continued to protect their possessions and push the ball downfield offensively. After an early TD on the ground by James Ruffin, the Shock were able to force another four and out situation and take over on downs. While Iowa attempted a late surge on an interception culminating in a TD from J.J. Raterink to Jessie Schmidt (his fifth of the game) that would bring the game within one score, the Barnstormers were unable to close the gap. Late in the fourth quarter, Patrick Stoudamire (former Barnstormer) of the Shock came up with an important onside kick recovery after losing his helmet, solidifying the Shock possession and lead despite back and forth scoring in the final minute of the game. Spokane would go on to defeat Iowa by a final score of 68-62.

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.