Week 19 Preview: Pittsburgh Power at Spokane Shock

Tuesday July 23, 2013

 Friday, July 26, 2013 – 10:00 pm EDT

Veterans Memorial Arena – Spokane, WA

Radio: TribLIVE Radio SportsTalk

Live Stream: AFL Access

All-Time Series: Pittsburgh leads 1-0

THE GAME

The Pittsburgh Power (4-13) travel to Spokane, WA, to take on the AFL’s top ranked Spokane Shock (13-4) in their final game week of the 2013 Arena Football League season. Kickoff at the Veterans Memorial Arena is at 10:00 pm EDT. This will be the third straight week that the Power will face an AFL-playoff qualifier (San Jose, Tampa Bay, Spokane).

The Power ended a seven-game losing streak last Saturday at Tampa Bay in a 48-37 upset of the Storm. The Shock finished Week 18 of AFL action with 77-30 home win against the San Antonio Talons, which moved them to the top of the AFL Power Rankings this week.

POWER TO WATCH | OFFENSE

Passing: In only his second game as a starter, rookie quarterback Shane Austin won his first game atTampa Bay, completing 18 passes for 249 yards and 4 touchdowns. Austin also recorded 2 rushing touchdowns against the Storm.

Receiving: Wide receiver Mike Washington leads Pittsburgh’s receiving corps with 1,509 yards on 127 catches and 34 touchdowns – all single season career bests for the 3-years with the Power, this is Washington’s highest output in all 3 categories. Receiver, Julian Talley has added 70 catches for 800 yards and 16 touchdowns in only 9 games.

SHOCK TO WATCH | OFFENSE

Passing: Three-year AFL veteran quarterback Erik Meyer has completed 68.6% of his passes for 4,417 yards and 106 touchdowns. Meyer has also rushed for 14 touchdowns this season.

Receiving: Wide receivers Adron Tennell and Kamar Jorden lead Spokane. Tennell has 146 catches for 1,661 yards and 44 touchdowns, and Jorden has grabbed 93 passes for 1,073 yards and 26 touchdowns. Tennell leads the Shock in scoringwith 306 points.

POWER TO WATCH | DEFENSE

Defense: Leading Pittsburgh’s top-ranked defense is 3-year AFL veteran defensive back Sergio Gilliam with a team high 88 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 20 pass breakups. Defensive back Chris LeFlore (68.5 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 17 pass breakups) and jack linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson (68.5 tackles and 2 interceptions) also standout.

SHOCK TO WATCH | DEFENSE

Defense: Defensive back Terrance Sanders leads Spokane with a team high 93 tackles. Sanders has chipped in 7 interceptions and 17 pass breakups. Defensive back Paul Stephens ranks #3 in the AFL with a team high 12 picks. Stephens has also recorded 68.5 tackles and 14 pass breakups for the Shock.

POWER TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS

Kick Returns: Defensive back Chris LeFlore has 71 kick returns for 1,134 yards and 2 touchdowns.

SHOCK TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS

Kick Returns: Ranked first in the Arena Football League, defensive back Terrance Sanders has returned 92 kicks for 2,198 yards and 6 touchdowns.

For continuous updates of players, games, and Power news follow the team on social media @AFLPittsburgh. For live in-game updates follow @PowerGameday.