Shock Hang On, Win Thriller Over Rush
Jeffrey Giuliani
Friday August 2, 2013
Thursday evening’s playoff game between the Spokane Shock and Chicago Rush was a tale of two different halves. The first half was a gritty half, with defenses stepping up and quarterbacks getting thrown around like ragdolls. On the flip side, the second half was an offensive shootout, where scoring was effortless and the scoreboard was lighting up like a pinball machine. In the end, it was the Shock who triumphed over the gutsy Rush by a score of 69-47, not at all indicative of how close the game really was.
The first half of action was filled with huge defensive plays. After trading opening possession touchdowns, quarterback Erik Meyer was crushed from behind and fumbled the football. Chicago recovered and scored, taking a 13-7 lead. Spokane would get a chance to retake the lead later after Rush QB Luke Drone was intercepted by Terrance Sanders. But once again, Chicago’s defense held strong and Spokane turned the ball over on downs. With the game tied at 20, Spokane masterfully ran down the clock on their final drive of the half. It scored a touchdown to take a seven point lead, while leaving only a handful of seconds remaining on the clock.
When both teams emerged from the locker room, it was as though someone flipped a switch as the offenses came alive. A seesaw match took place, as the two foes traded blows for a full quarter of action. Every time Chicago tied the game, Spokane answered right back with a score of its own. Spokane only gained the upper hand when Chicago missed an extra point, giving the Shock possession of the football with a one point lead. After a predictable touchdown, Spokane held an eight point advantage over the Rush, with time running out. In a deafening Spokane Arena, the Chicago offense came onto the field, needing a touchdown and a two point conversion to tie. On his own seven yard line, Drone dropped back to pass. He scanned the defense as the pass rush enveloped him. He stepped up and attempted a desperate pass. Spokane DB Ruschard Dodd-Masters was near the fluttering pass. He batted it with one hand, caught it with the other, and rumbled for the game sealing pick six.
An intriguing decision took place early Thursday evening. Rush Head Coach Bob McMillen decided to start Luke Drone over the usual starter, Carson Coffman. It took everyone by surprise. Asking around, nobody seemed to have an answer. After catching up with Shock Head Coach Andy Olson after the game, he seemed similarly confused, saying, “I thought he [Coffman] was hurt, but I guess he got pulled. That’s the head coach’s call, and that’s what he was most comfortable with, so that was his call.” Drone’s stat line included four interceptions, but he played a productive game. It just wasn’t enough to carry the day. An explanation from Bob McMillen on his choice of quarterback will be an interesting development in the following days.
Dodd-Masters was the hero of this game. He had already broken up a pass on 4th down earlier in the contest, but his defensive touchdown in the waning moments sealed a conference championship berth for the Shock. When asked about his two defensive touchdowns (another would come on the following drive), Dodd-Masters gave credit to others, “Our defensive line put that pressure on them the whole second half. Without that pressure, I wouldn’t have gotten any picks, so I give it up to my D-Line.”
The selfless nature of this Shock football team is apparent after every interview session, particularly in the aftermath of this playoff win. Olson’s motto is “All In”, and the team has subscribed to that almost religiously. Dodd-Masters was asked about the performance in general, and responded, “The defense is just staying the course. Our offense is the leader of this team. Without Easy Money (Erik Meyer) throwing that ball around, we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in."
Beau Bell also added, “Complementary football. It’s complementary football. Offense does good, defense does good, special teams does good. If we can play complementary football in all three phases of the game, no telling what we can do.”
The Shock are united, and getting hot at the right time. But they also have a swagger that is serving them well. Both Bell and Dodd-Masters displayed their confidence on Thursday night, both with their play on the field and their post-game guaranteed. Dodd-Masters was not hesitant to declare that, “It’s championship or bust. And we’ll be in Orlando - I guarantee it.”
Bell had a similar sentiment when asked if the Shock had a good chance of winning the ArenaBowl, saying, “I think so. No, I know so. Just as long as we stick together.”
A daunting matchup looms in the distance for the Spokane Shock. Regardless who wins between the Arizona Rattlers and San Jose SaberCats, a well-coached and talented team will be standing between the Shock and ArenaBowl XXVI. Spokane will be watching the outcome of Saturday’s game carefully. If San Jose can pull the upset, Spokane will get one more playoff game at home. If not, the Shock will have a date with the Rattlers in the Snake Pit. A National Conference Championship preview will be available once the Shock’s opponent is known.
