Shock defeat Barnstormers, 48-42

Saturday July 17, 2010

July 16, 2010 - The Spokane Shock defeated the Barnstormers 48-42 in Iowa tonight on the NFL Network for its twelfth win of the season (12-2).

Spokane scored on its opening drive with a three-yard touchdown pass from QB Kyle Rowley to Huey Whittaker.  Iowa stumbled out of the gate on their first drive with a turnover. Shock DL Jerry Turner forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Aaron Robbins. Four plays later, Rowley capitalized on the Barnstormers’ mistake with a nine-yard touchdown rush to jump out to a 13-0 lead.

Iowa made up for their mistake, scoring 14-straight points to close out the second quarter. The Barnstormers’ offense kept the momentum rolling scoring the first touchdown of the second half, on a 38-yard bomb from QB Ryan Vena to WR Jesse Schmidt. The touchdown gave Iowa their first lead of the game, 34-28. Schmidt was Vena’s go-to receiver all night long and he finished the game leading the team in receptions (10) receiving yards (148) and touchdowns (three).

Spokane’s offense put a stop to Iowa’s 21-point rally with a 34-yard touchdown completion from Rowley to Kauleinamoku to re-take the lead. Spokane never relinquished the lead again.

On the ensuing drive, Spokane’s defense came up with another big stop. This time Robbins forced the fumble that was recovered by fellow LB Antwan Marsh on the Barnstormers’ 20 yard line.

Spokane’s opportunistic offense capitalized on the turnover, with a four-yard touchdown strike from Rowley to Whittaker.

Rowley completed 70% of his passes for 299 yards with six touchdowns. Whittaker finished the night with 11 receptions for 104 yards with three touchdowns. After being activated from the Injured Reserve List earlier this week, White recorded five receptions for 58 yards including a touchdown. WR Greg Orton and Kauleinamoku combined for ten receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

Next week, the Shock host the Chicago Rush on Spokane Tribe Field. Chicago is close behind Spokane in the National Conference race with ten wins and only four losses. This game will also be broadcast on the NFL Network.

Tickets for this Friday’s game against Chicago are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest. Playoff tickets go on sale on July 22nd at 10 AM and can also be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.