Shock Dominate KISS 68-46
Saturday May 9, 2015
Spokane rookie QB Smith debuts, completes 23-of-29 for 313 yards and 7 total touchdowns
SPOKANE, Washington (May 8, 2015) – The Shock (2-4, 0-1) returned to Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena for Week 7 Arena Football League action to host the Los Angeles KISS (0-7, 0-3) for the first time in the franchise’s history on Friday, coming away with the 68-46 win in front of 7,906 fans.
The Los Angeles Kiss received the opening kickoff. After a near interception by Shock defensive back Sam Pope, the Kiss faced a third-and-nine when quarterback Matt Bassuener was able to complete a 31-yard touchdown pass to receiver Donovan Morgan to take the 7-0 lead. The Shock answered right back as Sergio Gilliam returned LA’s kickoff for 52-yards to tie the game 7-7. A couple of catches for Morgan set up a two-yard rushing touchdown from Kiss Bassuener. Seven plays and 35-yards later, Shock quarterback Warren Smith connected with receiver Mike Washington for a five-yard touchdown pass, but defensive end Dominie Pittman was able to block the PAT to keep the Kiss lead at 14-13. On the ensuing Shock kickoff, receiver Nick Truesdell recovered a bar-ball on the eight-yard line and took it in for the Shock to put Spokane on top 20-14.
After ending the first quarter with a four-play drive, the LA Kiss would come back at the start of the second quarter with second- and-goal on the Shock six-yard line, but Shock defensive end James Ruffin would come up with a fumble recovery to give the ball back to the Shock. Just two plays later Smith would connect with Truesdell for 33-yards and his second touchdown of the game extending the lead to 27-14. On third-and-sixteen, Bassuener found Tom Gilson for 15-yards but would come up short of the first down. On a crucial fourth-and-one Bassneuer connected with Morgan once again for a 33-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 27-20 after a missed PAT. Following a 19-yard Smith touchdown pass to Washington, the Shock’s defense would again make a big play. James Ruffin and Bryson Kelley would both take down the Kiss quarterback for a sack and forced fumble in the end zone as Micha King would recover for the score extending the Shock lead at 41-20. With 5:25 left in the half the Kiss would use the clock and drive down the field 47-yards where Bassenuer completed a pass to Thyron Lewis on third-and-six from nine-yards out to bring the Kiss back within two touchdowns at 41-27 with 35 seconds left to play in the half.
In his rookie debut, Shock quarterback Warren Smith completed 10-of-13 passes for 134 yards and three touchdowns.
Spokane would continue their strong performance as they opened the third quarter with a seven- play drive where Smith would rush in a touchdown from one-yard out. Bassuener responded, connecting with receiver Morgan for a 13-yard score to reduce the deficit to 48-33. On their own eight-yard line, Smith would complete a pass to Washington on fourth-and-twelve for a 25-yard touchdown pass, adding to the Shock lead.
With the last quarter of the game underway, Kiss quarterback Bassuener hit Gilson for a 15-yard touchdown pass while still trailing 55-40. Facing third-and-eight from their own four-yard line, Smith continued his dominant performance making a completion to Rashaad Carter for a 46-yard touchdown pass. Backup quarterback Joe Clancy entered the game for the Kiss, and after a delay of game penalty, would be faced with a fourth-and-goal on the Shock 12-yard line. Clancy was unable to put the Kiss on the board, turning the ball over on downs to the Shock. Smith took advantage of the turnover and led his team 38-eight yards to the end zone finding Washington from 12-yards out securing Spokane’s lead 68-40 with two minutes left. On second-and-goal with four seconds left Clancy connected with Thyron Lewis for a 14-yard touchdown pass. The late score wouldn’t be enough as time would expire and the Shock would close out the 68-46 victory.
Shock quarterback Warren Smith completed 23-of-29 pass attempts with 313 yards and seven total touchdowns. Mike Washington led the Shock receiving effort with 13 receptions for 129 yards and four touchdowns, while Rashaad Carter added six receptions for 100 yards and one score. The Spokane offense was perfect in the red zone, converting on all four attempts. The Shock special teams scored twice on the night, while the defense added an additional touchdown in the Shock win.
Kiss quarterback Matt Bassuener finished the night completing 25-of-39 for 307 yards and five touchdowns. Backup quarterback Joe Clancy who entered the game in the fourth quarter completed 4-of-10 passes for 60 yards and one score. Receiver Donovan Morgan led the Kiss receivers, hauling in 11 receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
BOX SCORE |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
FINAL |
Spokane (H) |
20 |
21 |
14 |
13 |
68 |
Los Angeles (A) |
14 |
13 |
6 |
13 |
46 |
SCORING SUMMARY
1st Quarter
12:26 – LAK – Morgan 31-yard pass from Bassuener (Zalud PAT) LAK 7-0
11:26 – SPO – Gilliam 52-yard kickoff return (Rowan PAT) Tied 7-7
08:14 – LAK – Bassuener 2-yard run (Zalud PAT) LAK 14-7
03:41 – SPO – Washington 5-yard pass from Smith (PAT blocked) LAK 14-13
02:24 – SPO – Truesdell 8-yard net recovery (Rowan PAT) SPO 20-14
2nd Quarter
12:26 – SPO – Truesdell 43-yard pass from Smith (Rowan PAT) SPO 27-14
08:30 – LAK – Morgan 43-yard pass from Bassuener (PAT missed) SPO 27-20
06:55 – SPO – Washington 19-yard pass from Smith (Rowan PAT) SPO 34-20
05:25 – SPO – King 0-yard fumble recovery (Rowan PAT) SPO 41-20
00:35 – LAK – Lewis 9-yard pass from Bassuener (Zalud PAT) SPO 41-27
3rd Quarter
11:00 – SPO – Smith 1-yard rush (Rowan PAT) SPO 48-27
05:40 – LAK – Morgan 13-yard pass from Bassuener (PAT missed) SPO 48-33
01:39 – SPO – Washington 24-yard pass from Smith (Rowan PAT) SPO 55-33
4th Quarter
13:33 – LAK – Gilson 14-yard pass from Bassuener (Zalud PAT) SPO 55-40
10:49 – SPO – Carter 46-yard pass from Smith (Rowan PAT) SPO 62-40
02:42 – SPO – Washington 12-yard pass from Smith (PAT missed) SPO 68-40
00:00 – LAK – Lewis 14-yard pass from Clancy (2-point failed) SPO 68-46
POST-GAME AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: SPO QB Warren Smith
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: SPO DL James Ruffin
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: SPO WR Mike Washington
Cutters Catch of the Game: SPO WR Mike Washington 23-yard TD reception on 4th down in 3rd quarter
AFL Highlight of the Game: Shock DB Sergio Gilliam 52-yard kick return for touchdown in 1st quarter
The Shock will return to Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena next Saturday, May 16 to host a Pacific Division rival in the San Jose Sabercats for an early 4:00 p.m. kickoff for ‘Hall of Fame Night’ presented by US Linen & Uniform and AM 700 ESPN Spokane. Fans receive Shock jersey rally towels courtesy of US Linen & Uniform. Prior to kickoff, the Shock will host a special jersey retirement ceremony for former Shock receiver Raul Vijil, as well as, the 9th Man. Tickets are on sale at all TicketsWest box office locations, by phone at 1-800-325-SEAT, and online at TicketsWest.com. Game coverage will be available via SWX-TV, via radio on the Shock-VPI Radio Network on AM 700 ESPN Spokane and for viewing on WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app.
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SPOKANE SHOCK MISSION
The Spokane Shock strive to deliver to our fans a high quality entertainment experience while serving and representing the Inland Northwest on and off the field as a proud member of the Arena Football League.
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. The Shock will kick off their 10th Anniversary Season in 2015. Tickets and Sponsorships are available. For more information visit our website at spokaneshock.com or call 509-242-7462. You can also follow the Shock on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, Vine, and YouTube.