Shock defeat Thunder 69-54

Monday June 22, 2015

 QB Coffman passes for nine touchdown passes, five to WR Truesdell

PORTLAND, Oregon (June 21, 2015) – The Shock (4-8, 1-3) went on the road in Week 13 and faced a Pacific Division opponent in the Portland Thunder (3-9, 1-3) at the Moda Center on Sunday, June 21. Shock quarterback Carson Coffman recorded nine passing touchdowns on the night, five of which went to receiver Nick Truesdell as the Shock rolled to a 69-54 victory.

Spokane jumped out to an early lead in the in the first quarter of play as the offense was aided a bar-ball recovery by the Shock special teams unit and an interception by jack-linebacker Sergio Gilliam on Portland’s opening drive of the game. Shock quarterback Carson Coffman connected with Nick Truesdell twice for touchdowns (33, 11) while backup quarterback Arvell Nelson added a two-yard rushing score. Thunder quarterback Alex Carder, in his first start of the season, connected with receiver Jared Perry on a 31-yard pass for Portland’s first score of the game with 52 seconds remaining in the opening quarter to bring the game to a 21-7 Shock lead.

In second quarter action, Spokane would continue their drive and find the end zone once again on a Coffman and Truesdell connection (26-yards) before rookie defensive back Mike McMillan, in his first game of the season, would intercept the Thunder pass attempt in the end zone. Spokane receiver Christian Wise then recorded his second receiving score of the season on a 38-yard pass from Coffman to push the Shock lead to 35-7 with 7:23 remaining in the half. The Thunder relieved Carder of his quarterback duties half-way though the quarter as Kyle Rowley would enter the game and lead Portland to three scoring drives before the end of the half on passes to Perry (19, 29) and tight end Jeraill McCuller (3). Shock receiver Nick Truesdell continued his dominance in the Shock passing game as he hauled in two more receiving touchdowns (20, 9) on the night. Spokane would have a one final opportunity to add points to the board before the end of the half, but a missed 23-yard field goal attempt by kicker Taylor Rowan would leave the Shock lead at 49-28 to end the second quarter.

The Thunder scored on their opening drive of the second half on a 17-yard pass from Rowley to Perry and then held Spokane to a turnover on downs that would lead to a one-yard rushing score by fullback John Martinez to bring the game within eight-points. The Shock responded with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Coffman to Sambrano to push the Spokane lead to 55-41 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter of play presented a decline in offensive production by both teams. Spokane held the Thunder to a turnover on downs on the Shock three-yard line that would lead to an 18-yard passing touchdown from Coffman to receiver Braylon Bell to extend the Shock lead to 62-41. Defensive back Mike McMillan then recorded his second interception on the night, but the Spokane offense was unable to convert and were held to a turnover on downs that led to a one-yard flea-flicker from receiver Jared Perry to Perez Ashford. After a failed onside kick attempt, Coffman would find Sambrano for the second time on the night on a 24-yard passing score with just under one minute remaining in the contest. The Thunder would find the end zone once more before time expired on a 25-yard pass from Rowley to Perry as the Shock would go on to close out the road victory by a final score of 69-54.

Shock quarterback Carson Coffman completed 20-of-32 pass attempts for 328 yards and nine touchdowns on the night. Backup quarterback Arvel Nelson added one rushing score while the Shock receiving effort was led by Nick Truesdell who hauled in seven receptions for 124 yards and five touchdowns. Jabin Sambrano added eight receptions for 125 yards and two scores. Defensive back Mike McMillan recorded two interceptions in the night while jack-linebacker Sergio Gilliam added an additional interception.

Thunder quarterback Alex Carder started the contest and completed 8-of-15 pass attempts for one touchdown and two interceptions before being replaced in the second quarter by Kyle Rowley who would go on to complete 17-of-28 for 225 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Jared Perry led the Thunder receivers with 12 receptions for 170 yards and five touchdowns while Duane Brooks added six receptions for 64 yards.

POST-GAME AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: SPO QB Carson Coffman
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: PDX DB Andre Martin
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: SPO WR Nick Truesdell
Cutters Catch of the Game: PDX WR Jared Perry 29-yard TD catch in Q2
AFL Highlight of the Game: SPO DB Mike McMillan endzone INT in first-half

NEXT GAME
The Shock will return to Spokane Veterans Memorial next Friday, June 26 to host the San Jose Sabercats with a 7:00 p.m. PT kickoff. Next week’s game will be the "Hoopfest Weekend Kickoff" presented by Century Link and Coyote 99.9 FM. The “Tailgate Zone” featuring a Coors Light Beer Garden and YMCA Kids Zone will be in the north arena parking lot starting at 5:00 p.m. Umpqua Bank will be handing our ice cream to the first 2,000 tailgaters. Once doors open at 6:00 p.m., the first 3,500 fans receive megaphones courtesy of Century Link. At half-time, AllSport will be announcing the winner of their "WIN THIS RIDE" contest. Game coverage will be live on SWX-TV and on the Shock-VPI Radio Network on AM 700 ESPN Spokane.

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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