Shock upset defending ArenaBowl champions 52-45

Saturday July 18, 2015

 Spokane posts 31 second quarter points, 17 unanswered in home win

SPOKANE, Washington (July 17, 2015) – The Shock (5-10, 1-4) hosted the three-time defending ArenaBowl Champion Arizona Rattlers (12-3, 4-1) in Week 17 Arena Football League Action, coming away with the 52-45 upset victory in front of 7,938 fans at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

The Rattlers jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter of play after defensive back Jeremy Kellem intercepted a tipped pass in the end zone on Spokane’s opening possession and then held the Shock to a turnover on downs later in the quarter. Quarterback Nick Davila was a perfect 6-of-6 passing in the opening quarter and connected with Rod Windsor and Kerry Reed for touchdown scores.
Spokane took control of the game in the second quarter, scoring 31-points and 17 unanswered points to close out the half.

The two teams traded scores to open the quarter before Spokane fumbled on an attempted toss play that provided Arizona with a short field as they lead 20-7.

Shock defensive lineman Derrick Summers then recorded back-to-back sacks, including a forced fumble that was recovered by James Ruffin to set up an eight-yard touchdown pass from Arvell Nelson to Anthony Amos. Arizona would respond with a scoring drive capped off by a nine-yard pass from Davila to Windsor, but the Shock would then go on to post their 17 unanswered points. After a short touchdown rush by Nelson and a bar-ball recovery by the special teams that led to another Nelson touchdown plunge, rookie defensive back Mike McMillan would record an interception on Arizona’s final drive of the quarter. Spokane would then convert on a 35-yard field goal by Taylor Rowan as time expired to close out the half leading 31-26.

As second half action resumed, the teams would trade scores during the third quarter, allowing Spokane to maintain an 11-point lead as Arizona would continue their drive into the final quarter of play.

The Shock defense came up with a key stop to open the fourth quarter, holding Arizona to a turnover on downs in the red zone. The two teams would trade scores during the remainder of the game, but as time wound off the clock the Rattlers were unable to recover two onside kick attempts that would allow Spokane to seal the 52-45 victory.

Arizona quarterback Nick Davila completed 35-of-48 pass attempts for 355 yards and seven touchdowns with two interceptions on the night. Rod Windsor led the Rattlers’ receiving effort with 15 receptions for 174 yards and two scores while Kerry Reed added eight receptions for 62 yards and three touchdowns. Defensive back Jeremy Kellem recorded five total tackles and one interception. Defensive lineman Anttaj Hawthorne had two sacks on the night and Michael McAdoo added one.

Shock quarterback Arvell Nelson completed 22-of-34 pass attempts for 259 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He also added eight rush attempts on the night for seven yards and two scores. Defensive lineman Bryson Kelly saw time at fullback tonight for Spokane, added seven carries for 27 yards and one touchdown. The Shock receiving effort was led by Anthony Amos with 13 receptions for 144 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, defensive back Ruschard Dodd-Masters recorded 11 total tackles while Mike McMillan added eight total tackles and two interceptions. Defensive linemen James Ruffin and Derrick Summers each registered two sacks.