Spokane Shock Defeat Everett Hawks 52 - 47

Shawn and Lori Mosqueda
Sunday June 3, 2007

Shawn's Take:  

Before I go on with the article covering tonight's game, I would like to say that I had two concerns tonight.  The first, was Shock QB Andrico Hines healthy enough to start the game?  The second, now that the Shock are beginning to mesh as a team, would they show a resemblance of last year's Shock by becoming a second-half team?

Coming into tonight's game, I was certain this game was going to be a blowout against the team with the worst record in the division.  It seemed my prediction was right as the Shock started the night off big!  The defense was swarming all over the place, wreaking havoc for the Hawk's offense.  The Hawks simply could not get anything going in the first quarter.  

The Shocks offense, especially the special teams, were equally remarkable.  Shock WR/DB Raul Vijil had a 57-yard kick-off return for a touchdown.  This just fired up the fans and kept the Shockwave momentum going.

Toward the end of the second quarter, the Hawks woke up and decided to play and proved my prediction wrong.  This is when the western division's team with the worst record began to show that they were very capable.  

Shock's  “fearsome threesome” DS Rob Keefe, DS Nygel Rogers and DB Alex Teems all had a very tough time through the second and third quarters stopping the deep passes, which resulted in three touchdowns and put the Hawks on top.  The Shock trailed by eight points at the end of the first half.

Starting in the forth,  Keefe, Rogers and Teems really started making plays on the deep passes and pumped up the fans once again. Tonight was the second time this season that I saw the fans exceptionally wild and loud!

Then it happened again.   The refs had to come up with a lousy call.  Teems made an extraordinary pass break-up but took his helmet off in frustration for not making the interception, which resulted in an “unsportsmanlike-like conduct” penalty.  Unfortunately, this gave the ball back to Everett and yet another chance to get a first down on a 4th and 15.

Shortly after that call, the Shock made a touchdown which was called back for holding.  Just to prove to the refs they can persevere through poor officiating, the Shock made a touchdown on the very next play.  I normally would not think much of these calls, but when you continue see calls being made like these in every second half of the last three home games, I can't help but wonder if there is a big red bullseye on the Shock.

Overall, tonight did prove to be a prime example of the Shock becoming a team comparable to last year's team.  The whole team is becoming a second half team that fights to the end.  The requirements of a top notch team.  

By the way, I have to mention that head coach Adam Shackleford stated, “The 9th man was outstanding.  They are the reason why Everett had to use their timeouts prematurely in the 4th quarter”.  Lori and I were equally impressed with the 9th man tonight!  It is about time the 9th man showed up to play some football!!

Lori's Take:

I've got to say that I absolutely loved tonight's game.  The “exceptionally wild and loud” 9th man most definitely had a part in the Shock coming back from behind to win.  Hearing the roars of encouragement from the sold-out crowd really pumped up the Shock, allowing them to persevere through the second and third quarter slumps. 

Newcomer DL Devon Parks, who joined the Shock on Thursday, started the game with a sack on the Hawks first possession.  The Shock continued to pressure the Hawks offense, bringing a quick fourth down.  

Shawn, you mentioned the Shock defensive superheros, Keefe, Teems, and Rogers.  What about that 40-yard interception return for a touchdown executed so beautifully by LB Kelvin Morris?  I also think praise should go to LB Jermaine Harris.  Harris was responsible for many tackles at key moments of the game.  

However, I believe the most instrumental defensive play of the game came from the most unlikely player, Shock PK John Koker.  His brutal tackle of Hawks DB Raymond Little II, stopped him at the 10-yard line and prevented a sure Hawk touchdown.  Unfortunately, Koker suffered a mild concussion during the play.  

Learning of Koker's concussion answered my question as to why Coach Shackleford did not have Koker kick the ball away with the Shock's last possession of the game.  Coach explained in his post-game interview that had been his intention, but decided against it upon hearing of Koker's condition.  

Despite his throbbing headache, Koker made sure to make himself available to the fans during the post-game autograph section.  When asked how he felt about this play, Koker jokingly responded, “I think next time I will fasten my chin strap!”

WR Antwone Savage led the team in both receiving and touchdowns tonight.  He had a total of 14 receptions for 179 yards and four touchdown receptions, one of which was a 43-yard pass from QB Andrico Hines.   I bet the Dallas Desperadoes regret their decision for cutting Savage from their team.

Oh well, their loss, Shock gain!

WR/DB Raul Vijil was back in full-swing after missing several games due to an injury.  He scored two touchdowns tonight.  One a 57-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, the second a 20-yard reception from QB Andrico Hines.  Vijil was the kick return player for the entire game and was responsible for putting the Shock in great field position on many occasions.  Its great to have you back, Raul!

The Shock are on the road the next two weeks with games against the Bakersfield Blitz and the Tri-Cities Fever.  Shock fans, mark your calendars for the next home game on June 23 against the Boise Burn.  I look forward to watching the game, of course, but also to your wild, loud and electrifying support for our team!