by Spokane Shock media relations
SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Spokane Shock (7-5) hosted the Kansas City Command (2-10) in front of a crowd of 8,268 at Spokane Arena. The first half showed back and forth action by both teams, but a dominating second half performance would lead the Shock to a 70-46 victory.
In the first quarter of play, Kansas City held the ball in similar fashion as they have so far this season racking up 10:26 in time of possession. The Command had the first opportunity to score but as the Kansas City receiver began a premature celebration on his way into the endzone, he was stripped from behind by Shock LB Kevin Ellison as Spokane would recover the ball in the endzone. On Spokane’s next possession, Kyle Rowley connected with Adron Tennell for an 8-yard touchdown. Kansas City answered back to end the first quarter at a score of 7-7.
The second quarter showed back and forth action from both teams. Kyle Rowley would connect with three different receivers in the second quarter for touchdowns while Kansas City QB Brian Jones would connect with WR Bret Smith for two touchdowns. A fumble during a kick return by the Shock made room for the Command to score twice before Spokane would make it into the endzone at the end of the quarter, ending the half at 28-28.
As second half action resumed, the Shock were quick to score as Kyle Rowley found Rod Harper for his second touchdown of the game. The Command fought to make it into Shock territory but were stopped short by a forced fumble by Chris Tucker that was recovered by Mike Alston and returned for a touchdown. Kansas City was quick to recover and moved down the field for a quick touchdown to bring the score to 56-40 at the end of the third quarter.
The Shock dominated the fourth quarter on both sides of the ball. Rowley found Jeffery Solomon for a 41-yard touchdown pass, his second of the game. Kansas City WR Bret Smith tacked on his fifth touchdown reception of the game from Jones. In capitalizing manner, Shock TE Ryan Cave caught a short touchdown pass from Rowley to end the game at a final score of 70-46.
Kyle Rowley completed 26 of 41 attempts for 272 yards and eight touchdowns. The Shock’s receiving effort was lead by Adron Tennell (9 rec for 69 yards and 2 TDs), Rod Harper (6 rec for 32 yards and 2 TDs) and Jeffery Solomon (2 rec for 71 yards and 2 TDs). Spokane’s 70 points was the most allowed by Kansas City to this point in the season. Defensively, Patrick Stoudamire led the Shock with two interceptions while Mike Alston added two fumble recoveries, one being returned for a touchdown.
Brian Jones completed 18 of 29 attempts for 261 and six touchdowns for the night. Bret Smith was Kansas City’s leading receiver having nine receptions for 109 yards and five touchdowns. OJ Simpson also scored a touchdown as well as having three receptions for 62 yards.
AWARD WINNERS
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: SPOKANE Kyle Rowley
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: SPOKANE Mike Alston
JLS Ironman of the Game: SPOKANE Andrew Nierman
AFL Playmaker of the Game: SPOKANE Adron Tennell
Cutters Catch of the Game: SPOKANE Ryan Cave, TD catch from TE position to cap game
Spalding Highlight of the Game: SPOKANE Jefferey Solomon, 41-yard TD catch
National Guard MVP of the Game: SPOKANE Kyle Rowley
