Post by David on Apr 15, 2016 19:20:46 GMT -8
RB Andrew Pierce (image credit: Indoor Football League / Tri-Cities Fever)
4.15.16 -
In preparation for their Inter-Conference rematch against the Iowa Barnstormers, the Spokane Empire tweaked their roster, which included the activation RB Andrew Pierce.
Pierce (5'9'', 210 lbs, Deleware) was activated from the Empire's Other League Exempt list The former Tri-Cities Fever RB signed with the Empire this past offseason and was slated to be the team's starter, but he jumped at the chance to play in the new Major League Football spring league before the season started. With MLFB suspending operations two weeks ago, Pierce had returned to Spokane last week, but he did not suit up in last week's 97-72 victory over the Colorado Crush.
The Empire's rushing offense, which is frightening enough to opposing defenses, will be even scarier with the combination of Pierce (121 att, 415 yards, 21 TD in 2015), QB Charles Dowdell (35 att., 172 yards, 2 TD) and RB Trevor Kennedy (62 att, 355 yards, 14 TD), the reigning IFL Offensive Player of the Week. The three-headed monster that makes up Spokane's running game will keep opposing defenses on their heels. Pierce also is a big threat in the passing game, making 49 receptions for 406 yards and 6 TDs last season. His versatility will make an impact, especially since Kennedy (9 rec, 33 yards, 3 TD) is known to catch the football as well.
To make room for Pierce, the Empire released rookie WR Alex Wheat Jr. Originally signed on March 2nd, Wheat did not appear in any games this season.
Spokane was busy in the transaction wire this week, including the signing of K Steven Wakefield to the active roster. Wakefield (5'11, 180 lbs, Mercyhurst) joins the Empire after starting the 2016 season with the Tri-Cities Fever. In 6 games with the Fever, he converted 18-of-27 extra points (66.0%) and was 10-of-27 on field goal attempts. Although his FG percentage is at 37%, 13 of those attempts were beyond 40 yards and technically were "punts", despite the fact punting is Illegal in the IFL. From inside 40 yards, Wakefield is 9-of-14 on his kicks (64%).
Kicker Steven Wakefield (image courtesy of Sarah Gordon / Tri-City Herald)
Wakefield was released by the Fever on April 11th. His signing with Spokane makes him the 5th different kicker to suit up for the Empire this season. As a result of Wakefield's signing, the Empire released veteran K Kyle Brotzman. Brotzman performed well in his only game with Spokane, converting 13-of-14 extra points.
Other Transactions:
Due to the folding of MLFB, Spokane saw the return of several players that were originally paced on the Other League Exempt list. As a result, Spokane released DBs Ace Clark, Randall Burden, and LBs Tre Walker and Chris Harvey. LB Michael Taylor was placed on the Refuse to Report list.
- DKH
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