Post by David on Jan 11, 2017 17:31:44 GMT -8
Empire LB Pasquale Vacchio (image courtesy of David Stufflebeam / Spokane Empire)
1.11.17 -
A key member of the Spokane Empire will return for Year Two as the team announced the re-signing of LB Pasquale Vacchio to the 2017 roster.
The Empire's defense, while talented, gets a vast boost with the return Vacchio (6'1'', 230 lbs). The third-year veteran out of Buffalo State played in 15 regular season games in 2016, ranking third on the Empire in tackles (86 total, 81 solo) as well as tackles for loss (3.5). Vacchio also had a presence in Spokane's passing defense, grabbing 3 interceptions returned for a total of 53 yards and 9 pass breakups.
During Spokane's playoff run to the United Bowl, Vacchio lead the team with 14 total tackles (12 solo) and pass breakups (4) while also ranking 2nd with 1 sack.
Head Coach Adam Shackleford praised Vacchio's athletic ability in the team's press release. "Vacchio can play several different positions at a very high-level," he said. "Beyond his versatility, he brings a physical presence and attitude that can't be coached."
Vacchio's return to Spokane re-unites him with his fellow starting linebacker, Nick Haag. Both Haag and Vacchio ranked number 2 and 3, respectively, on the Empire in tackles and ranked in the Top 10 in the IFL in total tackles. Haag ranked 5th with 89.5 total tackles while Vacchio ranked 8th.
Signed as a free agent in November 2015, Vacchio previously played for the Cedar Rapids Titans in the 2014 season. During his rookie campaign, he played in 13 out of 14 regular season games, leading the Titans with 107 total tackles. He also had 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, a fumble recovery, and 3 forced fumbles. He played his college football at Buffalo State, earning Division III Football All-East First team honors, as well as All-Empire 8 First Team and East Coast Athletic Conference North All-Star honors.
The Empire continue to prepare for their second IFL campaign in February, opening the season with a Thursday Night Football tilt against the Green Bay Blizzard on February 23rd at 7:00 p.m. It'll be the first meeting between Spokane and Green Bay since 2009, dating back to their days as members of arenafootball2, and Green Bay's first ever visit to the Lilac City.
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