Post by David on Feb 22, 2017 13:53:52 GMT -8
Green Bay Blizzard at Spokane Empire
What: Spokane raises their Intense Conference Championship banner in the home opener against Green Bay
When: Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m. (PT).
Where: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, Washington
Empire Media: Radio - ESPN 700 AM/105.3 FM
National Media: Stream - YouTube
Series History: First Meeting (as Empire); Spokane led series 2-0 (1-0 in Green Bay, 1-0 Neural Site)
Note: This is Green Bay's first visit to Spokane, dating back to their days in the af2
HELPFUL LINKS
Indoor Football League Rules
Indoor Football League Schedule and Results - 2017 Season
2017 Spokane Empire Schedule
Spokane Empire - Vital Statistics
IFL Franchise Index
The Blizzard are 1-0 overall, 1-0 on the road and 0-0 in inter-conference play. Green Bay is coming off a 46-13 road win against the Cedar Rapids Titans on February 18. They are averaging 46.0 points per game (5th in IFL) and are allowing 13.0 points per game (1st). The Blizzard are tied for first in the United Conference.
The Empire play their first game of the 2017 season. Spokane finished last season 12-4 overall, 7-1 at home and 3-2 in inter-conference play. They averaged 50.9 points per game (4th in IFL) and allowed 44.3 points per game (3rd). The Empire's 2016 campaign ended with a loss to the Sioux Falls Storm in the 2016 United Bowl. The Empire finished the regular season first in the Intense Conference.
BREAKDOWN
Total Yards per Game - Blizzard 219; Empire N/A
Pass Yards per Game - Blizzard 179; Empire N/A
Rush Yards per Game - Blizzard 40; Empire N/A
3rd Down Conversion - Blizzard 12%; Empire N/A
4th Down Conversion - Blizzard 100%; Empire N/A
Total Tackles - Blizzard 30; Empire N/A
Tackles for Loss - Blizzard 5; Empire N/A
Total Sacks - Blizzard 3.0; Empire N/A
Fumble Recoveries - Blizzard 0; Empire N/A
Interceptions - Blizzard 1; Empire N/A
GREEN BAY BLIZZARD
Blizzard QB Matt Behrendt (image credit: Green Bay Blizzard / GreenBayBlizzard.com)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Tacoi Sumler (WR)
2 - Manny Asprilla (DB)
4 - Karl Mickelsen (LB)
5 - DeAndre Brown (WR)
6 - Derek Brim (DB)
7 - Chevelle Buie (RB/WR)
8 - Jarred Evans (DB/QB)
9 - Giovani Francois (DL)
12 - Andre McDonald (WR)
13 - Tyrell Pearson (DB)
16 - Matt Behrendt (QB)
17 - Jack Bramswig (WR)
19 - Zeke Arevalo (K)
21 - Darryan Ragsdale (RB)
22 - Cortez Johnson (DB)
33 - Keshaudas Spence (RB)
42 - Karmah Yates (DL)
55 - Jack Sherlock (LB)
69 - Ike Harris (OL)
70 - Dyron White (OL)
74 - Justin Bell (OL)
77 - Kenneth Woodget (OL)
86 - Marquel Willis (WR)
92 - Nmesoma Okafor (DL)
99 - Cory Grissom (DL)
Chris Williams - Head Coach
Corey Roberson - Defensive Coordinator
Ryan Napralla - Defensive Line Coach
Dan Dieringer - Offensive Line Coach
Bryant Grove - Linebacker Coach
MD Lovelace - Offensive Assistant
John Willie Jackson - Running Back Coach
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Matt Behrendt 192
Passing TDs - Matt Behrendt 4
Passing INTs - Matt Behrendt 0
Rushing Yards - Keshaudas Spence 32
Rushing TDs - Keshaudas Spence 2
Receptions - Marquel Willis 5
Receiving Yards - Marquel Willis 93
Receiving TDs - Marquel Willis 3
Tackles (Solo) - Manny Asprilla 8
Sacks - Giovani Francois 1.5
Interceptions - Tyrell Pearson 1
KO Return Ave - Chevelle Buie 31.5
KO Return TDs - Chevelle Buie 1
*Not on Active Roster
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire DB Robert Brown (image credit: Dan Pelle / Spokesman-Review)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
2 - Bryan Pray (WR)
4 - Carl Sims (WR)
5 - Tyree Robinson (DB)
6 - Robert Brown (DB)
7 - Mulku Kalokoh (RB/KR)
8 - Andrew Jackson (LB)
10 - Devonn Brown (WR)
11 - Charles Dowdell (QB)
12 - Toby Jackson (DL)
13 - Pasquale Vacchio (LB)
16 - Aaron Wilmer (QB)
18 - Trevor Kennedy (OS)
19 - Craig Peterson (K)
22 - Adrian James (DB)
24 - Dejuan Miller (WR)
33 - John Hardy-Tuliau (DB)
47 - Nick Haag (LB)
55 - Bill Vavau (OL)
63 - Junior Alexis (DL)
70 - Jonah Austin (OL)
72 - Kyle Fischer (OL)
74 - Darren Pinnock (OL)
93 - J.D. Griggs (DL)
99 - Harold Love III (DL)
Adam Shackleford - Head Coach
Cleveland Pratt - Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams
Anthony Payton - Assistant Coach
Marquise Liverpool - Assistant Coach
Marshall Hart - Line Coach
Joshua Artis - Assistant Coach
DAVID'S TAKES
GREEN BAY:
After a disappointing 5-11 campaign last season, including 0-4 start, the Blizzard have to be feeling good about themselves. Their 46-13 win over the Cedar Rapids Titans last Friday was their first season opening win since 2010. Last week, the Blizzard were down 6-7 early in the 2nd quarter, but would score 27 unanswered points heading into the 4th. Second year QB Matt Behrendt completed 14 of 25 passes for 192 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. WR Marquel Willis led all Blizzard receivers with 5 receptions for 93 yards and 3 touchdowns, including 34-yard TD pass from Behrendt with 0:52 left to go in the game. RB Keshaudas Spence ran for a tough 32 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11 carries.
Now the Blizzard make the trek up to the Inland Northwest for the franchise's first ever road game in Spokane, seeking the first 2-0 start in franchise history. Dating back to their days as members of the af2, the Blizzard are 0-2 all-time against Spokane. They first met in the 2006 ArenaCup, where Spokane defeated Green Bay 57-34 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They would meet again in Week 1 of the 2008 season, this time in Green Bay, but Spokane would pull out a 64-48 win. Both Green Bay and Spokane have evolved since their af2 days, but the Blizzard face a tough test on Thursday night, entering on short week with only five days of rest. Fatigue, and battling the always loud Spokane 9th Man, could make an impact on a franchise looking to make some noise in the United Conference.
Under the direction of Head Coach Chris Williams' offense, QB Matt Behrendt, who threw for 4 touchdowns in the season opener, has grown in his time as starter for Green Bay. Last season as a rookie for the Blizzard, Behrendt tied Spokane's Charles Dowdell for the league lead in passing touchdowns (63) and was second in the IFL in passing yardage (2,832). In addition to his great passing skills, opposing teams would be unwise to doubt this running ability. Last year, he ranked second on the team with 446 rushing yards and third with 4 rushing touchdowns. His biggest test will come against an Empire defensive backfield that was 4th in the IFL in passing defense, and has remained intact going into this season.
Fortunately for Behrendt, the majority of the offensive pieces around him have returned for 2017, including RB Keshaudas Spence. Last season, Spence led the Blizzard in rushing yards (463) and rushing touchdowns (11). Spence also presents a threat receiving out of the backfield, as he had the second most receptions for the Blizzard last season (35) and third most receiving yards (244). His dual threat presence should open things for WRs Marquel Willis, who is in his sixth season with Green Bay. With his 93 yard, 3 touchdown performance in Week 1, Willis is continuing where his 2016 season left off. Last year, Willis was off to a hot start with 20 receptions for 283 yards and 6 touchdowns in 6 games before a season ending injury.. The combination of Willis and Spence should present ample opportunities for Tacoi Sumler (3 receptions, 34 yards, TD), Andre McDonald (3 receptions, 31 yards) and Jack Bramswig (1 reception, 11 yards).
One game in, Green Bay's defense already looks to be improved from a year ago. Last season, the Blizzard's defense ranked last in defending the run (97.8 yards/game) and scoring defense (58.3 points/game), and second worst in total defense (276 yards/game). The 13 points given up against Cedar Rapids was the least amount of points given up in Week 1, however they face a tremendous task of containing a Spokane offense filled with several explosive playmakers. DL Giovanni Francois (1.5 sacks) and LB Jack Sherlock (1.0 sacks) look to put to disrupt Spokane's backfield, stopping the run and putting pressure on QB Charles Dowdell, giving time for DBs Manny Asprilla (8 total tackles) and Tyrell Pearson (4 total tackles, 1 interception) to try and disrupt Spokane's passing game.
Special Teams could play a major factor in a potential Green Bay upset. WR/RB Chevelle Buie, the Blizzard's primary kick returner, is one of the most dangerous returners in the IFL. Last season, he amassed 959 return yards and 3 touchdowns. Buie's already off to a great start in 2017, returning 2 kicks for 63 yards, including a 51 yard return for a touchdown against Cedar Rapids.
Player to Watch: Matt Behrendt (QB)
SPOKANE:
After spending Week 1 on a bye, Spokane finally looks to get its 2017 season started in a Week 2, Thursday night opener at Spokane Arena. Before the game, the Empire organization will hold a special ceremony to commemorate the 2016 season, raising the team's first ever Intense Conference Championship banner into the rafters. The banner itself not only is the first banner raised since Spokane re-branded from Shock to Empire, but it'll be the first banner (not including retired numbers) since Spokane won the ArenaBowl Championship in 2010.
After the banner ceremony, the Empire will immediately turn to the 2017 season with the goal of not only returning to the Intense Conference Championship, but to capture the United Bowl title that slipped through their fingers. Fortunately, Spokane has managed to retain several key pieces of last year's team to make another run.
Leading the charge is QB Charles Dowdell, returning for his second season as a member of the Empire. Dowdell proved he was a tough, versatile player, starting in all 16 regular season games, completing 61.9% of his passes and throwing for 2,738 yards. His 63 touchdown passes was tied with Green Bay QB Matt Behrendt for the most in the IFL. Dowdell also made an impact with his dual-threat ability, ranking second on the team with 442 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Also returning is 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year, RB Trevor Kennedy, who looks to pick up where he left off after his rookie campaign ended due to injury. He finished last season rushing for 720 yards and a league leading 28 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed in Spokane’s passing game, hauling in 35 passes for 273 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Dowdell should enjoy throwing the ball this year, as his wide receivers are stocked with veteran talent, led by nine year veteran Carl Sims, who led the Empire with 71 receptions for 822 yards and 20 TDs. Joining him is eight year veteran Bryan Pray, the IFL’s career leader in receiving yards (4,967). Last season, he played the Iowa Barnstormers, making 54 receptions for 769 yards and 12 touchdowns. Between Pray and Sims alone, they have 17 combined years of IFL experience and nearly 10,000 total receiving yards.
Spokane also signed free agent WR Dejuan Miller, who spent the past four seasons with the Tri-Cities Fever. Last season, he was the Fever's second leading receiver with 53 receptions for a career high 657 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 6'5'' frame should allow for Dowdell to make more deep throws downfield, as well as a big bodied presence in the redzone that could free up opportunities for his teammates, especially against a Green Bay secondary that was constantly shredded last season.
Defensively, the Empire won't look all that different from the 2016 squad, as its entire defensive secondary remained intact. It's highlighted by All-IFL First Teamer Robert Brown, who led the Empire with 104 total tackles and 7 interceptions. Also returning are Tyree Robinson (80 total tackles, 6 INTs), and Adrian James (10 total tackles, 3 INTs). They'll be joined by first-year IFL DB John Hardy-Tuliau, who spent time with the AFL's Los Angeles KISS and the CFL's BC Lions from 2014-2015. Spokane's defense will face a talented Green Bay offense with plenty of receivers, but should be up to the task of making things difficult for the Blizzard in the passing game and forcing turnovers.
Veteran LB Nick Haag, the emotional heart and soul of the Empire, looks to continue his dominant 2016 campaign, finishing second on the team with 101 total tackles (78 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. His job, along with teammate Pasquale Vacchio (91 total tackles), will be shutting down Green Bay's running game, and by keeping Blizzard RB Keshaudas Spence from making an impact in the passing game.
The biggest changes for the Empire will be the defensive line, with Toby Jackson Toby Jackson (24 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks) as the only holdover from last year. Joining him this year is former Colorado Crush DL J.D. Griggs, (3.5 sacks, 23 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss) and Harold Love III. Love, a large bodied defender at 340 lbs, will look to stuff the run and create chaos in the backfield and getting pressure on Blizzard QB Matt Behrendt. If the Empire can successfully get pressure on Behrendt and make him uncomfortable, Spokane will get off to a good start in defending its conference title.
A potential game changer for Spokane could come from its kick return game, adding Mulku Kalokoh, the 2015 IFL Special Teams Player of the Year. He last played with the Bemidji (Minnesota) Axemen, leading the IFL with 991 kick return yards and 5 touchdowns. His explosive ability gives the Empire not only a threat on special teams, but another offensive weapon if needed.
Player to Watch: Robert Brown (DB)
QUOTABLE
Empire HC Adam Shackleford on RB Trevor Kennedy's recovery from last year's season ending injury.
“He’s worked as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen who’s had an injury...it doesn’t surprise me when you get to know a young man like that.”
Empire QB Charles Dowdell on the benefits of WR DeJuan Miller and Lamont Bryant being taller than 6'5''.
My (throws) don’t have to be as perfect with guys with a bigger catch radius. I can put the ball in certain situations where I couldn’t really put it last year with smaller guys
LB Nick Haag on Spokane retaining its starting linebackers and defensive backs.
"Having the whole secondary coming back is huge. That’s predominantly the most important part of a defense in Arena (Football)."
Shackleford on the anticipation of the season opener on Thursday night.
"Our guys will be ready and eager to get out there, but we are also a whole week behind most teams with having a bye to start the season."
FEATURED SOCIAL MEDIA
IFL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
February 25 - Sioux Falls Storm (1-0) at Cedar Rapids Titans (0-1), 5:05 p.m.
February 25 - Wichita Falls Nighthawks (1-0) at Nebraska Danger (1-0), 5:05 p.m.
February 26 - Iowa Barnstormers (0-1) at Arizona Rattlers (0-1), 2 p.m.
February 26 - Salt Lake Screaming Eagles (0-1) at Colorado Crush (0-0), 2 p.m.
EXTRA
Spokane vs Green Bay in the 2006 ArenaCup (image courtesy of Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Despite this being the first ever meeting between the Green Bay Blizzard and the Spokane Empire, the history between Green Bay and Spokane runs much deeper.
As mentioned before, these two franchises have battled each other twice when both were members of the af2. The teams first met in the 2006 ArenaCup Championship, played at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Spokane defeated the Blizzard 57-34, winning the ArenaCup in their inaugural season. The two would not meet again until Week 1 of the 2008 season, this time at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Spokane would once again be victorious, defeating the Blizzard 64-48.
When arenafootball2 folded after the 2009 Season, Spokane and Green Bay went off on different paths. Spokane joined the newly formed Arena Football 1 (eventually the reincarnated Arena Football League) while the Blizzard joined the Indoor Football League. With the change in leagues, Green Bay was facing a re-brand as their trademark and logos were owned by the AFL. Green Bay, recently purchased by Titletown Football Group, LLC, worked actively with Arena Football 1 to acquire the rights to the Blizzard name, but held a name the team contest in case they were unable to obtain the name. On January 13th, 2010, Green Bay's ownership was successful in purchasing the team name and trademarks. Spokane would find itself in a similar situation six years later, but were unable to retain their identity, resulting in the re-brand as the Spokane Empire.
Entering this season, Green Bay, Spokane, and Iowa are the only remaining af2/AFL franchises currently active in IFL. The Amarillo Dusters and Arkansas Twisters, forced to re-brand as the Amarillo Venom and Arkansas Diamonds (later Texas Revolution), respectively, currently play in the CIF while the Tri-Cities Fever went dormant after the 2016 season.