Post by DiamondThief on Feb 24, 2017 11:56:26 GMT -8
2/23/17 --
SPOKANE, WA - There were a few wrinkles early on, but the Spokane Empire gained a two-position lead in the fourth quarter and held on to defeat the Green Bay Blizzard in Spokane's 2017 opener, 34-31.
Empire quarterback Charles Dowdell actually ran for more yard then he threw, scoring a pair of touchdowns on the ground. He was able to consistently use the read option to freeze defenders and find daylight.
With the Empire poised to take a 14-3 first quarter lead, Dowdell was picked off by Manny Asprilla, who returned the interception 53 yards for the score. Spokane scored on a 34-yard pass from Dowdell to Bryan Pray and on a 15-yard run from Mulku Kalokoh to take a 19-10 lead into the second half.
The Blizzard cut the lead to 19-17 on a 11-yard pass from Matt Behrendt to Maquel Willis. It was the only score of the third quarter. The teams traded scores in the fourth quarter but, by then, time had run out for Green Bay.
Dowdell completed eight of 16 passes for 86 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He rushed 11 times for 106 yards and two scores. Kalokoh had 11 carries for 30 yards and the second-quarter touchdown. Pray caught three balls for 41 yards, while Carl Sims hauled in three passes for 21 yards. Defensive back Robert Brown intercepted Behrendt and ran it back 39 yards for the touchdown. Pasquale Vacchio led Spokane with nine tackles, and Toby Jackson recorded a sack.
Behrendt completed 14 of 33 attempts for 169 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Kashaudas Spence rushed for 24 yards and caught two passes for 22 yards. Willis led all receivers with 5 receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns. DeAndrew Brown caught two balls for 39 yards and a score, and Tacoi Sumler had a trio of receptions for 28 yards. Jarred Evans recorded five tackles for the Blizzard. Asprilla and Tyrell Pearson each had an interception of Dowdell. Karl Mickelson and Cory Grissom each sacked Dowdell once.
The Empire are next in action when they visit the Wichita Falls Nighthawks on March 3 for a 5:05 p.m. (pacific). Green Bay has a bye week, then will host the Iowa Barnstormers on March 12. Kickoff is scheduled 1:05 p.m. (pacific). Both games, as well as all of the leagues games this season, are available for streaming on the IFL's Youtube channel.
- ANM
(Graphic courtesy David/SCtoC)
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