Post by David on Mar 2, 2017 2:48:54 GMT -8
Spokane Empire at Wichita Falls Nighthawks
What: Spokane travels to Wichita Falls in a rematch of last season's 66-65 nail biting victory
When: Friday, March 3, 5:05 p.m. (PT)
Where: Kay Yeager Coliseum, Wichita Falls, Texas
Empire Media: Radio - ESPN 700 AM/105.3 FM
National Media: Stream - YouTube
Series History: Empire leads 1-0 (First meeting in Wichita Falls)
Note: Spokane plays in the state of Texas for the first time since 2013, when they defeated the San Antonio Talons 61–48 at the Alamodome
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 Empire are 1-0 overall, 0-0 on the road and 1-0 in inter-conference play. Spokane is coming off a 34-31 home win over the Green Bay Blizzard on February 23. They are averaging 34.0 points per game (9th in IFL) and are allowing 31.0 points per game (3rd). The Empire are first in the Intense Conference.
The Nighthawks are 2-0 overall, 1-0 at home and 1-0 in inter-conference play. Wichita Falls is coming off a 65-48 road win over the Nebraska Danger on February 25. They are averaging 66.5 points per game (1st) and are allowing 50.5 points per game (7th). The Nighthawks are tied for first in the United Conference.
BREAKDOWN
Total Yards per Game - Empire 221.0; Nighthawks 295.0
Pass Yards per Game - Empire 81.0; Nighthawks 236.0
Rush Yards per Game - Empire 140.0; Nighthawks 59.0
3rd Down Conversion - Empire 33.3%; Nighthawks 55.6%
4th Down Conversion - Empire 0.0%; Nighthawks 100.0%
Total Tackles - Empire 30; Nighthawks 64
Tackles for Loss - Empire 4; Nighthawks 6
Total Sacks - Empire 1.0; Nighthawks 1.0
Fumble Recoveries - Empire 0; Nighthawks 1
Interceptions - Empire 1; Nighthawks 2
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire RB/KR Mulku Kalokoh (image credit: Colin Mulvany / The 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
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Charles Dowdell 86
Passing TDs - Charles Dowdell 1
Passing INTs - Charles Dowdell 2
Rushing Yards - Charles Dowdell 106
Rushing TDs - Charles Dowdell 2
Receptions - Bryan Pray/Carl Sims 3
Receiving Yards - Bryan Pray 41
Receiving TDs - Bryan Pray 1
Tackles (Solo) - Pasquale Vacchio 9
Sacks - Toby Jackson 1.0
Interceptions - Robert Brown 1
KO Return Ave - Mulku Kalokoh 40.0
KO Return TDs - N/A
*Not on Active Roster
Note: Roster information is subject to change and is presented here as a basic guide for following the game. Roster information is gathered from the IFL and the team's official websites.
WICHITA FALLS NIGHTHAWKS
Nighthawks QB Charles McCullum (image credit: Lauren Roberts / Times Record News)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Charles McCullum (QB)
3 - Tyler Williams (RB/WR)
4 - Jordan Jolly (WR)
6 - Angelo Pease (RB)
7 - Troy Evans Jr. (WR)
8 - Jacob Jablonski (QB)
9 - Kenny Veal (DB)
10 - Tyron Laughinghouse (WR)
11 - Phillip Barnett (WR)
13 - Kenny Walton (DB)
14 - Tanner Graeber (K)
15 - Josh Francis (LB)
18 - Kewan Alfred (DL)
20 - Neiko Conway (DB)
21 - Michael Green (DB)
23 - Bré Ford (DB)
44 - Deantre Harlan (DL)
52 - Toni Pulu (DL)
77 - Walter Thomas (DL)
90 - Antonio Foster (OL)
91 - Clint Marsh (OL)
92 - Jonathan Mathis (DL)
94 - Jarve Dean (DL)
95 - Tino Tuilata (OL)
99 - Jordan Mosley (OL)
Billy Back - Head Coach
Ernie Cooke - Defensive Coordinator
Rudy Hawkins - Offensive Assistant
Brian Schmidt - Offensive/Defensive Line Coach
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Charles McCullum 475
Passing TDs - Charles McCullum 12
Passing INTs - Charles McCullum 0
Rushing Yards - Tyler Williams 57
Rushing TDs - Tyler Williams 2
Receptions - Tyler Williams 13
Receiving Yards - Jordan Jolly 143
Receiving TDs - Tyron Laughinghouse 4
Tackles (Solo) - Kenny Walton 12
Sacks - *Simon Poti 1.0
Interceptions - *Michael Carter/Michael Green 1
KO Return Ave - Tyler Williams 22.4
KO Return TDs - Tyler Williams 1
*Not on Active Roster
Note: Roster information is subject to change and is presented here as a basic guide for following the game. Roster information is gathered from the IFL and the team's official websites.
DAVID'S TAKES
SPOKANE:
Spokane had an interesting performance in their 34-31 win over the Green Bay Blizzard. With a roster that stayed relatively the same from a year ago, the Empire had the look of a team looking to continue its success. It also had the look of a team that looked like it needed time to get acclimated to playing at game speed. A Week 1 bye meant the Empire had an additional week of practice, but it was also one week of game action they missed out on. Essentially, the game had the feel of a pre-season tune up.
The hope is, despite the rust from last week, Spokane can quickly shake it off as they face a tremendous challenge early on in the season against the high flying Wichita Falls Nighthawks.
The biggest focus for the Empire will be getting their passing offense back on track. QB Charles Dowdell got off to a good start last week, completing 5 of his first 8 passes, but cooled after the first half. For the rest of the game, he only completed 3 of his last 8 passes, struggling to connect with his receivers. Despite finishing 8 of 16 for 86 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs, the difference came in the running game, where he torched the Blizzard defense for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns. While Dowdell was successful in the rushing department, the Empire need to polish their passing game in order to get the ball to their talented wide receiving corps. Should the game get to a point where it'll require a shootout to win, the passing offense has to succeed to match blow-for-blow with the Nighthawks' big play offense. The hope is that with getting re-adjusted to game action, and more time to grow with newcomer wide receivers Dejuan Miller and Bryan Pray, Dowdell will bounce back in Week 2.
Dowdell's success on the ground would not have been possible if not for the the presence of RB/KR Mulku Kalokoh, who help successfully set up for several read-option plays. Kalokoh got the start over RB Trevor Kennedy, presumably as a precaution as Kennedy was scratched from the game night roster. In his first IFL game in two years, Kalokoh didn't show any signs that he slowed down, rushing for 30 yards, including an exciting 15 yard burst for a touchdown. He only managed one reception in the game, but it was a big catch as he took it for a 19 yard gain. Not only did that reception establish his presence in the Empire's offense, but it helped with the success of the read-option. As a result, the Empire burned Green Bay for 140 yards on the ground. Should Trevor Kennedy be active for this week's game, it'll present two versatile weapons in the Empire's offense that can run and catch, something that could be an advantage against the Nighthawks No 1. ranked rushing defense. If Kalokoh, and possibly Kennedy, can get rolling, it could open opportunities for Dowdell not only running, but help the passing game as well.
This week, the Empire's wide receivers have to be craving to make an impact against the Nighthawks. Free agent acquisition Bryan Pray made a big impact in his first game with Spokane, catching 3 passes for 41 yards, including a 34 yard strike from Dowdell to give the Empire a 13-10 lead late in the 1st Quarter. Bray, along with Carl Sims (3 receptions, 21 yards) and Dejuan Miller (1 reception, 5 yards) will look to make bigger impacts this week. Rookie WR Devonn Brown will also look to get on the stat sheet this week.
Defensively, the Empire's defense looked like the dominant force it was last season. LB Pasquale Vacchio led all Empire defenders with 9 total tackles and 2 pass breakups, while DB Robert Brown made two tackles and a game changing pick-six off Green Bay QB Matt Behrendt that padded the Empire's lead early in the 4th Quarter. DL Toby Jackson, the lone returning member of Spokane's defensive line, disrupted the Blizzard's offensive line with 3 tackles (2 for loss) and a sack.
This week's game presents a tremendous early season test for the Empire's defense against a Wichita Falls offense known for its explosive, big play ability. Brown, along with teammates Adrian James (1 tackle), Tyree Robinson (1 tackle), and rookie John Hardy-Tuliau (3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss), face the tremendous task of handling the Nighthawks' talented wide receivers. Vacchio, along with Nick Haag (3 tackles, 1 pass breakup) are accomplished with containing QB Charles McCullum and RB Tyler Williams from breaking loose in the ground game. On the defensive line, look for Jackson, Junior Alexis (1 tackle), Harold Love III (1 tackle for loss), and J.D. Griggs look to put the pressure on McCullum to give ample opportunities for its defensive backfield to create turnovers.
Player to Watch: Mulku Kalokoh (RB/KR)
WICHITA FALLS:
The Nighthawks are off to a hot start in 2017, beginning the season 2-0 for the first time in franchise history. Head Coach Billy Back's offense, which ranks first in the IFL in scoring offense and total offense, is picking up from where they left off last season. Through two games, the Nighthawks lead the league with 65.5 points per game, including last week's convincing 65-48 win over the Nebraska Danger. Now they look to avenge last year's 66-65 loss to the Spokane Empire, who makes their debut at Kay Yeager Coliseum. The Empire's defense, which looked impressive last week against Green Bay, will be a tremendous test for a Wichita Falls team looking to de-throne the Sioux Falls Storm for first place in the United Conference.
Through two games this season, 2016 IFL MVP Charles McCullum looks like the early front runner for this year's MVP. He's the driving force behind the league's No. 1 ranked total offense, which is averaging 295.0 yards per game this season, and leads all IFL QBs in passing yards (475) and passing touchdowns (12). His 77.8% completion percentage is tied with Nebraska's Pat McCain for the league lead, although McCullum has significantly more passing attempts and completions than McCain. Remarkably, McCullum has only 14 incomplete passes, which reflects in his zero interceptions through two games. He's the Nighthawks' most important asset on their offense; when he's not looking outstanding passing, he also possesses a great ability to run the football, ranking second on the Nighthawks with 49 rushing yards and a touchdown.
One of the Nighthawks' best weapons is Tyler Williams, who returns in 2017 after rushing for 22 touchdowns last season. Last week, Williams amassed 239 all-purpose yards via rushing, passing, and in kick returns. His primary listed position is at running back, but presents a multi-position threat with his presence in the team's wide receiving corps. Not only is he the Nighthawks' leading rusher with 57 yards and 3 TDs, but he also tops all receivers with 13 receptions. Williams ranks third with 78 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, but his presence helps to open things up for WRs Jordan Jolly (9 rec, 143 yards, 2 TDs), Tyrone Laughinghouse (9 rec, 117 yards, 4 TDs), Phillip Barnett (10 rec, 68 yards, 2 TDs) and Troy Evans (8 rec, 69 yards, 1 TD). With multiple weapons on offense for McCullum to utilize, Wichita Falls' offense could present a challenge for Spokane's veteran defense.
In contrast with Wichita Falls' high flying offense, all eyes will be on the defense and if it can contain Spokane's offense. Through two games this season, the Nighthawks rank 6th in total defense, giving up an average of 257 total yards/game. Although they rank first in rushing defense with 46.5 rush yards allowed per game, they've given up 5 rushing touchdowns, tied for the second most allowed in the IFL. They'll face a Spokane Empire offense that shredded Green Bay for 140 yards and struggled to stop the read-option. Linebackers Kenny Walton (13 total tackles, 12 solo) and Simon Poti (9 total tackles, 7 solo, 1.0 sacks), as well as DL Walter Thomas (4 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss), will look to shut down the Empire's running game and disrupt the read-option.
The risk of shutting down the run will be how the Nighthawks' pass defense will handle Spokane's talented wide receivers. Defensive backs Michael Green and Michael Carter each have 1 interception on the season, coming at critical moments that helped put the opposing teams away, but as a unit, Wichita Falls ranks tied for the worst in the IFL in pass yards given up (421 yards, 210 yards/game). In addition to Green and Carter, Kenny Veal (11 total tackles) and Bre Ford (9 total tackles), will have to be up to the task of limiting Spokane's passing game, which is looking to break out after a disappointing performance last week.
Special teams could come into play as a potential game changer for the Nighthawks, especially with Tyler Williams at kick returner. Last week, he torched Nebraska's special teams with 182 return yards, including a 57 yard kickoff return for a touchdown that broke the game over for Wichita Falls. His big game gave him 269 kick return yards on the season, ranked 1st in the IFL. If Wichita Falls finds itself in a shootout with Spokane, Williams has the capability of blowing the game open, as was the case against the Danger. If he returns one, it could be the deciding factor in Wichita Falls earning their third straight victory.
Player to Watch: Charles McCullum (QB)
QUOTABLE
Empire DB Robert Brown on his pick six against Green Bay.
“I told myself and our defense, we need a touchdown. I just happened to be the one who took advantage of the opportunity.”
Empire HC Adam Shackleford's assessment of his team's performance vs the Blizzard.
"It's (the) first game. You simulate in practice and you condition, but the only way to get in shape for football is to play football."
Shackleford on the Empire's physical state after their 34-31 vicctory.
"Oh, we're going to condition on Sunday. I'm not going to wait until Monday."
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
March 5 - Nebraska Danger (1-1) at Colorado Crush (0-1), 2 p.m.
Byes - Arizona Rattlers (0-2), Cedar Rapids Titans (0-2), Green Bay Blizzard (1-1), Iowa Barnstormers (1-1), Salt Lake Screaming Eagles (1-1), Sioux Falls Storm (2-0)
EXTRA
The Nighthawks in action during a 2016 game (image credit: Kyle Borne / The Graham Leader)
When the Empire take on the Nighthawks on Friday night, it'll mark the first time Spokane has played in the Kay Yeager Coliseum. Interestingly, the Empire's debut in Wichita Falls is a year overdue.
Many may not recall, but Spokane was originally supposed to play at Kay Yeager Coliseum during Week 16 of the 2016 Season. It was the first of home-and-home games between Spokane and Wichita Falls. However, with the folding of the Minnesota Havok less than a month before the regular season, the IFL had to re-adjust the entire league schedule. As a result, Spokane's road game vacancy was replaced with a trip to Des Moines to take on the Iowa Barnstormers.
Also of note: Friday's game will mark the first game Spokane has played in the state of Texas since the 2013 AFL Season.
Dating back to their history as the Shock, Spokane is 7-0 all-time playing the Lone Star State.