Post by David on Mar 16, 2017 20:37:05 GMT -8
Spokane Empire at Colorado Crush
What: Colorado looks to stop its 3-game skid while Spokane travels to Loveland on a very short week.
When: Friday, March 17, 5 p.m. (PST)
Where: Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, CO
Empire Media: Radio - ESPN 700 AM/105.3 FM
National Media: Stream - YouTube
Series History: Spokane leads series 2-0 (1-0 in Colorado)
Note: Crush QB Aaron Aiken played for Spokane in 2016; Empire DL J.D. Griggs & OL Bill Vavau played for Colorado in 2016
HELPFUL LINKS
Indoor Football League Rules
Indoor Football League Schedule and Results - 2017 Season
2017 Spokane Empire Schedule
Spokane Empire - Vital Statistics
2017 Colorado Crush Schedule
Colorado Crush - Vital Statistics
IFL Franchise Index
The Empire are 2-1 overall, 1-1 on the road and 1-0 in conference play. Spokane is coming off a 41-35 road win over the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles on March 13. They are averaging 45.0 points per game (6th in IFL) and are allowing 41.0 points per game (4th). The Empire are first in the Intense Conference.
The Crush are 0-3 overall, 0-2 at home and 0-3 in conference play. Colorado is coming off a 27-71 road loss to the Arizona Rattlers on March 11. They are averaging 34.7 points per game (9th) and are allowing 55.7 points per game (10th). The Crush are fifth in the Intense Conference.
BREAKDOWN
Total Yards per Game - Empire 233.7; Crush 217.0
Pass Yards per Game - Empire 136.3; Crush 121.5
Rush Yards per Game - Empire 97.3; Crush 96.0
3rd Down Conversion - Empire 36.8%; Crush 37.0%
4th Down Conversion - Empire 50.0%; Crush 50.0%
Total Tackles - Empire 126; Crush 127
Tackles for Loss - Empire 17; Crush 7
Total Sacks - Empire 8.0; Crush 2.0
Fumble Recoveries - Empire 2; Crush 0
Interceptions - Empire 3; Crush 0
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire QB Charles Dowdell (image credit: Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Samuel Charles (WR)
2 - Bryan Pray (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)
41 - Toney Hurd Jr. (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 414
Passing TDs - Charles Dowdell 9
Passing INTs - Charles Dowdell 7
Rushing Yards - Charles Dowdell 172
Rushing TDs - Trevor Kennedy 3
Receptions - Dejuan Miller/*Carl Sims 7
Receiving Yards - Dejuan Miller 96
Receiving TDs - Dejuan Miller 3
Tackles (Solo) - Pasquale Vacchio 15
Sacks - J.D. Griggs 3.5
Interceptions - Robert Brown/Tyree Robinson/Pasquale Vacchio 1
KO Return Ave - Trevor Kennedy 19.3
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.
COLORADO CRUSH
Crush RB Josh Ford (image credit: Matt Hinshaw / Arizona Rattlers)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Terry Johnson (DB)
2 - Derrick Morgan (DB)
3 - Erick Brundidge (WR)
4 - Love Rose III (WR)
5 - Sean Goldrich (QB)
6 - Cardelro Jones (DB)
7 - Antonio Marshall (DB)
8 - Kyle Kaiser (WR)
10 - Azziz Higgins (LB)
11 - Tim Lukas (WR)
12 - Aaron Aiken (QB)
13 - Josh Ford (RB)
16 - Spencer Groner (K)
18 - Daniel Lindsey (DB)
22 - Paris Cotton (RB)
25 - Mikell Mair (DB/LB)
48 - Tevin Hood (DL)
52 - Donte Savage (LB)
56 - Kwame Bell (DL)
65 - Sean Brown (OL)
78 - Forrestal Hickman (OL)
79 - Chad Kolumber (OL)
95 - Terrance Surratt (DL)
99 - Phillip Lewis (DL)
?? - Marquis Avery (WR)
Jose Jefferson - Head Coach
Dean Picotte - Assistant Head Coach/Offensive & Defensive Line Coach
Marvin Jones - Defensive Coordinator
Damien Ware - Co-Defensive Coordinator
Tristian Johnson - Wide Receivers Coach
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Sean Goldrich 273
Passing TDs - Sean Goldrich 4
Passing INTs - Sean Goldrich 2
Rushing Yards - Josh Ford 107
Rushing TDs - Sean Goldrich 4
Receptions - Tim Lukas 13
Receiving Yards - Kyle Kaiser 142
Receiving TDs - Kyle Kaiser 2
Tackles (Solo) - Derrick Morgan 13
Sacks - Azziz Higgins/*V.J. Holmes/Phillip Lewis/*Jamil Merrell 0.5
Interceptions - N/A
KO Return Ave - Paris Cotton 18.5
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.
DAVID'S TAKE
SPOKANE:
In the aftermath of their 56-57 double overtime loss to the Wichita Falls Nighthawks, the Empire entered their Monday night game against the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles determined to get back into the win column. Spokane began the game turning the ball over in two of their first four drives, but their defense kept Salt Lake out of the endzone. The Empire would lead 28-3 in the later stages of the 2nd Quarter, eventually heading into halftime with a 28-10 advantage. The Empire would lead 41-22 early in the 4th Quarter, but an ill-advised interception and failure to recover an onside kick made the game much closer than it needed to be. Behind RB Trevor Kennedy, the Empire managed to run the clock out and escape with a 41-35 victory. Now they head to Colorado on a short week of rest in a Friday night affair to take on an inconsistent Crush team still looking for its first victory.
After a nice bounce back game in Week 3, QB Charles Dowdell didn't cross the 100 yard passing mark for the second time in three games. In Monday's win against the Screaming Eagles, he completed only 5 of 9 passes for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns. Unfortunately, interceptions continued to be the story as Dowdell threw three picks, two of which came in the first quarter of the game. Through three games this season, Dowdell has thrown a league-high 7 interceptions. Despite the inconsistency in the passing game, Dowdell has still been effective in the running game, rushing for 31 yards on 5 carries to give him a total of 172 yards on the season. Fortunately, this week's game against Colorado could be a confidence booster as he faces Crush defense that has struggled against the pass. The Crush are giving up an average of 134.0 passing yards, but are allowing opposing QBs to complete 71% of their passes, the highest in the IFL. Colorado hasn't been able to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with only 2.0 sacks on the season. With Spokane's offensive line among the better pass blockers in the IFL, Dowdell should be able to get into a comfortable rhythm.
Monday night's game was a very quiet one for Spokane's wide receivers, but they should see plenty of balls thrown in their direction against a Crush defense that has struggled to stop the pass this season. Recently activated WR Samuel Charles will look to continue his hot start after hauling in 4 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown in his season debut. WR Dejuan Miller only caught one pass for 13 yards, but made it count as he took the pass for a touchdown while veteran Bryan Pray failed to find his way on the stat sheet. With the threat of Samuel Charles to Colorado's defensive backfield, as well as the presence of RB Trevor Kennedy in the passing game, Miller and Pray each look to bounce back with higher receiving totals.
The most intriguing matchup on offense will be the impact of RB Trevor Kennedy against Colorado's 8th rush defense, which is giving up an average of 113.3 rushing yards through three games. Kennedy has found tremendous success against the Crush in the past, scoring a total of 9 touchdowns in two games last season. Friday's game could be another nightmare for Crush defenders; Kennedy comes into Friday's game on a hot streak with 5 total touchdowns in the past two games, and in his most recent game rushed for 101 yards against Salt Lake. Colorado's giving up 5.2 yards per carry this season, the second worst yards per carry average. This, along with the threat of the read option from Kennedy and Dowdell, could be disastrous for Colorado if they can't contain the run.
The most consistent unit for the Empire this season has been the play of their defense, which has held opponents to 35 points or less in two of their three games. The Empire's defense has given up an average of 215.3 yards through three games, ranked the 2nd overall in total defense. Spokane also ranks 1st in rushing defense (31.7 yards/game), allowing a league-low 95 total rushing yards. Statistically, the Empire rank 9th in pass defense (183.7 yards/game), but their pass defense is tied with the Green Bay Blizzard for most sacks (8.0). Former Crush DL J.D. Griggs returns to Loveland as a member of the Empire, leading the team with 3.5 sacks this season. Look for Griggs, LB Nick Haag (1.5 sacks), Toby Jackson (1.0 sacks) and Harold Love III (1.0 sacks) to contain and put pressure on either QB Sean Goldrich or ex-Empire QB Aaron Aiken. It's unknown as to whom the Empire will see at QB for the Crush; Goldrich started the first two games for the Crush, but Aiken got the nod last week in a brutal 71-27 loss to Arizona. Regardless if Goldrich or Aiken starts, expect the Empire to be prepared, even with one practice under their belt.
This week, Spokane's defense faces a Colorado offense that has yet to put together a complete game, but has shown it can be dangerous when they are consistent. Colorado has found success in running the football, ranking 4th in the league in rushing offense. RB Josh Ford (107 rush yards, 1 TD) leads the team in rushing yards, and both of Colorado's QBs have shown the ability to run the football. Goldrich (7 rush, 49 yards, 4 TD) and Aiken (14 rush, 83 yards, TD) could take advantage of an Empire defense that wore down late in Monday night's game, and fatigue could work against them on a short work week.
Spokane's defensive backfield will face a Colorado wide receiving unit that lead by veteran Kyle Kaiser (11 rec, 142 yards, 2 TDs) and Tim Lukas (13 rec, 104 yards, TD). Chris Gant (7 rec, 68 yards, TD) is a potential sleeper receiver, which could present a challenge to Spokane's talented defensive backfield. DB Robert Brown will look to continue his stellar play, leading the team with 7 pass breakups. LB Pasquale Vacchio (19 total tackles, INT, 4 pass breakups) will patrol the middle of the field, while DBs Tyree Robinson (17 total tackles, INT) and rising rookie John Hardy-Tuliau (12 total tackles, 2 pass breakups) take away the deep pass.
Player to Watch: Trevor Kennedy (RB)
DREW'S TAKE
COLORADO:
Still looking for their first win of the season, and the first for coach Jose Jefferson, the Crush need to find ways to rebound after last week’s disaster against the Arizona Rattlers. Good news for Coach Jefferson’s squad is that this is a winnable game.
Statistically speaking, these two teams are relatively even. Only a 16.7 point difference in total yards per game, a 1.3 difference in rushing yards, and 15.3 point difference in passing yards.
Aaron Aiken struggled last week against the Rattlers. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 116 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He ran 12 times for 70 yards and a score. Fine numbers, but the offense was largely ineffective at getting anything going for most of the evening.
Offensively, the Crush would be best to rely on the combination of Sean Goldrich under center and receiver Kyle Kaiser. These two have hooked up for 11 receptions and 142 yards so far in three games; averaging 47 yards per game and 12.9 yards per catch. The ground game needs to be established as well, with Goldrich leading the team in rushing scores. Josh Ford has been solid for Colorado on the ground as well, averaging nearly 36 yards per game.
Derrick Morgan leads the Crush in tackles at 16. Antonio Marshall has 14 and Cardelro Jones comes in with 12. Four separate players have recorded half a sack for Colorado, but the team has yet to force neither an interception nor a turnover. For the Crush to have any success against the Empire, that will be an absolute necessity.
On the defensive side of the ball, there needs to be a game plan to stop the run. Colorado has allowed 113 rushing yards per game and letting opponents score an average 55.7 points per game. Spokane has only allowed an average of 31.7 rushing yards per game, and 41 points per game.
The first two weeks showed the talent level the Crush has, and this squad is definitely determined and hungry enough to get Coach Jefferson his first win wearing the orange and blue.
Will the luck of the Irish be with the Crush this Friday on St. Patrick's Day? The fans at the Budweiser Events Center sure hope so.
Player to Watch: Josh Ford (RB)
FEATURED SOCIAL MEDIA
IFL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
March 19 - Green Bay Blizzard (1-2) at Cedar Rapids Titans (0-3), 1:05 p.m.
March 20 - Iowa Barnstormers (2-1) at Sioux Falls Storm (3-0), 4:05 p.m.
Bye - Arizona Rattlers (1-2), Nebraska Danger (2-2), Salt Lake Screaming Eagles (1-2), Wichita Falls Nighthawks (4-0)
EXTRA
Spokane and Colorado face off in the first of 4 meetings this season (image credit: Indoor Football League)
Friday's game between the Empire and the Crush will be the first of four meetings this season (2 home/2 away), and the third overall meeting between both franchises.
In 2016, the Empire swept the 2-game series over the Crush. In their first ever meeting at Spokane Arena, Spokane set the franchise record for most points in a 97-72 win over Colorado. In the second meeting, this time at the Budweiser Events Center, Colorado kept the game close in the first half but Spokane pulled away in the second half, winning 55-44.
Here's the remaining games between both teams this season:
Fri., April 14 - Crush @ Empire, 7 p.m. PST
Fri., May 19 - Empire @ Crush, 5 p.m. PST
Fri., May 26 - Crush @ Empire, 7 p.m. PST