Post by DiamondThief on Mar 17, 2017 20:41:06 GMT -8
3/17/17 --
LOVELAND, CO - The Spokane Empire took advantage of three first half turnovers and repeatedly held off the Colorado Crush for the 70-37 win in the first meeting between the teams this season.
The Crush got out to the lead when they capped their opening drive of the game with a seven-yard pass from Sean Goldrich to the recently signed Erick Brundidge just 3:46 into the game.
The Empire struck back on Mulku Kalokoh's two-yard run less than four minutes later, then took a 13-7 lead near the end of the opening quarter when Charles Dowdell found Devonn Brown in the end zone for a 25-yard strike. Spokane would never look back.
Spokane would go on to outscore the Crush 22-3 in the second quarter en route to a 35-10 halftime advantage.
Colorado fared much better on offense in the second half, as it essentially kept pace in the third quarter and were able to put up a pair of touchdowns in the fourth. By then, however, the damage was done.
The Empire, which defeated the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles just four days ago, rested last season's Indoor Football League Rookie of the Year, Trevor Kennedy; reportedly because of the short turnaround in the schedule. Kennedy rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns against the Screaming Eagles, and won IFL Offensive Player of the Week honors for his effort.
In his place, the Empire continued to rely on its ground game, but with Mulku Kalokoh, who rushed eight times for 38 yards with a pair of scores, and caught three passes for 34 yards and another touchdown.
But this game belonged to Devonn Brown. After having not finding the end zone in the Empire's first three games, Brown hauled in eight passes for 75 yards and four touchdowns.
Colorado's Goldrich was mildly effective before aggravating a separated shoulder in the second quarter, but which he injured which he suffered in week 3 against the Nebraska Danger. Aaron Aiken, who started in his place in the Crush's 71/27 loss to the Arizona Rattlers on March 11, came in in his place. Aiken served as the backup to Dowdell last season in Spokane.
Erick Brundidge, who was signed by the Crush earlier in the week, caught six passes for 69 yards, with two trips to the end zone.
Dowdell completed 17 of 23 passes for 200 yards and seven touchdowns. Bryan Pray caught five passes for 75 yards and a score, while both of Samuel Charles' catches went for touchdowns. Tyree Robinson led the Empire with 10 tackles. Pasquale Vacchio added nine, along with an interception. John Hardy-Tuliau also recorded an interception. Nick Haag and Adrian James each recovered a fumble for Spokane.
Aiken completed eight of 15 passes for 70 yards, two touchdowns and one interceptions, while running for another touchdown. Paris Cotton was efficient on the ground, gaining 30 yards on seven carries and a touchdown. Tim Lukas had four receptions for 11 yards and a trip to the end zone. Terry Johnson paced the Crush with eight tackles and Derrick Morgan added six.
The Empire are back at home next Friday, March 24, against the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles (1-2). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (pacific). The Crush (0-4) will visit the Nebraska Danger (2-2) on March 25 for a 5:05 p.m. kickoff. Both of those games, as well as all of the leagues games this season are available for streaming on the IFL's Youtube channel.
- ANM
(Graphic courtesy SCtoC)
To comment on this and other topics on this forum, please login or register.