Post by DiamondThief on Apr 1, 2017 22:54:02 GMT -8
4/1/17 --
SPOKANE, WA - The Nebraska Danger took advantage of two early Spokane Empire turnovers and held off a late Empire rally to position themselves atop the Intense Conference standings with a 42-36 win Saturday night.
The teams emerged from the contest with identical 4-2 records, but the Danger hold the tiebreaker due to the win, and will continue to hold it throughout the season as this was the only meeting between the teams this season.
Spokane struck early on a seven-yard run from quarterback Charles Dowdell.
Nebraska answered with three straight touchdowns; the first coming on a 12-yard pass from quarterback Patrick McCain to wide receiver Eric Thomas. Then, with the Empire pinned deep in their own territory, Dowdell was sacked and fumbled, and Danger linebacker Nikolas Sierra fell on the ball in the end zone. On the ensuing Empire drive, Dowdell was intercepted by defensive back Demetruce McNeal, which set up a 10-play, 45-yard drive capped by Thomas' two-yard touchdown catch from McCain.
The teams each added a touchdown and the Danger scored on a safety, and the Danger led 29-14 at the half.
The Danger opened up a 36-14 lead with 9:05 left in the third quarter on a two yard run by McCain. Spokane outscored Nebraska 16-6 in the fourth quarter, but were unable to recover an onside kick in the final seconds.
Spokane outgained the Danger in total offense, 190 to 111, including a 139 to 56 advantage in the passing game. Spokane was flagged 10 times (accepted) for 56 yards. The Danger committed six infractions for 51 yards.
With the win, the Danger became the final team in the IFL to register a road win this season.
McCain completed 12 of 17 passes for 52 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He rushed for 27 yards and a score. Thomas led the receiving corps with four grabs for 34 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Rob Brown caught five passes for 16 yards. Sierra had an outstanding game. In addition to his fumble recovery touchdown, he intercepted Dowdell once and sacked up 3.5 times, and finished with eight total tackles. Trey Wafford led the Danger with 8.5 total tackles.
Dowdell finished 15 or 27 for 188 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran nine times for 28 yards with two trips to the end zone. Wide receiver Bryan Pray tallied five catches for 54 yards and three touchdowns, while fellow wideout Devonn Brown had five grabs for 49 yards. Wide receiver Dejuan Miller, making his return from injury, had three catches for 35 yards. Defensive back Robert Brown, twin brother of the Danger's Rob Brown, had 5.5 total tackles and an interception. Linebacker Andrew Jackson had 8.5 total tackles and defensive lineman Junior Alexis registered a sack.
SCtoC's David spoke with Empire head coach Adam Shackleford, defensive back Robert Brown and quarterback Charles Dowdell following the game:
https%3A//soundcloud.com/david-hein-284472566/spokane-empire-hc-adam-shackleford-postgame-vs-nebraska
https%3A//soundcloud.com/david-hein-284472566/empire-db-robert-brown-postgame-vs-nebraska
https%3A//soundcloud.com/david-hein-284472566/charles-dowdell-postgame-vs-nebraska
The Danger (4-2) are at home next on April 7 as they will host the Arizona Rattlers (2-3) at 5:05 p.m. The Empire (4-2) have a bye before hosting the Colorado Crush (1-5) on April 14 for a 7 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)
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