Post by David on Jun 16, 2016 22:24:31 GMT -8
Sioux Falls Storm at Spokane Empire
What: Sioux Falls and Spokane meet in Part II of a potential United Bowl preview.
When: Saturday, June 18, 7 p.m. (PT).
Where: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, Washington
Empire Media: TV - SWX; Radio - 700/1080 AM ESPN
National Media: Stream (paid subscription) - IFL Live TV
This Season: May 14 - Storm 63, Empire 50
Series History: Sioux Falls leads 1-0 (First meeting in Spokane).
Note: This is Spokane's regular season home finale.
HELPFUL LINKS
Indoor Football League Rules
Indoor Football League Schedule and Results 2016
Spokane Empire Schedule 2016
IFL Franchises and Links
The Storm are 14-1 overall, 6-1 on the road and 5-0 in inter-conference play. Sioux Falls is coming off a 53-30 home win against the Iowa Barnstormers on June 11. They are averaging 59.5 points per game (1st in IFL) and are allowing 45.7 points per game (5th). The Storm are first in the United Conference.
The Empire are 12-2 overall, 7-0 at home and 3-1 in inter-conference play. Spokane is coming off a 25-23 road win against the Nebraska Danger on June 10. They are averaging 54.2 points per game (3rd) and are allowing 43.9 points per game (3rd). The Empire are first in the Intense Conference.
BREAKDOWN
Total Yards per Game - Storm 274.8; Empire 259.1
Pass Yards per Game - Storm 146.1; Empire 172.3
Rush Yards per Game - Storm 128.7; Empire 86.8
3rd Down Conversion - Storm 47.4%; Empire 49.1%
4th Down Conversion - Storm 61.1%; Empire 52.9%
Total Tackles - Storm 665.5; Empire 552
Tackles for Loss - Storm 82; Empire 63
Total Sacks - Storm 29.0; Empire 23.0
Fumble Recoveries - Storm 6; Empire 10
Interceptions - Storm 20; Empire 26
SIOUX FALLS STORM
Storm WR/KR Korey Williams (image courtesy of Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Korey Williams (WR)
2 - Carrington Hanna (QB)
3 - Tyler Knight (LB)
4 - Brandon Johnson-Farrell (WR)
6 - Elijah Fields (DB)
8 - Lorenzo Brown (QB)
9 - Gareef Glashen (DB)
11 - Marcus Beaurem (WR)
12 - Matt Hermanson (DB)
13 - Jon Setzer (DB)
15 - Claude Davis (DL)
16 - J'Vontez Blackmon (DB)
18 - Caleb Holley (WR)
19 - Justin Syrovatka (K)
23 - Mike Tatum (WR)
24 - Carlton Watkins (DB)
34 - Brandon Peguese (DL)
47 - Roosevelt Roberts Jr. (DL)
55 - Charlie Sanders (OL)
56 - Byron Bennett (DL)
58 - Sam Campbell (DL)
69 - Rashaud Mungro (OL)
71 - Kyle Bryant (OL)
75 - Myniya Smith (OL)
95 - Bryan Keys (DL)
?? - Rolandan Finch II (RB)
Kurtiss Riggs - Head Coach
Brian Hermanson - Defensive Coordinator
Andre Fields - Defensive Backs/Special Teams Coach
Terrance Bryant - QB Coach
Jared Fredenburg - Defensive Line Coach
Gerald Davis - OL Coach
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Lorenzo Brown 2,293
Passing TDs - Lorenzo Brown 55
Passing INTs - Lorenzo Brown 16
Rushing Yards - Lorenzo Brown 694
Rushing TDs - Lorenzo Brown 19
Receptions - Mike Tatum 54
Receiving Yards - Mike Tatum 758
Receiving TDs - Caleb Holley 20
Tackles - Tyler Knight 133.5
Sacks - Brandon Peguese 12.0
Interceptions - Jon Setzer 5
KO Return Ave - Korey Williams 20.3
KO Return TDs - Korey Williams 5
*Not on Active Roster
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire DB Robert Brown (image courtesy of Dan Pelle / Spokesman-Review)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Samuel Charles (WR)
2 - Lorenzo White Jr. (DB)
3 - Josh Ferguson (DB)
4 - Carl Sims (WR)
5 - Tyree Robinson (DB)
8 - Aaron Aiken (QB)
11 - Charles Dowdell (QB)
12 - Toby Jackson (DL)
16 - Robert Brown (DB)
17 - Pasquale Vacchio (LB)
19 - Diondre Borel (WR/QB)
22 - Adrian James (DB)
27 - Pat Clarke (K)
30 - Andrew Pierce (RB)
44 - Brett Bowers (DL)
47 - Nick Haag (LB)
52 - D.J. Yendrey (LB)
56 - Dave Lefotu (OL)
62 - Dominique Duster (DL)
70 - Mike Trice (OL)
72 - Kyle Fischer (OL)
76 - Michael Boyefio (OL)
78 - Brandon Haskin (OL)
80 - Jefferson "JJ" Hayes (WR)
88 - Justin Helwege (WR)
93 - Benjamin Perry (DL)
Adam Shackleford - Head Coach
Cleveland Pratt - Assistant Head Coach
Ameer Ismail - Defensive Coordinator
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Charles Dowdell 2,435
Passing TDs - Charles Dowdell 59
Passing INTs - Charles Dowdell 14
Rushing Yards - *Trevor Kennedy 720
Rushing TDs - *Trevor Kennedy 28
Receptions - Carl Sims 68
Receiving Yards - Carl Sims 808
Receiving TDs - Carl Sims 19
Tackles - Robert Brown 84.0
Sacks - Benjamin Perry 8.5
Interceptions - Robert Brown/Tyree Robinson 6
KO Return Ave - *Trevor Kennedy 18.8
KO Return TDs - *Trevor Kennedy/JJ Hayes 1
*Not on Active Roster
DAVID'S TAKES
SIOUX FALLS:
How much does Sioux Falls have to prove? That's the question fans may be wondering as the Storm play in Spokane for the first time in franchise history. With their win over the Iowa Barnstormers last Saturday, the Storm clinched the number 1 overall seed in the IFL Playoffs, including home field advantage throughout. Even if Spokane wins and finishes with an identical 14-2 record, the Storm hold the edge based on their strength of schedule.
There's no reason to expect that the Storm are going to take the game against Spokane lightly, but it's worth wondering if head coach Kurtiss Riggs will want to rest some of his important players. Even if they were to rest stars like QB Lorenzo Brown, WR/KR Korey Williams, or even LB Tyler Knight, Sioux Falls has the depth that could easily make up the starting roster for an expansion franchise.
Lorenzo Brown looks to continue the success he's had all season. He's tied for second with 55 passing touchdowns, trailing Spokane's Charles Dowdell (59 TDs). He's had efficient passing statistics (173 of 272, 2,293 yards) but has thrown the second most interceptions in the league this season (16). Brown has been difficult to contain in the pocket, and has burned defenses this season for 694 yards rushing and 19 TDs. He trails Spokane's Trevor Kennedy (720 yards, 28 TDs) for tops in both categories, but has the opportunity to take the rushing title on Saturday.
Brown had success both in the air (10-of-14, 140 yards, 5 TDs) and on the ground (8 rushes, 49 yds, TD) in the last meeting versus Spokane. His dual-threat capabilities are boosted by WR Korey Williams, who makes not only an impact in the passing game, but rushing the football as well. Brown will likely target WR Caleb Holley (37 receptions, 583 yards, 20 TDs) once again. Holly had a huge game previously against Spokane, burning Empire defenders for 110 yards and 4 TDs. If the Empire didn't have their hands full, Brown also has WR Mike Tatum to use at his disposal. Tatum's quietly having a productive season, and is almost the forgotten man in comparison to the recognition Williams and Holley get. Tatum (54 receptions, 758 yards, 18 TDs) could emerge as a top target if Spokane focuses their resources on shutting down Williams and Holley.
Defensively, Sioux Falls will look to create turnovers to boost the Storm to another victory. In the last meeting, the Storm forced 4 Empire turnovers, all of which were interceptions. 3 of the 4 interceptions were picked off inside of the Storm's 15 yard line, and prevented the Empire from coming away with points that could have changed the outcome of the game. LB Tyler Knight (133.5 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 INT) led the way, picking off two of Dowdell's passes, one of which was in the last minute of the game that killed a potential game-winning drive for the Empire. DBs Matt Hermanson (80.5 total tackles, 3 INT) and Jon Setzer (60.5 total tackles, 5 INT) also had interceptions in the previous game.
The Storm will put the pressure on Dowdell, led by DL Brandon Peguese (12.0 sacks). The Empire struggled running the football last week against Nebraska, and the Storm will try and take advantage by forcing the Empire to throw the ball and providing opportunities for their defense to win the turnover battle.
Player to Watch: Korey Williams (WR/KR)
Williams is the Storm's Swiss Army Knife on offense. He's been productive both catching the football (48 receptions, 524 yards, 10 TDs), rushing the football (66 rushes, 350 yards, 18 TDs). He's a multi-threat positional player that can burn you in more than one way, and his presence creates headaches for opposing defenses that have to deal with Brown, Holley, and Tatum.
Williams is also very good at returning kicks (42 returns, 851 yards, 5 TDs). His 5 touchdown returns lead the IFL in that category, and is responsible for putting the Storm into excellent field position.
In the previous game versus Spokane, rushed for 20 yards and a score, but the Empire's defense didn't struggle in trying to contain him. Sioux Falls has plenty of play makers, but Williams is a threat that will try and open everything up for his teammates.
Don't be surprised if Williams ends up only playing for part of the game; the Storm have a capable backup in Brandon Johnson-Ferrell that could come in should the Storm decide to keep Williams healthy for the playoffs.
SPOKANE:
The Empire return home after escaping the Danger with a 25-23 victory in Nebraska. The key to their victory was the Defense, which forced four turnovers, including two big interceptions by DB Tyree Robinson. Their contribution was what kept the offense in the game, which struggled at times and clearly missed the presence of RB Trevor Kennedy, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
Now the Empire return home, looking to make a statement at home as the Sioux Falls Storm roll into town. Although Spokane can't clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs, they can send a message to the Storm by pulling off an upset in front of the faithful Spokane fans. This is a tune-up game of sorts, and a sequel to the first game in which Spokane shot itself in the foot with 4 critical interceptions and several penalties that doomed the Empire to a 63-50 loss.
The Empire's victory is going to come down to two important factors: winning the turnover battle and establishing the running game. Spokane has a +12 turnover margin, which is the best in the IFL, and have to win the turnover battle if they have a chance of beating Sioux Falls. The 4 interceptions in the last game, including 3 in the red zone, took away any potential points the Empire could have scored to beat the Storm. They cannot have a repeat of that performance on Saturday and must be more efficient in the red zone. That will also fall upon Josh Ferguson to be able to run the football. In place of Kennedy, Ferguson has not made much of an impact in the run game, only accumulating 15 yards on the season, including last week when he got the start as the primary RB. He has to be able to run effectively to keep the Storm defenders at bay, especially in the red zone.
QB Charles Dowdell (227-of-362, 2,435 yards, 59 TDs) is going to have to contribute more in the running game, as he did against Nebraska last week. He was Spokane's most effective runner last week (56 rush yards) with the majority of his runs coming on scrambles out of the pocket. If the opportunity presents itself and Ferguson can't get anything going, Dowdell is going to have to run in order to lighten up the defensive coverage on WRs Carl Sims, JJ Hayes, Samuel Charles, and Diondre Borel. Sims (68 receptions, 808 yards, 19 TDs) has been Dowdell's favorite target as of late and looks to have another big game against his former team. Last time they played, Sims had 7 passes for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns. If he can replicate that performance, that will open up ample opportunities for Hayes (60 receptions, 664 yards, 14 TDs) and Borel (12 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD) as well as open up downfield for Charles (32 receptions, 374 yards, 12 TDs).
Defensively, Spokane is going to have to zero in on the football like a heat seeking missile. LBs Nick Haag (79.5 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks) and Pasquale Vacchio (77.5 total tackles, 3 INT) are going to try and contain WR Korey Williams and QB Lorenzo Brown from running loose in the field. Their success will depend on the pressure of DL Benjamin Perry (8.5 sacks), Toby Jackson (2.0 sacks), D.J. Yendrey (1.5 sacks) and Brett Bowers (3.5) to try and make Brown uncomfortable in the pocket. They'll also look to clog the open lanes for Brown to try and escape and gain chunks of yardage with his legs.
DBs Robert Brown, Tyree Robinson (62.5 total tackles, 6 INT), Adrian James (2 INT), Lorenzo White Jr. (24.5 total tackles, 2 INT) are going to have their hands full containing Sioux Falls' passing game. Brown has been prone to interceptions this season, and if the Empire can get pressure on him and force him into bad throws, Spokane can make him pay for it. Turnovers have put the Storm in tight situations this season, including 4 games where the Storm could have lost but were fortunate to score on last minute drives. If Spokane can stop the Storm on just enough drives to avoid giving up a ton of points, they could put the game out of reach in the final minutes and come away with the upset.
Player to Watch: Robert Brown (DB)
With a trio of talented wide receivers, and multiple rushing threats, don't be surprised if you see Robert Brown zooming from his defensive back/safety position to try and make a stop.
Considered by DC Ameer Ismail as the Kam Chancellor of their backfield, Brown has made his presence felt in the last few games, including a team leading 7.5 total tackles last week against Nebraska. He also lead the team in tackles with 9.0 the last time Spokane played Sioux Falls.
Brown has recently overtaken Nick Haag in team tackles (84.0 total tackles), leads all Empire defenders with 10 pass breakups, and is tied with Tyree Robinson for the team lead with 6 interceptions this season. Look for Brown to be in the vicinity of where the football is, trying to make a stop or strip the football. If the Empire's defensive line and linebackers can get just enough pressure on Lorenzo Brown, then it'll provide Robert Brown the opportunity to make some potential game-changing interceptions. His play could be a big factor in Spokane's defense slowing down the Storm's offense.
QUOTABLE
Empire DC Ameer Ismail on serving as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's stunt double in the upcoming "Baywatch" film.
"I thought I'd at least be hanging out on the beach with supermodels, but that wasn't the case."
Ismail on being a stunt double for movies such as "The Dark Knight Rises," "Red Dawn," and the TV series "Necessary Roughness.".
"When I did 'The Dark Knight Rises' it was pretty good money a lot more than 'Necessary Roughness.' Sometimes it's a few hundred bucks a day, sometimes it's more."
Ismail on being selected by the Dalian Dragon Kings in the CAFL draft.
"It's going to be a lot of fun to coach and play, and I get to do the two things I love in this life."
K Pat Clarke on being drafted by the Bejing Lions of the CAFL.
"I was with Philadelphia (in the AFL) and the coach (Clint Dolezel) is coaching the Bejing team. He knew me and knew what I could do so I'm glad they took me. I can't wait for it to get started. It'll be a good experience to get my name out and continue to develop."
FEATURED TWEETS
IFL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
June 18 - Wichita Falls Nighthawks (9-5) at Iowa Barnstormers (4-10), 5 p.m.
June 18 - Nebraska Danger (5-9) at Colorado Crush (3-12), 6 p.m.
June 18 - Tri-Cities Fever (3-11) at Billings Wolves (6-8), 6 p.m.
June 18 - Sioux Falls Storm (14-1) at Spokane Empire (12-2), 7 p.m.
Byes - Cedar Rapids Titans (11-4), Green Bay Blizzard (5-10)
EXTRA
(image courtesy of Spokane Empire / Twitter)
With a record of 12-2, an Intense Conference title and the rights to host the Intense Conference Championship, it's safe to say that head coach Adam Shackleford's return to Spokane has been very successful.
Shackleford, who spent the past 6 seasons as coach of the Tri-Cities Fever, hasn't missed a beat after being let go from the Spokane organization back in 2009, when the team (still known as the Shock) made the leap from af2 to the AFL. While still a fiery individual, his temper hasn't gotten the best of him as it did back in his early days with Spokane.
Originally hired in 2007 as the replacement to Chris Siegfried, the Shock's head coach during the team's inaugural season the year before, Shackleford found instant success. In three seasons in Spokane, he was 42-6 in the regular season, including two 15 win seasons in 2008 and 2009. Counting his playoff success, Shackleford had an overall record of 49-8 (.860), marking the greatest stretch in franchise history.
Counting the 12-2 mark this season, Shackleford has an overall record of 61-10 (.859). At this point, it's hard to argue that he's not a viable candidate to win IFL Coach of the Year.
Graphic courtesy of David.