Post by David on Jul 21, 2016 23:32:53 GMT -8
Spokane Empire at Sioux Falls Storm
What: The expansion Empire take on the 5-time defending Storm in the United Bowl.
When: Saturday, July 23, 5 p.m. (PT).
Where: Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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; June 18 - Storm 59, Empire 35
Series History: Sioux Falls leads series 2-0 (First playoff meeting)
Note: Dating to the IFL's inception in 2009, the city that has hosted the United Bowl are 7-0. Sioux Falls and the defunct Billings Outlaws won their United Bowl titles at home.
HELPFUL LINKS
Indoor Football League Rules
Indoor Football League Schedule and Results 2016
Spokane Empire Schedule 2016
IFL Franchises and Links
The Empire finished the regular season 12-4 overall, 5-3 on the road, and 3-2 in inter-conference play. In the playoffs, the Empire are 1-0 overall and 0-0 on the road. Spokane is coming off a 55-44 home win against the Nebraska Danger in the Intense Conference Championship on July 17. During the regular season, they averaged 47.8 points per game (6th in IFL) and allowed 49.6 points per game (6th). The Empire finished the regular season first in the Intense Conference.
The Storm finished the regular season 15-1 overall, 8-0 at home, and 6-0 in inter-conference play. In the playoffs, the Storm are 1-0 overall and 1-0 at home. Sioux Falls is coming off a 54-28 home win against the Cedar Rapids Titans in the United Conference Championship on July 16. During the regular season, they averaged 47.8 points per game (6th in IFL) and allowed 49.6 points per game (6th). The Storm finished the regular season first in the United Conference.
BREAKDOWN (Final Regular Season Stats)
Total Yards per Game - Empire 249.1; Storm 271.4
Pass Yards per Game - Empire 168.4; Storm 145.1
Rush Yards per Game - Empire 81.0; Storm 126.4
3rd Down Conversion - Empire 44.7%; Storm 45.1%
4th Down Conversion - Empire 56.4%; Storm 57.1%
Total Tackles - Empire 624; Storm 704
Tackles for Loss - Empire 72; Storm 84
Total Sacks - Empire 26.0; Storm 29.0
Fumble Recoveries - Empire 10; Storm 6
Interceptions - Empire 28; Storm 25
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire QB Charles Dowdell (image credit: Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Samuel Charles (WR)
2 - Lorenzo White Jr. (DB)
3 - Josh Ferguson (DB)
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)
21 - Cassius Sendish (DB)
22 - Adrian James (DB)
27 - Pat Clarke (K)
30 - Andrew Pierce (RB)
44 - Brett Bowers (DL)
47 - Nick Haag (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)
99 - Donte Rumph (DL)
Adam Shackleford - Head Coach
Cleveland Pratt - Assistant Head Coach
Ameer Ismail - Defensive Coordinator
STATISTICAL LEADERS (Postseason)
Passing Yards - Charles Dowdell 197
Passing TDs - Charles Dowdell 7
Passing INTs - N/A
Rushing Yards - Andrew Pierce 55
Rushing TDs - N/A
Receptions - Diondre Borel 6
Receiving Yards - Diondre Borel 64
Receiving TDs - Diondre Borel/Samuel Charles 3
Tackles - Pasquale Vacchio 9.5
Sacks - Toby Jackson 2.0
Interceptions - N/A
KO Return Ave - Andrew Pierce 25.3
KO Return TDs - N/A
SIOUX FALLS STORM
Storm QB Lorenzo Brown (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)
22 - Rolandan Finch II (RB)
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)
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 (Postseason)
Passing Yards - Lorenzo Brown 70
Passing TDs - Lorenzo Brown 1
Passing INTs - N/A
Rushing Yards - Lorenzo Brown 70
Rushing TDs - Lorenzo Brown 3
Receptions - Brandon Johnson-Farrell/Korey Williams 2
Receiving Yards - Korey Williams 20
Receiving TDs - Korey Williams 1
Tackles - Matt Hermanson 9.5
Sacks - N/A
Interceptions - J'Vontez Blackmon 2
KO Return Ave - Korey Williams 23.5
KO Return TDs - N/A
DAVID'S TAKES
SPOKANE:
With the addition of RB Andrew Pierce to their backfield, the Empire's offense looked rejuvenated and confident in their 55-44 Intense Conference Championship victory over the Nebraska Danger. Pierce, who played for head coach Adam Shackleford last season in Tri-Cities, was able to plug in comfortably with Spokane's offense, as it runs the same offensive scheme that Pierce was familiar with. In his Spokane debut, Pierce ran for 56 yards and caught 3 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. His presence was badly needed to an offense that struggled without RB Trevor Kennedy, the 2016 IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. QB Charles Dowdell looked much more relaxed with Pierce in the backfield, completing 14-of-17 passes for 197 yards and 7 touchdowns.
The Empire enjoyed hoisting the Intense Conference Championship trophy to its loyal fans at home, but now faces the biggest game in Empire history as they travel to Sioux Falls to de-throne the 5-time defending champions. They face difficult odds against a team that has not lost a home game in 6 years. The last loss the Storm suffered at home came at the hands of the Omaha Beef in 2010.
Twice this season, the Empire have used their two regular season games to get an idea of what they could face in the United Bowl. Based on the two games they've played, the Empire are going to have to play a nearly flawless game in order to beat the Sioux Falls. They've shown they've been able to compete with the Champs, but Sioux Falls took advantage of crucial mistakes, courtesy of turnovers and penalties, to win both meetings this season.
Emphasis on protecting the football may very well be something that Shackleford will preach for his offense. The Empire have struggled to run the football in both games against the Storm, however in the May 14th meeting in Sioux Falls, they were able to have some success on the ground, resulting in a closer scoring affair. If Pierce can get going against the Storm's front five, that'll open up time for Dowdell to try and take advantage in the passing game.
WR Diondre Borel had a monster game in the Intense Conference Championship, catching 6 passes for 64 yards and 3 scores. Samuel Charles (3 receptions, 31 yards, 3 TDs) and JJ Hayes (2 receptions, 64 yards) got just enough attention to give Borel his opportunities, and it helped Spokane build a 45-17 lead. If the Storm have to focus on Borel, look for Charles, Hayes, and Pierce to get some extra looks from Dowdell to move the ball down field.
The biggest task will be containing Sioux Falls' top ranked rushing game, which features dual-threat QB Lorenzo Brown, RB Rolandan Finch, and a highly successful jet sweep play that involves WRs Korey Williams, Mike Tatum, and Brandon Johnson-Farrell. The Empire will look to DL Benjamin Perry, Brett Bowers, and Toby Jackson to neutralize the Storm's effectiveness in the running the football. What Spokane has in this game that they did not have in the previous two matchups is former Kentucky DL Donte Rumph, a big defensive tackle that will clog the middle of the line with his physical play.
LBs Nick Haag and Pasquale Vacchio will be tasked with defending the middle of the field, which they were successful in last week versus Nebraska. Vacchio led all tacklers in the Intense Conference Championship, notching 9.5 total tackles, 4 pass breakups, and 1 sack. Haag and Vacchio's speed will be crucial to the Empire's success in moving about the field, making sure that Sioux Falls does not rip off chunks of yardage with the read-option or jet sweep plays. Watch for both linebackers to try and disrupt Brown's rhythm behind center - in the last meeting, the Empire defense held Brown to a 43% completion rate.
While Sioux Falls has found more success running the football this season, that does not mean the Empire can lay off defending the pass. The Empire's defensive backs got a boost last week with the return of Josh Ferguson to the defensive side of the ball, taking away part of the field for Robert Brown and Adrian James to take advantage. This should be a confidence booster for the Empire, especially when defending Williams, Johnson-Farrell, Tatum, and Holley.
Player to Watch: Charles Dowdell (QB)
With the addition of Andrew Pierce to the backfield, Dowdell looked much more comfortable guiding the Empire offense in the Intense Conference Championship. Head Coach Adam Shackelford mentioned at the end of the regular season that Dowdell was trying to do too much, resulting in a higher interception rate over the last two games. With Pierce as a rushing threat, Dowdell looked much more relaxed on the field, completing 14 of 17 passes (82% completion rate) for 197 yards and 7 TDs.
Dowdell has seen mixed results against the Storm; in the two meetings, he has thrown 9 touchdowns and 431 yards, but he also threw 8 interceptions in the two meetings. The Empire must get Pierce going in the run game, which will open up not only the passing game, but for Dowdell to have success running the football. If the Empire can establish the run and open up the game for Dowdell to have success, it'll give the Empire an opportune chance to hoist the United Bowl trophy.
ArenaCup/ArenaBowl/United Bowl History
(image courtesy of the Indoor Football League / GoIFL.com)
This is the first United Bowl appearance for the Empire, and the fifth overall championship appearance for the Spokane organization. Including their appearances in the af2's ArenaCup and AFL's ArenaBowl, Spokane is 3-1 all time in championship games. Here's how they fared prior to this year's appearance:
ArenaCup VII (af2): In their first year as a team, the Spokane Shock reached the ArenaCup to face the Green Bay Blizzard in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Green Bay and Spokane were tied 7-7 after the first quarter, but Spokane outscored the Blizzard 34-7 in the 2nd Quarter to take a 40-14 lead at halftime. Spokane went on to win 57-34, becoming the first af2 expansion team to win the ArenaCup in its first year of existence. QB Kyle Rowley won Game MVP honors, completing 29-of-36 passes for 264 yards and 6 TDs.
ArenaCup IX (af2): Spokane dominated the regular season with a 15-1 record and earned the rights to host the ArenaCup against the Tennessee Valley Vipers. Spokane was expected to dominate, but the Vipers played well throughout, led by backup QB Tommy Colston, who filled in for starter Kevin Eakin after he was injured in the first drive of the game. The back-and-forth game would end up 48-48 at the end of regulation, marking the first overtime game in ArenaCup history. Spokane drew first blood to go up 55-48, but the Vipers would come right back to make it 55-54. Rather than go for the PAT, the Vipers opted to go for 2. Unable to find an open receiver, Colston ran the ball, avoiding a Spokane defender and scored the game winning two point conversion to win the game 55-54.
ArenaCup X (af2): Out for redemption, the Shock dominated the regular season once again with a 15-1 record, facing off against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers in the ArenaCup Championship at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The game was close throughout the first half, with the Pioneers 21-20 at halftime. Spokane would storm out in the 3rd Quarter, shutting the Pioneers out 20-0 to take a 40-21 lead. In the 4th Quarter, the Shock were determined not to let the 2008 ArenaCup haunt them, piling on 34 points in the 4th to defeat the Pioneers 74-27.
ArenaBowl XXIII (AFL): Spokane joined the AFL beginning in 2010 and set out to make a statement that they belonged in the "big boy league." Despite being constantly referred to as an "af2" team, the Shock would post a 13-3 record and march into the ArenaBowl, hosting the title game against the Tampa Bay Storm. It would be a back-and-forth affair, with Spokane leading the Storm 34-28 at the half. Tampa Bay would come out at the half and take a 35-34 lead, but Spokane would score 3 consecutive scores to take a 55-35 lead early in the 4th Quarter. The two teams would trade scores, but Tampa Bay could never catch up, resulting in a 69-57 win for Spokane. Kyle Rowley, who returned to Spokane for the first time in 3 years, completed 24-of-32 passes for 237 yards and an ArenaBowl record 9 TD passes.
SIOUX FALLS:
For the seventh consecutive season, Sioux Falls makes an appearance in the United Bowl Championship, where it has won the last 5 championships in a row. Even with the new Veteran Rule, which states all IFL teams can only have 7 players with 3 or more years of indoor/arena experience, Sioux Falls managed to finish the season with a 15-1 record and find its way to the title game. The difference with this year's team is that they found themselves in closer games, but still managed to pull out the wins.
Things were tight for the Storm in last week's United Conference Championship, finding themselves tied 13-13 with the Cedar Rapids Titans, the only team to hand them a loss this season. The Storm began to extend their lead, going up 30-16 at the half, but the Titans began to make their push, narrowing the gap to 33-22 late in the 3rd Quarter. But the Storm began to capitalize on 3rd Down stops and turnovers, eventually pulling away with a 54-28 win.
The Storm have history and intimidation on their side going up against the Empire; they've never lost on their silver football field since the Denny Sanford Premiere Center opened in 2015, and haven't suffered a loss at home since the 2010 season. Despite struggles at times during the season, especially in closely contested games, the Storm found a way to capitalize on the opposing team's microcosmic mistakes and score points out of it. It was one big reason why they were able to defeat Spokane twice this season, picking off 9 total interceptions.
The Storm were fairly effective in the passing game, but their success against the Titans came in the running game, rushing for 143 yards, which was double the amount of total passing yards they had in the game.
QB Lorenzo Brown found some success rushing the football against Spokane. His running support varied by both games; in the first meeting, the jet sweep plays by Mike Tatum, Brandon Johnson-Farrell and Korey Williams resulted in a total of 107 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. In the second game, RB Rolandan Finch ran wild for 63 yards and 4 TDs.
While the passing game has not been as dominant as their running game, Sioux Falls possesses numerous weapons in the receiving game with Johnson-Farrell, Tatum, Williams, and Caleb Holley. They've managed to find success; even when Brown finds pressure in his face, they seem to catch just about everything that comes in their general direction.
The Storm boast some of the toughest defensive backs in the league, featuring Matt Hermanson (4 INT during the regular season), Jon Setzer (5 INT), J'Vontez Blackmon (4 INT) and Elijah Fields (3 INT). They're led by star linebacker Tyler Knight, who led the team with 140.5 total tackles and recorded 3 interceptions and 4.5 sacks. They will look to put pressure on Dowdell by shutting down the Empire's running game,hoping to force him into putting the pressure upon him to make plays and turn the ball over. If the Storm successfully shut the Empire's offense down, they will win their 6th consecutive championship.
Player to Watch: Lorenzo Brown (QB)
Brown has had mixed results in the passing game against Spokane, but his rushing ability has been a key factor in the Storm defeating the Empire twice this season. In the two games against the Empire, Brown threw for a total of 175 yards, 6 TDs and 2 INTs. On the ground, Brown rushed for a total of 79 net yards, but scored 3 touchdowns.
Last week against Cedar Rapids, Brown didn't have to contribute much in the passing game - he was 6 of 8 for 70 yards and 1 TD, but made his impact by rushing for 70 yards and 3 touchdowns. He's not perfect in every game he's played in this season, but has managed to utilize his skills in some form to push the Storm's offense down field and score. He has been known to make bad decisions, throwing 17 interceptions on the season, and has been inaccurate when he's not comfortable in the pocket due to pressure.
Brown will be tough to contain for the Empire, and his success in both the passing and ground game will be a key determining factor between a Storm win and a Storm loss.
Indoor Bowl/United Bowl History
(image courtesy of Tom Slattery / Tslat Media)
This is the eleventh United Bowl appearance for the Storm. Including appearances in NIFL's Indoor Bowl, Sioux Falls is 9-2 all time in championship games. Here's how they fared prior to this year's appearance:
Indoor Bowl IV (NIFL): In their fifth season of existence, the Storm made their first ever championship appearance in an indoor football title game. They lost at home to the Lexington Horsemen 59-38.
United Bowl I (UIF): In their first season as charter members of the United Indoor Football league, Sioux Falls made it to the United Bowl despite an 8-8 record. They won their first championship by defeating the Sioux City Bandits 0-38 in Sioux City, Iowa.
United Bowl II (UIF): In a rematch of their Indoor Bowl loss to the Lexington Horsemen, the Storm won their second consecutive championship at home 72-64.
United Bowl III (UIF): The Storm would once again host the United Bowl against the Lexington Horsemen, en route to their third consecutive championship with a 62-59 victory.
United Bowl IV (UIF): For the third consecutive season, Sioux Falls hosted the United Bowl, this time against the Bloomington Extreme. The Storm would win a close scoring game 40-35.
2010 United Bowl (IFL): The Storm joined the IFL prior to the 2009 season. After missing the playoffs in 2009 as a penalty for an insurance violation, the Storm finally made it into the IFL's championship game against the Billings Outlaws. Due to tornado damage to Rimrock Auto Arena, the game was moved to the Outlaws's practice facility, the Billings SportsPlex. Billings defeated the Storm in a tightly contested game, 43-34.
2011 United Bowl (IFL): Looking to earn its first IFL Championship, the Storm stormed to a 15-1 record and the rights to host the United Bowl. The Storm won their first United Bowl title in the IFL, defeating the Tri-Cities Fever 37-10.
2012 United Bowl (IFL): The Storm topped off the first undefeated season in IFL History en route to an United Bowl rematch with the Fever. Sioux Falls won decidedly, 59-32.
2013 United Bowl (IFL): The Storm would earn its way back to the United Bowl, earning a date with the Nebraska Danger. The Storm squeaked out a 43-40 win to win their third consecutive United Bowl.
2014 United Bowl (IFL): The Storm and the Danger would meet once again. After a 7-7 tie going into the 2nd Quarter, Sioux Falls took charge and never looked back, defeating Nebraska 63-46.
2015 United Bowl (IFL): For the third consecutive season, and the first in the brand new Denny Sanford Premiere Center, Sioux Falls and Nebraska met each other once more for the IFL's crown. After another 7-7 tie going into the 2nd quarter, Sioux Falls extended their lead to 10, leading at halftime 27-17. The Storm would outscore the Danger 38-10 in the second half, en route to a 62-27 win for their fifth consecutive United Bowl Championship.
QUOTABLE
Empire Head Coach Adam Shackleford reflects on the season moments after winning the Intense Conference Championship.
"Before Mr. (Nader) Naini hired me, we had a phone conversation. His first question was, 'What do we have to do to play Sioux Falls for a championship?' He and I had a nice laugh about that. It's been a lot of hard work by these players, great ownership and a great town to play football in."
Shackleford on the effect RB Andrew Pierce had on the team.
"Pierce is a difference-maker and the offensive line played well."
LB Pasquale Vacchio on the excitement of playing in the United Bowl.
"I've been waiting for this. We're going to get it done."
DL Benjamin Perry on facing the Storm for a third time.
"The defense has done well. Obviously it wasn't enough to get the (wins). There were times we had a few great plays, but then we'd make one mistake. That's what we can't let happen. We can't have those mistakes and they gash us with big runs."
LB Nick Haag on facing Sioux Falls in the United Bowl.
"They're the dragon. You gotta go through them. You gotta slay the dragon to get the 'chip."
FEATURED TWEETS
EXTRA
Our extra this week feature three interviews taken before and after the Intense Conference Championship.
Our first interview, approximately 5 minutes, features Spokane Empire Director of Operations & General Manager, Ryan Eucker. Ryan was recently named as the IFL Executive of the year and took a few moments to talk about Spokane's first season in the IFL, what to look forward to in 2017, expansion, and what promotions Project FANchise promote that the Empire might be inspired by. We also managed to get two short interviews with QB Charles Dowdell and LB Nick Haag.
The Interviews:
Ryan Eucker (5:18)
Charles Dowdell (0:40)
Nick Haag (0:56)
We also were honored to have an exclusive interview with RB Trevor Kennedy. Trevor was kind enough to accept our interview request and we posted a text version of our interview.
Trevor Kennedy Interview
Special Thanks to Ryan, Charles, Nick, and Trevor for taking time to answer our questions!
