Post by David on May 5, 2017 2:33:45 GMT -8
Spokane Empire at Sioux Falls Storm
What: The top two leaders in the United and Intense Conferences face off in a rematch of the 2016 United Bowl.
When: Saturday, May 6, 5:05 p.m. (PST)
Where: Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, SD
Empire Media: Radio - ESPN 700 AM/105.3 FM
National Media: Stream - YouTube
Series History: Sioux Falls leads regular season series 2-0 (1-0 in Sioux Falls); Sioux Falls leads playoff series 1-0. (1-0 in Arizona)
Note: Pending the two meet in the United Bowl, this will be the only meeting this season between both franchises.
HELPFUL LINKS
Indoor Football League Rules
Indoor Football League Schedule and Results - 2017 Season
2017 Spokane Empire Schedule
IFL Franchise Index
The Empire are 7-2 overall, 3-1 on the road and 0-1 in inter-conference play. Spokane is coming off a 31-29 home win over the Nebraska Danger on April 30. They are averaging 43.9 points per game (6th in IFL) and are allowing 35.9 points per game (2nd). The Empire are first in the Intense Conference.
The Storm are 8-1 overall, 4-0 at home and 2-0 in inter-conference play. Sioux Falls is coming off a 36-44 road loss to the Wichita Falls Nighthawks on April 29. They are averaging 50.1 points per game (3rd) and are allowing 29.3 points per game (1st). The Storm are first in the United Conference.
BREAKDOWN
Total Yards per Game - Empire 232.4; Storm 240.0
Pass Yards per Game - Empire 146.4; Storm 118.8
Rush Yards per Game - Empire 86.0; Storm 121.2
3rd Down Conversion - Empire 38.2%; Storm 40.9%
4th Down Conversion - Empire 63.2%; Storm 42.9%
Total Tackles - Empire 386; Storm 407
Tackles for Loss - Empire 46; Storm 40
Total Sacks - Empire 20; Storm 13
Fumble Recoveries - Empire 6; Storm 4
Interceptions - Empire 9; Storm 18
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire WR Bryan Pray (image credit: James Snook / Special for 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)
13 - Pasquale Vacchio (LB)
16 - Aaron Wilmer (QB)
17 - Brendon Garcia (K)
18 - Trevor Kennedy (OS)
20 - Qua Cox (DB)
33 - John Hardy-Tuliau (DB)
41 - Toney Hurd Jr. (DB)
47 - Nick Haag (LB)
55 - Bill Vavau (OL)
66 - Deveric Gallington (OL)
70 - Jonah Austin (OL)
74 - Darren Pinnock (OL)
91 - O.J. Mau (DL)
93 - J.D. Griggs (DL)
99 - Harold Love III (DL)
N/A - Orlandus Harris Sr. (WR)
N/A - Antoine Tharpe (DB)
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 1,397
Passing TDs - Charles Dowdell 32
Passing INTs - Charles Dowdell 13
Rushing Yards - Charles Dowdell 369
Rushing TDs - Charles Dowdell 8
Receptions - Bryan Pray 35
Receiving Yards - Bryan Pray 396
Receiving TDs - Bryan Pray 12
Tackles (Solo) - Andrew Jackson 33
Sacks - J.D. Griggs 8.5
Interceptions - John Hardy-Tuliau/Pasquale Vacchio 3
KO Return Ave - Mulku Kalokoh 17.5
KO Return TDs - Trevor Kennedy 1
*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.
SIOUX FALLS STORM
Storm RB Robbie Rouse (image credit: Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Korey Williams (WR)
2 - Rashard Smith (DB)
3 - Tyler Knight (LB)
4 - Cliff Redmond (DB)
6 - Elijah Fields (DB)
8 - Lorenzo Brown (QB)
11 - Eric Shufford (WR)
12 - Matt Hermanson (DB)
13 - Drew Powell (QB)
15 - Claude Davis (DL)
16 - Cory Henry (DL)
19 - Justin Syrovatka (K)
20 - Robbie Rouse (RB)
22 - Rolandan Finch II (RB)
24 - Carlton Watkins Jr. (DB)
44 - Chris Baker (DL)
55 - Khalif Mitchell (DL)
56 - Nicholas Richardson (DL)
69 - Rashaud Mungro (OL)
71 - Kyle Bryant (OL)
74 - Fred Ruff (OL)
75 - Jabari Buckley (OL)
88 - Jared Elmore (WR)
95 - Ino Vitale (DL)
Kurtiss Riggs - Head Coach
Brian Hermanson - Defensive Coordinator
Blake Wilson - Wide Receivers Coach/Kick Return Coach
Jared Fredenburg - Defensive Line Coach
Paul Keizer - Offensive Line Coach
Andre Fields - Defensive Backs/Special Teams Coach
Cory Johnsen - Assistant Defensive Line Coach
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Lorenzo Brown 1,067
Passing TDs - Lorenzo Brown 21
Passing INTs - Lorenzo Brown 4
Rushing Yards - Robbie Rouse 425
Rushing TDs - Lorenzo Brown/Robbie Rouse 12
Receptions - Korey Williams 28
Receiving Yards - Korey Williams 306
Receiving TDs - Korey Williams 7
Tackles (Solo) - Tyler Knight 53
Sacks - Nicholas Richardson 3.5
Interceptions - Elijah Fields 5
KO Return Ave - Korey Williams 17.3
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.
DAVID'S TAKES
SPOKANE:
Coming off a signature 60-51 win over the Arizona Rattlers, there was some question as to whether or not the Spokane Empire would look ahead to their game against Sioux Falls and not take the upcoming game versus the free falling Salt Lake Screaming Eagles. It turned out to be just that; Spokane found itself in a in a 17-9 hole early in the 3rd Quarter. The Empire managed to come back, but struggles on offense threatened to doom the Empire to their third loss of the season. Spokane's defense, which has carried the team at times during the season, stepped up, and their offense made just enough plays to take the lead and escape with a 31-29 win.
QB Charles Dowdell had a rough game against Salt Lake last week, completing 18 of 35 passes for 142 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs. At times, Dowdell struggled to get into a rhythm with overthrown passes and two ill-advised interceptions. Fortunately, Dowdell managed to recover and find his rhythm late in the game, finding success in the ground game when the offense began to run the read option more frequently, rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown. He must be on the top of his game when facing a stingy Sioux Falls defensive unit that ranks first in points allowed (29.3 points/game), interceptions (18), and defensive touchdowns (5). The Storm are known to capitalize on turnovers, which has been a factor in the team’s success over the past six seasons. Efficient passing, zero turnovers, and successfully running the read-option will be the key if Spokane looks to hand Sioux Falls their second consecutive loss.
The success of the read-option has been good hands this season. The only question is, which RB will start for the Empire this week? RB Mulku Kalokoh (198 rushing yards, 6 TDs) got the start last week as Trevor Kennedy (146 rushing yards, 5 TDs) was inactive due to a tryout with the CFL’s BC Lions. With Kennedy’s future with the Empire unclear, it’s a guessing game as to which player will start at running back on a week-by-week basis. While losing Kennedy will be a blow to the Empire’s offense in terms of versatility, they still have a capable running back in Kalokoh. Regardless of which back (or both) take the field, establishing the run against Sioux Falls can help with the Empire’s up-and-down passing game.
The emergence of Bryan Pray in recent weeks will be a key to Spokane’s success passing against a stingy Sioux Falls secondary. Over his past four games, Pray has made 25 receptions for 218 and 9 touchdowns. With the Storm looking to lock in on Pray, look for Devonn Brown (31 receptions, 343 yards, 8 TDs) and Samuel Charles (17 receptions, 241 yards, 5 TDs) to find the open spaces. Communication will be vital, as Sioux Falls has one of the toughest home field advantages in the IFL. The Empire receivers have to communicate clearly with Dowdell to avoid miscommunication that could result in costly turnovers.
Defensively, the Empire will face their toughest task of the season in containing the Storm’s run-heavy offense. The Storm, ranked third in the IFL in total offense, is dangerous when it comes to running the football. They lead the league with 1,081 total rushing yards (120.1 yards/game) and 34 rushing touchdowns, while the Empire rushing defense has given up a league low 43.1 rushing yards per game. QB Lorenzo Brown (404 rushing yards, 12 TDs) and RB Robbie Rouse (425 rushing yards, 12 TDs) are the one-two punch for the Storm’s rushing offense, but WR Korey Williams is known for his end-around rushes, resulting in 181 rushing yards and 4 TDs this season. LB/DL Andrew Jackson (54 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss), LB Nick Haag (49 total tackles, 4.0 sacks, 6 tackles for loss), J.D. Griggs (29 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss), and Harold Love III (10 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss) will have to break through an experienced Sioux Falls offensive line to limit the run and get pressure on Brown.
In the backfield, the Empire will face a Storm team entering the week with only two active wide receivers. DBs John Hardy-Tuliau (56 total tackles, 3 INTs, 3 pass breakups), Tyree Robinson (44 total tackles, INT, 2 pass breakups), and Robert Brown (40 total tackles, 2 INTs, 10 pass breakups) will have to be alert, not only to take away the passing game from Lorenzo Brown, but to be prepared when the Storm run the football. Look for LB Pasquale Vacchio (52 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 INT, 7 pass breakups), who mostly drops back into pass coverage, to stick to the middle of the field and assist Haag in trying to limit the Storm’s rushing game. If the Empire defense can limit the Storm’s offense, it could be their finest performance of the season.
Player to Watch: Bryan Pray (WR)
SIOUX FALLS:
Can anybody beat this franchise? That question was answered last week when the Wichita Falls Nighthawks pulled off the titanic task of handing Sioux Falls their first loss of the season, defeating the Storm 44-36 in Wichita Falls. The loss puts the Storm in a unique situation: the Nighthawks and Iowa Barnstormers are breathing down their neck to vie for first in the United Conference. Returning home to the friendly confines of the Denny Sanford Premier Center will be a welcome sight for the Storm; since the arena opened in 2015, the Storm have never lost a home game. Homefield, and a championship pedigree, are on the Storm’s side as the team looks to avoid losing back-to-back games for the first time since 2009.
Rushing is more common in the Indoor Football League than it is in the Arena Football League, and the Storm is a team that thrives on running the football. QB Lorenzo Brown (95 of 153, 1,067 yards, 21 TDs, 4 INTs) is successful in the passing game, but is prone to have games where he doesn’t break 100 yards passing. As a result, the Storm’s offense, which ranks first in rushing offense, ranks only seventh in passing. However, Brown’s impact is felt rushing the football, ranking second on the team with 404 rushing yards and 12 TDs. His 12 rushing TDs are tied for the team lead with Robbie Rouse, who has 21 more rushing yards (425) than Brown. With continuity on the offensive line, the Storm are able to successfully run read-option plays that put opposing defenses on their heels.
In addition to Rouse and Brown, the team’s biggest weapon is WR Korey Williams. A multidimensional player, Williams ranks third on the Storm with 181 rushing yards and 4 TDs, first in receiving with 28 receptions for 306 yards and 7 TDs, and 520 kick return yards. With a team stocked with dangerous talent on offense, Williams ranks first on the team in all-purpose yardage. Due to injuries to WRs Mike Tatum and Melvin German III, the only other active receiver on the roster is ex-Cleveland Gladiators WR Dominick Goodman. With only three games under his belt, Goodman has only recorded 76 receiving yards, but he has caught 3 touchdown passes. Their presence, along with the rushing threats of Rouse and Brown, haven’t slowed the Storm’s offense down, and they’ll be put to the test against an Empire defense that has improved upon its impressive 2016 campaign.
Defensively, the Storm will lean on experience and its knack for turnovers to cruise to a win over Spokane. The Storm lead the IFL with 18 interceptions, led by veteran DB Elijah Fields (38 total tackles, 5 INTs, 3 pass breakups), Matt Hermanson (57 total tackles, 3 INTs, 3 pass breakups), Rashard Smith (23 total tackles, 3 INTs, 7 pass breakups), Carlton Watkins (48 total tackles, INT) and J’Vontez Blackmon (35 total tackles, 3 INTs, 1 pass breakup). The Storm defense, which has only given up a league low 29.3 points per game, will look to disrupt Empire QB Charles Dowdell into forcing errant throws and turnovers. LB Tyler Knight leads all Storm defenders with 78 total tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, while also recording 1.0 sacks and an interception. The defensive line consisting of Claude Davis (23 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss), Nicholas Richardson (22 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss) and Khalif Mitchell (12 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss) will put the pressure on Dowdell and to shut down the Empire’s efficient rushing offense.
The Storm are prone to a possible upset by the Empire, but experience, home field, and the motivation not to lose back to back games, will be the drive to get back in the win column.
Player to Watch: Robbie Rouse (RB)
QUOTABLE
Empire HC Adam Shackleford on Spokane's signature win over Arizona.
"We had six wins, but I still didn't feel like we had the respect of the league based off who those wins were against."
Empire DL J.D. Griggs on continuing to improve throughout the season.
"We can't lose on the small things anymore. That's our thing. We're only losing because of us."
Empire OL Darren Pinnock why he chose to return to football.
"One day I'm sitting in an office and I just got frustrated, and I'm making money, but that's not what I loved to do."
Empire WR Bryan Pray on his recent hot streak.
"I needed those first four weeks [of the season]. I was tremendously out of shape, I'm not going to lie."
Shackleford on K Craig Peterson signing with the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats and on & RB Trevor Kennedy and CB Toney Hurd Jr's tryouts with the B.C. Lions.
"I encourage those guys to do that. They're dream chasers and we're dream supporters."
FEATURED SOCIAL MEDIA
IFL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
May 5 - Nebraska Danger (6-4) at Wichita Falls Nighthawks (8-2), 5:05 p.m.
May 5 - Arizona Rattlers (5-4) at Cedar Rapids Titans (1-9), 5:05 p.m.
May 6 - Iowa Barnstormers (7-2) at Green Bay Blizzard (2-8), 5:05 p.m.
May 8 - Salt Lake Screaming Eagles (1-8) at Colorado Crush (2-7), 6 p.m.
EXTRA
Spokane and Sioux Falls face off for the fourth time since 2016. (image credit: Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
When the Spokane Empire and the Sioux Falls Storm face off on Saturday, it will be the fourth overall meeting between both franchises since Spokane joined the Indoor Football League before the 2016 season.
Saturday's game will mark the third time Spokane has made the trip to Sioux Falls, and the team's first time there since losing 34-55 in the 2016 United Bowl. Including the Championship, Spokane has an overall record of 0-3 against the Storm.
In addition to the Storm, there were four other franchises that Spokane never defeated. Here is a look at those teams and how Spokane fared against them.