| Spokane Electrifying in Win Over Wilkes-Barre Scranton |
|
|
|
| Written by Shawn & Lori Mosqueda | |
| Saturday, 11 July 2009 | |
|
The anticipation for tonight's game had been compared to Christmas morning and the NFL's Super Bowl. The top-seeded Spokane Shock hosted the second-seed Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pioneers for their last home game of the season at the Spokane Arena. Going in to the game, the two teams were very evenly matched, with The Pioneers leading the Shock by a mere point in many categories. The sold-out crowd of 10, 561 fans knew without a doubt that tonight's game was to be a playoff atmosphere game. They were not disappointed. The Pioneers were the first to score with QB Ryan Vera's 13-yard touchdown pass to WR Rich Musinski. The Shock answered back, though not as quickly. QB Nick Davila connected with WR Charles Dillon for a 22-yard touchdown reception. Shock DL Caesar Raymond made his debut with the Shock tonight and quickly won the adoration of the Ninth Man with his sack of QB Ryan Vera in the first quarter. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to prevent Pioneer FB Kirby Griffin's 1-yard touchdown run. Davila did some fancy footwork that left the Pioneers scratching their heads, providing the perfect opportunity for Davila to connect with OL John Booker. The 19-yard touchdown looked effortless and tied the game 14 – 14 at the end of the first quarter. There were fewer scores in the second quarter, but each team fought hard. Shock QB Nick Davila threw his first interception of the game, but the defense got the ball back on the very next play. DB Virgil Gray intercepted a near Pioneer touchdown and the crowd was thrilled. With just two touchdowns a piece, the Pioneers edged ahead 31 – 28 to end the first half. The 3-point difference was due to Pioneer K David Davis nailing a 41-yard field goal in the last few seconds of the half. Davila threw his second interception of the night early in the third quarter. Like before, the Shock defense quickly got the ball back. This time it was DB Sergio Gilliam with the interception. However, the Pioneer defense really poured on the pressure and the Shock offense turned the ball back over on downs. Gilliam and Gray teamed up later in the game for an interception/fumble recovery in the same play. This prevented a Pioneer touchdown and gave the offense great field position. FB Harrison Nikolao ran 3-yards for another Shock touchdown, putting the Shock in the lead for the first time. The Shock defense held the Pioneers scoreless in the third quarter. The Pioneer offense scored quickly early in the fourth quarter. Shock WR Raul “The Thrill” Vijil answered back with his 57-yard kick return for a touchdown. Vijil's three other touchdowns earned him Offensive Player of the Game, Catch of the Game, and Ironman of the Game. The remainder of the game was plagued with back and fourth scoring, evidence that whoever had the ball last would more than likely be the victor. Shock WR Markee White scored last for Spokane, a 16-yard touchdown reception from Davila, that knocked both he and Pioneer DB Chris Royal up and over the side wall. White came up with the ball and the Ninth Man roared their appreciation. However, there were still 23.9 seconds of play; plenty of time for the Pioneers to score. Thankfully, excellent clock management by Coach Shackleford, the thunderous roar of the Ninth Man, and Gilliam's third interception of the night prevented a Pioneer score. The Shock won 56-52. 
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|