spokaneshock.com: News (original) (raw)

LB Kevin McCullough leaped into the endzone for a touchdown in the first quarter.

May 29th, 2010 – Spokane, WA: The Spokane Shock defeated the top-ranked Jacksonville Sharks 67-57 in front of 10, 460 on Spokane Tribe Field Saturday night.

After Jacksonville jumped out to an early 14-7 lead, Spokane’s defense quickly recovered and came up with a touchdown of their own. With the Sharks’ deep in their own territory, QB Aaron Garcia was intercepted by LB Kevin McCullough. McCullough leaped up and hauled in the pass for a one-handed catch and then dove across the goal line for the final score of the first quarter.

As the number one scoring offense in the AFL, Spokane continued to ride the hot hands of WR Raul Vijil who registered a season-high seven touchdown receptions for 130 yards and led the team with 11 receptions.

In addition to scoring Spokane’s first touchdown of the game, Vijil also helped give the Shock their first lead of the game early in the second half. Vijil capped off a five play 39-yard drive with a 16 yard touchdown reception that gave the Shock a 40-35 lead.

Jacksonville fired back with a touchdown of its own when Garcia connected with WR Juron Harvey. Harvey, who led the Sharks in touchdown receptions (three), hauled in a 27-yard pass that put Jacksonville back on top, 42-40.

Jacksonville and Spokane continued to exchange touchdowns until Spokane’s defense came up with a crucial turnover midway through the fourth quarter.

With Spokane up 53-50, Jacksonville’s offense took to the field and started its first drive of the fourth quarter. On the third play of the drive, Shock DB Alex Teems put a hit on Jacksonville FB Kirby Griffin, causing a fumble that DL Ben McCombs recovered on the 23- yard line. The Shock’s offense capitalized on the turnover when Vijil scored a 16-yard touchdown – his sixth of the game – that put the Shock up for good.

Spokane QB Kyle Rowley finished the game completing 74% of his passes (20/27) for 210 yards and eight touchdowns. Jacksonville QB Aaron Garcia completed 59% of his passes (27/46) for 275 yards with six touchdowns.

NOTES – TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE: Midway through the second quarter, KR Quorey Payne returned a kick 54 yards for a touchdown, his second return touchdown of the season. Both touchdown returns were recorded at home on Spokane Tribe Field. PAPER OR PLASTIC: Spokane’s defense registered 2 sacks tonight and brought their season total up to 14 (second in the league).

Attendance: 10,460

JLS Ironman of the Game: SPO – WR/KR Quorey Payne

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: SPO – WR Raul Vijil

Spalding Highlight of the Game: SPO – KR Quorey Payne 56 yard kick return for the touchdown

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: SPO – LB Kevin McCullough

Nifty Playmaker of the Game: SPO – WR Raul Vijil

Cutter’s Catch of the Game: SPO – Kevin McCullough’s interception that was returned for a touchdown