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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Spokane routs Utah 68-34

The Spokane Shock evened their AFL record with an impressive 68-34 road win over Utah on Friday night.

Kyle Rowley passed for six touchdowns and rushed for another score. Huey Whittaker led the Shock in receptions for the second straight week, catching 12 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Markee White had eight catches for 118 yards and two TDs. Raul Vijil, bouncing back from a tough game in the season-opening loss to Milwaukee, had seven receptions for 81 yards and three TDs. Eddie Thompson added a rushing touchdown.

Spokane (1-1) led 35-14 at half. Both Utah touchdowns came on Brandon Hampton kickoff returns. After Hampton's second TD return, Spokane intentionally kicked the ball out of bounds, giving Utah possession at its 20-yard line but keeping the ball out of Hampton's hands.

Utah (0-1) benched starting quarterback Mike Affleck after a dismal first half. Brett Elliott connected with Aaron Boone with about three minutes left in the third quarter to give the Blaze their first offensive touchdown, but Spokane still led comfortably, 49-20.

Shock backup quarterback Erik Meyer handled a couple of series in the fourth quarter. He finished 8 of 11 for 77 yards and one touchdown.

Spokane returns home to face Bossier-Shreveport next Saturday. The Battlewings (1-0) face Orlando tonight.



Jim Meehan
Jim Meehan joined The Spokesman-Review in 1990. Jim is currently a reporter for the Sports Desk and covers Gonzaga University basketball, Spokane Empire football, college volleyball and golf.

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