Remember the Blitz

When Spokane Shock players arrived at practice Monday at the Spokane Soccer Center, they were greeted by near 90-degree temperatures and a not-so-gentle reminder of what happened the last time they faced Bakersfield.

The numbers “52-20” were taped onto the Plexiglas that borders the practice field.

“I just wanted to remind them of what Bakersfield is capable of doing,” head coach Chris Siegfried said. “I didn’t say anything to them. I just posted it for them to see.”

It was seen.

“It’s annoying,” defensive back Rob Keefe said, “and I think that’s good. It kind of eats at you, tugs at you.”

The sixth-seeded Blitz (10-7) were the only team to beat No. 1 Spokane (14-2) at the Arena this season, and they did it in convincing fashion. The teams meet again in the second round of the arenafootball2 playoffs at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Arena. The winner advances to the National Conference Championship.

“Just another way to motivate everybody,” defensive lineman Neil Purvis said. “I’ve watched the game several times. I sure don’t need another reminder.”

Receiver Antwone Savage had an optimistic outlook.

“We are glad to be playing them again,” Savage said. “Hopefully, it’ll be the same atmosphere at the same place, just a different score. I like that score (52-20). I don’t know if we can put up more points than that (52), but I screamed at practice that 52 wasn’t enough.”

Steelers, Rush, Blitz?

Lower seeds have been tough to beat in the playoffs. Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl as a sixth seed. The Chicago Rush, seeded fifth, captured the Arena Football League’s ArenaBowl.

Bakersfield is trying to continue the trend. The Blitz have already won one playoff game on the road, knocking off No. 3 Central Valley.

“We’ve talked about that and I’ve let them know both of those scenarios,” coach Gary Compton said. “When you get in the postseason anything can happen and anyone can beat anyone.”

Quarterback shuffle

Bakersfield has used five quarterbacks this season. Mike Wall started the first nine games, but left the team for family reasons.

“There was some deal with his fiancee,” Compton said. “For whatever reason he moved on and went home, but he gave us fair warning.”

Ryan Porter saw time in two games. Bobby Pesavento became the starter before suffering a knee injury and ex-Shock QB Alex Neist has played in the last four games. Pesavento replaced Neist in the second quarter last week and led the Blitz to a 45-37 playoff win.

“I coached Bobby last year in South Georgia and also in 2002,” Siegfried said. “He was hurt last year and, quite honestly, we didn’t surround him with good enough talent. Bobby’s a wonderful quarterback and a great kid.”

Added Keefe: “I played with him for eight weeks last year along with coach and (defensive back) Leo (FenceRoy). I think that’s a great advantage on our part.”

Compton said he hasn’t determined who will start Saturday. Siegfried said he’s “99 percent” sure it’ll be Pesavento, who has AFL experience.