Shock foes go from lean to mean

The Spokane Shock won their first three arenafootball2 games. Imagine if they win their next three.

The second-ranked Shock’s wins have come against opponents with a combined 3-8 record. Their next three, starting with tonight’s showdown with West Division rival Central Valley at Selland Arena in Fresno, might be the toughest stretch of the season.

Central Valley, coming off a 62-27 win over Stockton, is 2-1 and ranked 10th. No. 4 Lubbock (3-0) and No. 11 Boise (2-1) are next up on the Shock’s front-loaded schedule.

“I told my staff at the beginning of the year if we can start 6-2, 7-1 …” head coach Adam Shackleford said. “You never want to lose a game, but we have a heck of a schedule.”

It’s one to which Central Valley can relate. The Coyotes played three straight road games to open the season. Tonight is their home opener.

The Shock and Coyotes share other characteristics. Both have opportunistic offenses (Spokane is No. 2 in scoring, Central Valley No. 4), productive receiving units and defenses that force turnovers.

“They have outstanding receivers, tall and athletic, and their defensive line gets a good pass rush,” Shackleford said.

Coyotes receiver Nichiren Flowers has 18 catches, seven for touchdowns, in two games. Spokane made an unsuccessful off-season run at signing Flowers, who played in two games with the AFL Los Angeles Avengers last season. Jomo Wilson has two touchdown receptions and also returned a kick for a TD. Seven of Tonae Martin’s 13 catches have gone for touchdowns. Martin scored 26 TDs a year ago. Martin and Flowers each stand 6-foot-3.

“Martin is a guy that hurt us last year,” Shackleford said. “They like to throw it up and he makes plays. Flowers catches a lot of balls and he’s really good after the catch.”

Former California Bears quarterback Joe Ayoob has tossed 18 TD passes and just two interceptions for the Coyotes. He’s also run for four scores.

Notes

The Shock are nearly at full strength. Katon Bethay (knee) practiced this week and is expected to play. Receivers Patrick Bugg and Andy Olson had a midweek bout with the flu, but they’re fine. … Offensive lineman Kyle Young and defensive lineman Rod Wright will make the trip and likely make their Shock debuts. … It’s believed Central Valley will be without receiver Jason Barnes, who is expected to serve the second of a two-game suspension. Barnes scored 37 TDs in 2007. … Two of the four unbeaten af2 teams collide when No. 1 Tulsa visits No. 4 Lubbock tonight.