Another big test for Shock defense

The rules favor the offense in arenafootball2, a minor fact that the Spokane Shock defense has tried to ignore most of the season.

The defense has been the driving force behind the second-ranked Shock’s 7-0 start, but last week the unit had no answers against Tri-Cities. Spokane won 59-56, but gave up a season-high point total and didn’t force a turnover for only the second time this season.

Spokane faces another stern defensive test against Austin (3-4), which has won three of its last four and scored 56 points or more in its last three outings, tonight at 5 at the Frank Erwin Center.

“We’ve definitely got to get our swagger back,” end Justin Warren said. “We have to set the tone on the line and get pressure on the quarterback. We didn’t execute as well as we should have (last Saturday). I expect nothing but good things (today).”

The Wranglers have been a different team since Andy Hall took over at quarterback four games ago. He’s tossed 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions. His 260.5 yards per game is third in af2 and his 68.6 completion percentage is second.

Hall has made a difference on both sides of the ball. Austin had 11 turnovers in losing its first three games. With Hall at the helm, the Wranglers have just six turnovers over the last four games and they’d have a four-game winning streak if not for a last-play touchdown by South Georgia. Austin has limited three of its last four opponents to 33 points or less.

Austin’s John Roberson, a former Texas A&M teammate of Shock defenders Warren, Lee Foliaki and Jason Jack, leads af2 in receiving yards (867) and touchdown catches (19).

“He’s very shifty,” Warren said. “I’ve tried to give our DBs pointers on what he likes to do. He’s definitely a talented player.”

Notes

Spokane has played two straight turnover-free games. … Quarterback Nick Davila, who moved into the starting lineup two games ago, has impressive numbers: 130.4 passer rating (first in af2), 16 touchdowns and no interceptions. … Raul Vijil’s 22 touchdowns rank second in af2 and he’s third in all-purpose yardage (187.3 per game). … WR Kelvin Dickens will rest his sore knee. Patrick Bugg will move into the starting lineup and Mutsumi Takahashi will be the fourth receiver and possibly return kicks. … Spokane has signed defensive back Mitchell Dukes, but he didn’t go on the road trip.