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Spokane Shock

Shock work quickly to adjust to new quarterback

The calendar and circumstances didn’t leave Spokane Shock head coach Andy Olson with many options.

Facing a short week with a banged-up roster and breaking in another new quarterback, Spokane adjusted its routine and practiced Monday and Tuesday in preparation for tonight’s road contest against Portland.

“Guys’ bodies aren’t ready 48 hours after a game, but we don’t really have a choice,” Olson said. “It’s been a couple of good days.”

The Shock (0-2) will need a good night against the Thunder (1-1) to avoid starting 0-3 for the second time in the franchise’s 10-year history. Spokane, which has a bye after tonight’s game, was 3-0 against Portland last year in the Thunder’s debut season.

Danny Southwick will become Spokane’s third starting quarterback in three games. The former Thunder quarterback has been with six teams in five AFL seasons. Starter Carson Coffman, who went down with a knee injury in the season opener, is expected to miss 2-3 more weeks.

“He’s fresh out of (Portland’s) training camp, he’s in good shape, he knows and understands the game and he’s mentally and physically prepared,” Olson said of Southwick.

Spokane is hoping to boost its offensive production with Southwick at the helm and limit the costly mistakes that have been momentum-changers in losses to Arizona and Philadelphia.

“I still feel like we have a really good squad and sometimes we’re just getting in our way,” offensive lineman Patrick Afif said. “I don’t know why I have this feeling, but I think this is the game that’s going to move us in the right direction.”

Portland has struggled to score points but is close to being 2-0. Veteran quarterback Kyle Rowley, who led the Shock to a two arena titles, was intercepted late in last week’s 54-48 loss against Tampa Bay.

Rowley has a 121.3 passer rating with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. Receiver Jamar Howard, briefly with the Shock in 2013, has 23 catches for 335 yards and seven TDs in two games.

“Kyle does a good job managing the offense and they have some very good receivers,” Olson said. “I think we can get some pressure on that offensive line and attack their defensive backs.

“They started three rookies in their last game and we’re going to go after them. If we can be more consistent at wide receiver and quarterback we have a very good shot at winning.”