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Spokane Shock

Empire notes: Cedar Rapids coach Mark Stoute predicts defensive game in United Bowl

The Empire’s Brett Bowers applied pressure on Sioux Falls quarterback Lorenzo Brown when the teams met last month in Spokane. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
The Empire’s Brett Bowers applied pressure on Sioux Falls quarterback Lorenzo Brown when the teams met last month in Spokane. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Jim Meehan jimm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5585

Cedar Rapids coach Mark Stoute has had more success against Sioux Falls than any coach in the Indoor Football League.

And plenty of heartbreak, too, mirroring every other IFL coach.

In four seasons, Stoute’s Titans have knocked off Sioux Falls three times, all in Cedar Rapids. The Titans are the only team to defeat Sioux Falls this season, but the Storm returned the favor three times. Cedar Rapids fell to Sioux Falls 54-28 last Saturday, the fourth straight year the Titans’ season ended against the Storm in the United Conference title game.

“The primary thing is they’ve had continuity in terms of players and coaching staff,” Stoute said. “They’re a very solid team. They don’t beat themselves, they don’t make those big mental mistakes. When they have made mistakes, they’re resilient enough to rebound.”

Spokane has seen that firsthand in 63-50 and 59-35 regular-season losses. The Empire will attempt to end the Storm’s five-year reign as United Bowl champions Saturday at the Premier Center in Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls has won 61 consecutive home games, dating back to the 2010 season.

“We’re the underdog and we’re OK with that,” Empire coach Adam Shackleford said. “These guys never think they’re an underdog anywhere. As a player, you have to have that edge.”

One of the Storm’s advantages is a loud home crowd. Stoute said the noise prevents visiting teams from calling audibles at the line.

Spokane didn’t play Cedar Rapids, but Stoute watched video of both Empire-Storm games and he’s coached Spokane’s Nick Haag, Pasquale Vacchio, Tyree Robinson and Robert Brown.

“I think it’s going to be a defensive game, won in the trenches,” Stoute said. “It’s a matter of Spokane being able to control Sioux Falls’ running game and on offense who is going to step up and fill those roles. Their offense is totally different without (running back Trevor) Kennedy. I know the other kid (Andrew Pierce) is playing well. And (injured receiver) Carl Sims stretched the field and forced you to double cover him, which allowed others to get open.

“Their defense has to avoid the big mistake and be able to turn them over.”

Cedar Rapids, to a large degree, did those things, forcing three turnovers and recovering two onside kicks.

“We just couldn’t capitalize,” Stoute said.

Sick bay

Spokane will be without defensive back Adrian James, who suffered a broken wrist in Sunday’s win over Nebraska.

Lorenzo White Jr. and Cassius Sendish are options to replace James. White had two interceptions and 26.5 tackles in 11 regular-season games. Sendish, an IFL rookie who signed last month, has appeared in one game.

Defensive back Robert Brown was shaken up on a couple of occasions Sunday, but he’ll be ready for the title game.

“I like to joke with the guys that the paramedics are going to have to scrape me off the field,” Brown said. “Really the guys like it. It gives them a little break.”

Pierce’s debut

Andrew Pierce gave the offense a boost in his debut with 169 total yards (55 rushing, 38 receiving, 76 on kick returns) against Nebraska.

“I’m happy for these guys,” said Pierce, who hadn’t played since lining up for Tri Cities against Nebraska in the 2015 Intense Conference title game. “Trevor (Kennedy) did a whole lot, this whole season it was on him, and I’m happy I was able to step in and pick up some of the slack.”

Traveling men

With a short preparation week after defeating Nebraska, Spokane separated into two travel parties and flew to Minneapolis on Thursday. The team will bus four-plus hours to Sioux Falls on Friday.

Spokane isn’t on the hook for all of its travel expenses. Sioux Falls contributes toward Spokane’s travel and payroll, as well as taking care of the Empire’s hotel rooms Friday and Saturday. The IFL also contributes from its travel subsidy.

Spokane practiced Tuesday and Wednesday. After press conferences Friday afternoon, Sioux Falls’ arena will be unavailable because of a concert. Shackleford didn’t seem worried about the limited practice time. His focus was on players being rested and healthy.