Shock keep guard up
The numbers tell one story: 2-6, the record of the Everett Hawks, versus 5-3, the record of the Spokane Shock.
The standings support the case: The Shock are tied for first in the Western Division, while the Hawks are in sole possession of last place.
Shock coach Adam Shackleford, however, tells a different story about today’s 5 p.m matchup at the Arena.
“The reality is they are the best 2-6 team I’ve ever seen,” Shackleford said. “Why they’re losing close games, I don’t know why, because they are a very scary team with a lot of talent and ability and their potential is very good.”
Good thing then, that after last week’s 66-63 win over the Central Valley Coyotes, Shackleford feels his team is prepared.
“We are coming into the game with a bit of a swagger, I think,” he said. “The guys are getting that winning feeling. We just need to keep improving on special teams, and stay solid on our offense and defense.”
The reason Shackleford doesn’t see the standing as an indicator of any advantage might be because the Hawks have pulled off two important upsets over division foes – Central Valley (4-4) and the Bakersfield Blitz (4-4), who beat the Shock at the Arena last month.
The Hawks’ 66-61 victory over the Blitz came last Sunday at Everett, when rookie quarterback Jason Campbell threw for 335 yards – his second consecutive week of throwing for more than 300 yards – and connected on 21 of 29 passes for nine touchdowns and no interceptions.
Josh Richey caught 12 passes for 191 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Everett receivers.
Richey, who was recently named the league’s offensive player of the week for his performance against Quad City, tied his franchise record for touchdown catches against Bakersfield and became Everett’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns, with his 19th of the season. Against Quad City, Richey set single-game team records in receptions (18) and receiving yards (236).
Defensive lineman Johnny Jackson will be a factor against the Shock offense.
Jackson had a breakout defensive game against the Blitz, posting a team-record four sacks. He also had five tackles for loss, forced a pair of fumbles and recovered one.
As they have been for the majority of the season, the Shock are still dealing with injuries.
Starting quarterback Andrico Hines (hamstring) and receiver Raul Vijil (high ankle sprain) are both game-time decisions. Receiver Antwone Savage (hamstring) will play, Shackleford said.
Hines’ right hamstring was injured in the second quarter of last week’s game with the Coyotes. Backup quarterback Justin Rummel stepped in and threw five TD passes and ran for one.
“It is a concern,” Shackleford said. “Andrico is our starter. He’s a guy that I feel we need to have out there, but if it’s not in his best interest then we will go with Justin. He played a great game last week and if he is our starter (tonight), then I believe he’ll continue to do good things.”
The Shock defense will have Nygel Rogers, who is coming off a one-game suspension, back on the secondary alongside Rob Keefe and Alex Teems.
The Shock announced the addition of defensive lineman Devon Parks to their roster. The 6-foot-2, 252-pounder from Bowling Green was recently released from the Cleveland Browns minicamp. To make room for Parks, defensive lineman Micah Littlejohn was placed on recallable reassignment.