Shock open home season
Adam Shackleford doesn’t assume that there is a large chip on the shoulders of the Stockton Lightning.
“Most coaches teach in the now,” the second-year Spokane Shock coach said.
Shackleford does think that his Shock face a much-improved Lightning squad when they open their 2008 home schedule tonight at the Arena. Stockton is 0-4 all time against the Shock and has never started an arenafootball2 season with a 2-0 record.
“The reality is this is a good football team,” said Shackleford. “They’ve done a good job in the off-season in bringing some talent in – they have an experienced quarterback, a good group of receivers and a good pass rush.”
Lightning quarterback Chad Elliot, who spent last season with Bakersfield, threw for six touchdowns and completed 19 of 30 passes and one interception in Stockton’s 46-32 season-opening victory over the Tri-Cities Fever last week in Kennewick. Receivers Thyron Lewis and Hannibal Thomas combined for 14 receptions and five touchdowns.
The Shock (1-0) also opened their third af2 season last week with a victory, spoiling Green Bay’s home opener with a 64-48 win over the Blizzard, who had won 11 straight home games.
Veteran receiver Raul Vijil led Spokane’s offense with three TDs and eight receptions.
Rookie quarterback Jason Murrietta completed 21 of 37 for 170 yards, with four touchdowns and three interceptions.
It was the Shock’s defense that shined and could prove to be the difference tonight.
The Shock forced six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumble recoveries), led by rookie defensive back Sergio Gilliam’s three picks. Linebacker Kevin McCullough also picked off a pass, which he returned for a touchdown.
“We have to worry more about what we’re doing,” Shackleford said. “When they do make mistakes, we have to capitalize on them. We feel like if our defense gets us the ball back, we’ve got to generate offense and score every time.”
Extra points
Lineman Harrison Nikolao (Eastern Washington University) is back with the Shock after getting married in Odessa last weekend. He is available, but Shackleford didn’t know if Nikolao would play tonight. … Non-perishable food items are being accepted tonight and will be donated to local food banks.