Out to snag mark

Sergio Gilliam would rather break the 6-year-old league record in front of a home crowd, but he might have to settle for one on the road.

With one more interception Gilliam will move into sole possession of the arenafootball2 league record for most single-season interceptions. The Spokane Shock defensive back leads the league with 15 interceptions and can break the record (previously set by Tennessee Valley’s Kelly Snell in 2002) today when the Shock (12-1) visit Stockton to take on the Lightning (4-10).

“I’m looking forward to doing that,” Gilliam said. “I’d like to break it here at home, but we’re going on the road and helping my team win comes first – and if I get the interception there then so be it. I’ll keep the ball at their place – doesn’t even matter.”

Of the 15 interceptions he’s caught this season, he has yet to keep the ball for himself. He broke Rob Keefe’s previous franchise record of 10 when the Shock beat Stockton on May 31 at the Arena and gave that ball to his mother, who traveled from South Carolina to attend her first arena football game.

She’ll likely be watching today, as she typically does, via the Internet.

“My mother, she don’t miss a beat,” Gilliam said. “She’s always continually watching the games and keeping up. I’m glad they came up with that, to help a family that’s far away like mine is.”

The Western Division-champion Shock can also set a team milestone today.

A win will give them a perfect record on the road this season, which has been accomplished by three other teams in the league – Rio Grande Valley (2007), Tennessee Valley (2001) and Quad City (2000 – the league’s first year).

“That’s a goal we’re looking to achieve,” Gilliam said. “Of course, we always want to get the win, and to be able to do that so much on the road this season has helped us achieve that.”

Extra points

The Shock are coming off a bye week, while Lightning kicker Alex Walls kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired to give Stockton a 50-48 victory over the Central Valley Coyotes last Saturday. The Lightning are on a two-game winning streak for the first time this season. … Shock leading receiver Raul Vijil was not expected to make the trip today. Former AFL standout Etu Molden, who was briefly on Stockton’s roster this season, is expected to play for Vijil. … The top-ranked Shock are the only one-loss team in the league.