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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Shock, Burn wrap it up

By Jess Brown

There isn’t much at stake for the Spokane Shock this week.

The playoff-bound Shock host the Boise Burn tonight at the Arena for their final arenafootball2 league contest of the regular season. Spokane locked up the Western Division title and a playoff berth weeks ago. They assured themselves home-field advantage throughout the playoffs last Saturday with a win over Quad City.

What is on the line for Spokane today, Shock coach Adam Shackleford explained, is pride.

For Boise the game is a lot more meaningful. The Burn (8-7) need the win to make the playoffs. Boise is currently tied with four teams –Austin, Amarillo, Bossier-Shreveport and Lubbock – in the National Conference. All four of those teams would have the edge on Boise if it came down to a tie-breaker to determine who makes the playoffs.

Bossier-Shreveport plays at Austin today with the Southwest Division title on the line, so one of those teams will end the year at 8-8.

If Boise wins, no matter what else happens, they’ll be in the playoffs with a 9-7 record.

The game could be a preview of Spokane’s playoff opener next weekend at the Arena. The top-ranked Shock (14-1) are also looking to head into the postseason on a winning note.

“I think it’s essential to win,” said Shackleford. “For momentum and I think the credibility of the Spokane Shock as far as being a team that can finish and a team that can concentrate. There’s nothing on paper to play for, but these players know that every time you step onto the football field there is something to play for.

“It’s pride, it’s a sense of making sure they are doing their jobs and not letting their teammates down.”

Shock leading receiver Raul Vijil, who is second in the league in scoring, will play today. Defensive back Nygel Rogers (wrist, ankle) and receiver Kelvin Dickens (deep thigh bruise) – both Shock veterans – will be game-time decisions.

Extra points

There are still tickets available for today’s game. … This is the fifth meeting in franchise history between Spokane and Boise. The Shock lead the series 4-0. … ArenaBowl XXII, the AFL’s championship game, will be played Sunday in New Orleans. The San Jose Sabercats will take on the Philadelphia Soul. Former Shock DB Rob Keefe, who won an ArenaCup with Spokane in 2006, and former Washington State University wideout Chris Jackson play for the Soul.