Shock have Fever

In a perfect arenafootball2 world, Spokane Shock coach Adam Shackleford would prefer not seeing Tri-Cities every month or so.

“I’d rather play teams outside the division than the same team three times,” he said. “I understand because of travel costs and the league we’re in why we do it, but it’s tough for a coach. Beating anybody three times isn’t easy.”

Spokane (6-0) defeated Tri-Cities in a preseason exhibition and in a penalty- and ejection-filled contest last month in Kennewick. The second-ranked Shock and revamped Fever collide today at 4 p.m. at the Arena for the second of three regular-season meetings. Spokane also will face division rivals Boise and Stockton three times.

The Fever dropped their first four games, including a 55-51 loss to Spokane, but they’ve rebounded behind a restructured roster for two straight wins. In two starts, quarterback Josh Kellett, who ranks sixth on af2 career lists for touchdowns, passing yards and completions, has directed narrow victories over Central Valley and Bossier-Shreveport.

Fever receivers J.R. Thomas, who ranks high on several af2 career lists, Phil Goodman and LaMonte Jones have combined for 104 catches, 25 for touchdowns.

“Kellett has five years of experience and he throws the ball well and on time,” Shackleford said. “They cut two defensive backs (since the April 13meeting) and have two new ones. They’ve made changes that have instantly made them a contender again in this division.”

In the last meeting, there were several altercations, four ejections and at least one controversial call. Leading 30-21 just before half, Tri-Cities had an interception return for a touchdown negated by a penalty that the league later acknowledged was a mistaken call.

“I got a little emotional and let it get the best of me at times,” said Harrison Nikolao, one of two Shock players ejected. “I really learned to keep my cool and just play the game.”

“We got baited into some things we shouldn’t have, but our guys certainly weren’t completely innocent in all that,” Shackleford said. “These guys don’t make a lot of money and they don’t want to lose their money (via a fine from the league) by doing something stupid.”

Still, the teams aren’t too chummy.

“It’s a rivalry game and there is a lot of trash talking,” Fever coach Cedric Walker told the Tri-City Herald.

“We don’t like them and I know they don’t like us,” Nikolao said.

Notes

The Shock practiced in the Arena for the time this season, on Thursday and Friday. … Defensive lineman Jason Jack will see his first action since having knee surgery last month. … Receiver Mutsumi Takahashi, who arrived from Japan last week, won’t be on the active roster.