Shock, rival Thunder square off Sunday with playoffs in mind

The Spokane Shock (3-8) take on division rival Portland Thunder (3-8) Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Moda Center in Portland. Both teams are fighting for the final playoff spot in the Arena Football League’s National Conference. The Thunder beat the Shock 47-43 on April 9 in Portland on a late interception as the Shock were driving for the potential go-ahead score. Coach Andy Olson hinted that fans may see a new quarterback and other starters as the team tries to find a spark. The Shock have lost four of their last five games and Portland hasn’t fared any better, losing four straight. The Shock rank seventh in the AFL in offense at 48.7 points per game, while the Thunder rank 10th at 44.9 points. Spokane allows 58.5 points per game, Portland is slightly better at 55.7.