Empire notes: Spokane prepares for life after RB Trevor Kennedy

Trevor Kennedy won’t carry the football, make a catch out of the backfield or return another kick this season.

But he still plans on having an impact, and so does his replacement, Josh Ferguson.

Kennedy, the Spokane Empire standout running back, is out for the season with a broken leg. As word began to spread Monday about the severity of Kennedy’s injury, he addressed his teammates at the apartment complex where most of the players reside.

“I just told the guys about my situation,” Kennedy said. “I told them just because I’m out doesn’t mean anything changes. We still have to get the championship.”

That task became tougher without Kennedy, whose 720 rushing yards was approaching the best seasons in Indoor Football League history. He had an outside shot at 1,000 yards, which has only happened once, by Green Bay’s LaRon Council in 2012. Kennedy’s 28 rushing touchdowns were within four of Council’s single-season record.

Spokane will turn to Ferguson, who has had a strong season at defensive back with 46.5 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. The UTEP product has played sparingly at running back during Kennedy’s breakout season but that’s about to change.

“My last time (at running back) was probably in high school,” Ferguson said. “I’ve always been a kick returner and a punt returner so I’m comfortable with the ball in my hands, but it’ll just be a little different look in the backfield.”

Ferguson was working during Kennedy’s speech but he knew it would be emotional because Kennedy is a leader and one of team’s hardest workers.

“I’m just going to do my best to keep things rolling,” he said. “I have some big shoes to fill.”

Defensive back Adrian James, who played running back in high school, will be Ferguson’s back-up. James is also expected to see time in the secondary, along with Robert Brown, Tyree Robinson, Lorenzo White Jr. and Ferguson.

Shackleford said the team could use more four-receiver sets but still needs to have success running the football.

“We have to have the next guy ready,” Shackleford said, “and ‘Ferg’ is ready to do that.”

“It’s tough losing a player of (Kennedy’s) caliber,” quarterback Charles Dowdell said. “Everybody has to elevate their game that much more, me included, so we don’t miss a beat. I don’t see any major (changes). Coach Shack has had his system for a long time and it’s worked.”

Kennedy will have surgery next week to repair his fibula. He’s been told recovery could take 6-10 weeks.

“It’s really tough but I’m not a person to take pity on myself,” he said. “When we step out there as football players, we know at any time it could be our last play, but I don’t think this was my last play. I’m going to be here to support my team as we try to tackle our goals.”

Chasing the Storm