Empire notes: Spokane limps toward regular-season finale at Billings

Receivers JJ Hayes and Justin Helwege stood near the dasherboards and watched as Spokane Empire players warmed up for practice Tuesday at the Arena. Receivers Carl Sims and Samuel Charles did the same on the opposite side of the field.

Add in running back Trevor Kennedy, who suffered a broken leg three weeks ago, and Spokane’s top five pass-catchers weren’t available for practice. The team was optimistic Hayes, Charles and Helwege could be ready for Saturday’s game at Billings.

The receivers aren’t alone on Spokane’s injury list. Defensive lineman D.J. Yendrey (foot) will sit out Saturday in hopes of playing in the Intense Conference title game on July 17. Several others are dealing with the accumulation of bumps and bruises as the Empire (12-3) complete a grueling stretch of playing 13 consecutive weeks.

“We’re a little beat up,” Hayes said.

A few minutes later, Hayes was icing his left elbow, Charles had ice on his left knee and Helwege was following trainer Kent Wilcox’s instructions for rehabbing his ailing right knee.

Sims’ broken wrist will require season-ending surgery later this week. The veteran, one of the IFL’s all-time leading receivers, was greeted by numerous teammates when they saw his heavily wrapped right wrist and hand. Kennedy was putting together one of the best seasons by an IFL running back.

“It’s a big loss,” coach Adam Shackleford said of Sims. “You lose Kennedy and Sims, we have to retaliate with some firepower and we have time to figure that out.”

Spokane is bringing in two players this week, including a nose guard. Running back Andrew Pierce, who played for Shackleford at Tri-Cities, should be an option in the playoffs.

The Empire will have two bye weeks before entertaining Billings or Nebraska. The players will probably have a one-week break before dialing up preparations for the conference title game.

“We need guys to be healthy for the Nebraska or Billings matchup,” Shackleford said. “I think we have to balance winning (Saturday) and balance winning that conference championship game.”

Red (alert) zone

The red zone was one of the strengths of the Empire’s offense in the first half of the season. The second half of the season has been a different story.

Through seven games, Spokane was converting 86 percent of its trips inside the opponent’s 10-yard line into touchdowns. Through 15 games, that figure has slipped to 72.5 percent.

“Turnovers,” Shackleford said. “That’s been an issue for us.”

Spokane has tossed an IFL-leading seven interceptions in the red zone and stalled on downs five times. Kickers are only 1 of 9 on red-zone field goals.

“Just mental mistakes,” Hayes said. “We’re calling the right plays and schemes, it’s the players executing those plays. It comes down to us.”

Chasing the Storm

The Empire are 0-2 against Sioux Falls, including Saturday’s disappointing 59-35 home loss, but they’d like another shot at the five-time defending champions. A rematch in the United Bowl is possible since both teams will be favored in their respective conference title games.

“It’s not a big (gap) at all,” linebacker Nick Haag said. “I still believe and have no problem saying we have the best team in the IFL. With that said, when you make mistakes you’re not going to win a football game, especially at the professional level.

“That’s a team you can’t make mistakes against. Some other teams you can get away with making some mistakes.”