Spokane takes down L.A. again
Spokane thumped L.A. 64-46 on Saturday to clinch a playoff berth. The Shock (8-7) advanced to the AFL playoffs for the fourth time in five years.
Erik Meyer tossed six touchdown passes, rushed for another and pounced on a Rory Nixon fumble in the end zone as the Shock swept the season series with the Kiss.
More below.
Staff report
ANAHEIM -- Spokane picked up another road win over the L.A. Kiss and this time Shock quarterback Erik Meyer was able to enjoy it to the end.
The Shock dominated on both sides of the ball and thumped the Kiss 64-46 Saturday at the Honda Center. Spokane crushed L.A. 70-21, despite losing Meyer to a broken collarbone late in the first half, in early May.
The Shock, who have a bye next week, clinched their fourth playoff berth in five seasons in the Arena Football League. Spokane (8-7) is currently seeded third and will probably open the playoffs on the road against San Jose (10-4).
Spokane broke open a close game with 29 unanswered points in the second and third periods. Meyer connected with Rashaad Carter to extend Spokane’s lead to 21-13.
The Shock defense made four consecutive stops to close the half on a Terrance Sanders’ interception, Diyral Briggs’ fumble recovery and two stops on downs.
Spokane gave one possession back when Carter fumbled inside L.A.’s 5-yard line, but Meyer had a touchdown pass and TD run as the Shock led 35-13 at half.
Bryson Kelly and Derrick Summers combined to sack Kiss quarterback Aaron Garcia for a safety early in the third quarter and fullback Rory Nixon’s 2-yard touchdown run bumped Spokane’s lead to 43-13.
L.A. (3-11) pulled within 43-28 midway in the fourth quarter, but Meyer alertly pounced on Nixon’s fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.
Spokane sacked Garcia four times. Garcia was forced to leave the game twice and Kenny Guiton stepped in for the final 10 minutes. Guiton had two touchdowns passing and one rushing.
Meyer, who was sacked three times, finished 23 of 34 for 214 yards and six touchdowns. Nichiren Flowers had his most productive game since joining the Shock earlier this month with 11 receptions for 93 yards. Carter had three touchdown catches.
Carter, Mike Washington and Nick Truesdell each had four receptions.
Former Shock receiver Brandon Thompkins had eight catches for 55 yards and added a 56-yard kick return for a touchdown with 2 minutes remaining.
