Spokane Empire vs. Green Bay Blizzard (Feb. 23)

The Spokane Empire play the Green Bay Blizzard in their opener at the Spokane Arena, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017.

Section:Gallery

Thu., Feb. 23, 2017

Empire linebacker Pasquale Vacchio (13) takes the field during player introductions, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire wide receiver Carl Sims (far right) runs the ball during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Quarterback Charles Dowdell (11) scores the first Empire's touchdown during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire wide receiver Carl Sims (4) is swarmed by Green Bay defenders during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
In a swirl of hair, the Empire dance team performs during a timeout in the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire running back Mulku Kalokoh (7) runs the ball during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire wide receiver Bryan Pray (2) makes a touchdown reception then slams into the wall during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire wide receiver Bryan Pray (2) joins end zone fans after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire quarterback Charles Dowdell (11) runs for 25-yards and a first down during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire running back Mulku Kalokoh (7) hands a game ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Fans cheer on the Empire who prevented a Green Bay touchdown during a fourth down play in the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire running back Mulku Kalokoh (7) is tackled by Green Bay's Giovani Francois (9) after a 9-yard run during the first half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Green Bay Giovani Francois (9) recovers an Empire fumble during the second half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire defensive back Robert Brown Jr. (6) intercepts the ball and runs for a touchdown during the second half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
A fourth down pass to Green Bay Keshaudas Spence (33) is incomplete during the second half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Green Bay's Karl Mickelsen (behind) tackles Empire running back Mulku Kalokoh (7) after a first-down run during the second half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Empire quarterback Charles Dowdell (11) scores a late fourth period touchdown to solidify the Empire's 34-31 win over Green Bay during the second half of an IFL football game, Thurs., Feb. 23, 2017, in the Spokane Arena.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review