Command Get Ready To Host Spokane On Saturday

This week, the Spokane Shock (8-7) hit the road to take on the Kansas City Command (3-13) this Saturday, July 14th at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO with a 7:00pm CDT kickoff.
The first meeting between the Command and Shock took place just over four weeks ago in week 14 of the AFL regular season and ended with a decisive Spokane victory by a final score of 70-46. Kyle Rowley connected with five different receivers for touchdowns, ending the contest with 8 total. While the game remained tied through the first half, a 28-point third quarter widened the gap as Spokane intercepted Command QB Brian Jones twice and forced three fumbles in route to the home win.
Kansas City enters this week 18 matchup ranked last in the Power Rankings and on a three-game losing streak. Injuries and instability at the quarterback position throughout the year has left the Command with the league's worst passing offense (3,511 yards) and 10th ranked rushing offense (286 yards). Despite their inability to produce offensively as they have only averaged 39.7 points per game, they have managed to post the 3rd best total defensive output this season only giving up only 272.9 yards and 52.6 points per game.
Spokane has completed the most difficult and challenging four weeks of their 2012 schedule after playing all three West Division opponents who have clinched their spots in the 2012 playoffs and the East Division Champion Philadelphia Soul. The Shock are currently ranked 7th in passing offense (4,451 yards) and average 59.4 points per game. The achilles heel of Spokane over the past few weeks has been their inability to protect football and their defense which is ranked last in the AFL as they have given up 332.2 yards and 59.2 points per game.
While each team has been eliminated from playoff contention, there is a strong sense of urgency by each team to finish the season on a high note with only two games remaining in the season. This will mark the first year that the Shock will not make the playoffs in their seven years of existence between the af2 and AFL. With the new CBA on the horizon and a major restructure approaching in regard to player contracts going into 2013, these last two games will play pivotal roles in evaluating roster spots and potential long term contract opportunities for players as the season comes to a close.
This week's game broadcast will be available for listening on ESPN 1510 AM and broadcasted on the Command's Ustream page at Ustream.tv/kansascitycommand.