In nationally televised game on ESPN2, LA KISS (2-5) fell to the Spokane Shock (5-2) by the score of 70-21 at home at Honda Center. Turnovers proved costly for LA KISS, as the team was unable to overcome seven in total, including two balls that hit off the bar on kickoffs and gave the Shock the ball inside the LA KISS five yard line.
After a slow start LA KISS found some momentum with back-to-back touchdowns, the second coming on a spectacular missed-FG return by KISS DB AJ Cruz who dodged multiple tackles to take the ball the length of the field to bring the score to 28-14 in favor of the Shock. Cruz finished the game with seven returns in all for a total of 215 yards. However two quick touchdowns, separated by another KISS interception by the Shock to end the half left KISS down 42-14 going into the locker room.
KISS came out fighting in the second half and a quick touchdown from QB J.J. Raterink to WR Donovan Morgan brought the score to 42-21. That was as close as KISS would come however, as the Shock ended the game with four straight touchdowns to leave the final score at 70-21.
Dexter McCoil led KISS on defense with a team-leading six tackles, while Beau Bell added to his league-leading sack total with a vicious sack on Shock QB Erik Meyer to bring his total to 10 sacks. Meyer suffered a collarbone injury on the play and would not return to the game. He was replaced by Shock WR Rashaad Carter who finished the game 4-7 passing for 73 yards and two touchdowns, to go along with 12 rushes for 47 yards and four touchdowns.
On offense, KISS was led by Cruz and WR Morgan who finished with five catches for 56 yards and one touchdown. QB Raterink finished the game 9-30 passing for 101 yards and two touchdowns, to go along with three interceptions.
LA KISS looks to get back on the winning track next Saturday, May 10 against the Cleveland Gladiators. The game kicks off at 4:00PM (PST) and can be viewed live online through the WatchESPN app.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game – Spokane Shock, Adron Tennell
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game – Spokane Shock, Terrance Sanders
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game – Spokane Shock, Rashaad Carter
Cutters Catch of the Game – Spokane Shock, Brandon Thompkins 45 yd TD pass from Carter
AFL Highlight of the Game – LA KISS, AJ Cruz 50 yd FG return for TD
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