Despite two potent offensive's, Austin and Spokane combined for only 21 first half points. Austin's leading receiver John Roberson, who had 35 touchdown receptions during the regular season, was limited to only one reception for three yards without a touchdown in the first half. For Spokane, WR Raul Vijil, who also had 35 touchdown receptions during the regular season, was limited to four catches without a touchdown in the first half.
A candid halftime talk from Head Coach Adam Shackleford jumpstarted the Shock in the second half as they pulled away from the Wranglers.
"We just talked about what this game meant; if we lost this thing we were going home and it was over," Shackleford said. "That first quarter reminded me a lot of last year's game (a first round loss to Louisville) but this team is different; they responded."
Spokane responded on their first drive of the second half with a 5-yard touchdown reception by Raul Vijil that capped off a 4 play 40-yard scoring drive. Vijil, who was selected as the Schutts Offensive Player of the Game, lead the team in receptions (10) and yardage (151 all-purpose).
"First drive of the third quarter we definitely needed to score," Vijil said. "I think some of the guys just came out a little too pumped up but we settled down and refocused in the second half."
It was Spokane's defense that kept them in the game, limiting Austin's QB Andy Hall to 153 yards total yards despite averaging 274.5 yards/game during the regular season. Hall, who was under pressure all night long, threw two interceptions that landed in the hands of DB Sergio Gilliam. Austin's leading receiver John Roberson was limited to only four total receptions for 43 yards without a touchdown. WR Sean Henley and Mel Long led the Wranglers offensive attack with seven receptions a piece (that led the team) and a combined 100 yards receiving.
Spokane's QB, on the other hand, Nick Davila threw for 272 passing yards, 46.2 yards above his regular season average.
"This is my first playoff win as a Head Coach and that is special," Shackleford said. "But, what's really special is how hard my guys played tonight."
NOTES: Numbers don't lie: OL Kyle Young tied for the team led in touchdown receptions (2) his third in the last two weeks. WR Andy Olson also had two touchdown receptions, for a total of seven receptions, and added 114 yards receiving. Slippery Suckers: LB Lee Foliaki and DB Roshawn Marshall each forced a fumble that were both recovered by Austin. Marshall and Foliaki also tied with 4.5 tackles. Spokane's defense was led by Foliaki's fellow LB Kevin McCullough who had 10 tackles.
JLS Ironman of the Game: AUSTIN - Mel Long
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: SPOKANE - Sergio Gilliam
Schutts Offensive Player of the Game: SPOKANE - Raul Vijil
Cutter's Catch of the Game: SPOKANE - Raul Vijil
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