SNOHOMISH – The Everett Hawks may be looking to go a little mystical when they visit the Spokane Shock in a critical arenafootball2 West Division game at 5 p.m. today.
“We’ve been through the peaks and valleys,” Everett coach Cedric Walker said. “Maybe a little karma is coming our way now.”
Good karma might bring a second straight victory for Everett (2-6) and aid the Hawks’ bid to move into contention in the division, which is led by Spokane and Tri-Cities, both 5-3.
Spokane, the defending af2 ArenaCup champion and winner of two straight games, is led by veteran receiver Antwone Savage who has 60 receptions for 815 yards and 21 touchdowns.
“With Antwone, you try and contain him and not let them score on first down,” Everett coach Cedric Walker said. “The more snaps they take the more opportunities they have to make a mistake with a bad snap, a strip or an interception.”
In its 66-63 victory over Central Valley last weekend, Spokane used two quarterbacks, Andrico Hines and Justin Rummell.
“They’ve got two great quarterbacks and both are mobile guys,” Walker said.
To counter the high-powered Shock offense Everett will look for another stellar performance from its defensive front, which had seven sacks – including a team-record four by defensive end Johnny Jackson – in the 66-61 home victory over Bakersfield last Sunday.
“I’m looking for guys to come up with the same kind of attitude as last game,” line coach Madison Johnson said. “They’ve got to set a tone and bring pressure.”
On defense Spokane features defensive back Rob Keefe, who leads the Shock in both tackles (44.5) and interceptions (6).
Spokane has generated limited pressure up front and has just five sacks this season, a trend Everett would like to see continue in order for Hawks quarterback Jason Campbell to maintain his hot hand.
“Twenty-three touchdown passes and three picks in the last three weeks,” Walker said of Campbell. “You can’t beat that.”
Walker confirmed the Hawks will have a back-up quarterback signed and available to play if necessary today. The coach declined to say whether it is former Tri-Cities back-up John Pierce or another player.
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